Cervical Dilation After C-Section: Understanding Postpartum Changes

Question
Hi, I had an emergency c-section December 12th ( my baby died 3 days later)....They have a practice of making postpartum appointments at 8 weeks as opposed to the usual 6, so I have no doctor to ask this right now. Last Friday I went to the doctor for very heavy bleeding and they said it was probably my first period. They also said my cervix was a little dilated. 1) why would my cervix be dilated if I had a c-section? and 2) How long does it take to "un-dilate"? My poor husband hasn't had sex in close to two months and I am not waiting another 3 weeks for the doc to tell me it's ok. I physically feel fine with doing it, but what's holding me back is that I don't know if my cervix has closed since last week. Any insight would be great. TIA

Answer
If you were indeed having your period, it can be normal for the cervix to open up a little to allow the passage of menstrual flow.  It will close back up when the bleeding stops, and then soften and open for ovulation.

If you had any labor at all prior to your c-section, or if you were more than 20 weeks pregnant, your cervix could have dilated before the birth.  Some women's cervixes never do quite go back to a pre-birth size and firmness.

Once your bleeding stops completely, you can begin doing your own self-exams to monitor your cervix and determine what normal is for you now.