Hypertrophic c-section scar. A hypertrophic scar becomes thick and hard but doesn't stray beyond the edges of your original incision line.
All scars heal differently, and your C-section scar could develop into what's called a keloid, which occurs when a lump of overgrown scar tissue appears above the skin, creating a hard ridge. Keloid scars can continue to grow and may spread.
The first day after a C-section is often the hardest, and moving around may hurt. Take any prescribed pain medication on schedule, and time your trips to the bathroom or around the room to coincide with when the pain medicine kicks in, suggests Dr. Woeber.
Risks to you
infection of the womb lining (common) – symptoms include a fever, tummy pain, abnormal vaginal discharge and heavy vaginal bleeding. excessive bleeding (uncommon) – this may require a blood transfusion in severe cases, or possibly further surgery to stop the bleeding.
In the first 24 hours, it is common to feel pain at the site of the incision. Many women also feel post-birth cramps as the uterus shrinks. These sensations feel similar to menstrual cramps, but may be more intense. A nurse or doctor will carefully monitor the cesarean incision for signs of infection.
Increased bleeding after your lochia starts to decrease can be a sign you're overdoing it and need more rest. Seeing ongoing clots could mean your uterus is having trouble getting back to its pre-pregnancy size. In either case, it's always best to call.
At four weeks your abdomen should be healed and your bleeding will taper off. At six to eight weeks, you can probably resume most of your regular activities (including sex and exercise) with your caregiver's okay.
The most common symptom of a hernia after a C-section is pain, and sometimes you'll notice a small bulge in your abdomen. However, other women have no symptoms, and the hernia is found during a medical exam or procedure. For more information about symptoms of a hernia after a C-section, talk with your doctor.
A seroma is a sterile collection of fluid under the skin, usually at the site of a surgical incision. Fluid builds up under the skin where tissue was removed. It may form soon after your surgery. Or it may form up to about 1 to 2 weeks after surgery.
Why does my scar feel lumpy? You may feel bumps and lumps under the skin. This is normal and is due to the dissolvable sutures under the surface. They will go away with time.
If scar tissue forms around a stitch from surgery it's called a suture granuloma and also feels like a lump.
A seroma, one of the most common potential complications after surgery, refers to the accumulation of uninfected and clear (i.e., serous) fluid under the skin. Seromas are usually found near the site of a surgical incision and can form soon after surgery or, sometimes, weeks later.
While diet and exercise can help with overall weight loss after pregnancy, they may not be effective in eliminating the c-shelf. In cases where the c-section pooch persists, a tummy tuck surgery performed as part of a mommy makeover can provide significant improvement.
Back sleeping is often recommended post-surgery, and it could be the most comfortable position as it doesn't put any pressure on your c-section wound. Try placing a pillow under your knees to keep your spine aligned.
Avoid pulling yourself up into sitting from laying flat on your back. Instead first roll onto your side with your knees bent up and together. Then allow your feet and lower legs to slid off the side on the bed while you use your hands/arms to push yourself into sitting on the edge on the bed.
Side sleeping is a great choice when you're recovering from a C-section. Research shows that sleeping on your left side can help increase blood flow to vital organs, aiding healing. It's also the most common sleeping position – you're bound to find this one relaxing.
With a little one to care for and so much to do, you might be anxious to resume your normal daily activities. But it's important to listen to your body and not overdo physical activity. Avoid bending, stretching, or lifting — and don't carry anything heavier than your baby for the first four to six weeks.
Any pain should decrease after 2 or 3 days, but your cut will remain tender for up to 3 weeks or more. Most women need pain medicine for the first few days to 2 weeks. Ask your provider what is safe to take while breastfeeding.
Women should walk for about 20 minutes at a moderate pace to increase circulation and speed up healing.
Laughing, Sneezing, and Coughing Can Hurt—A Lot
While it's rare for your stitches to come apart, it is important to give yourself literal, physical support after a C-section.
C-section vs vaginal delivery: which is more painful? Without the use of some type of anesthesia or pain relief, we'll agree c-section births are a lot more painful than vaginal delivery. It's believed the very first c-sections were done on women who died during childbirth.
Say no to straining.
It's uncomfortable for one, and if a stitch were to possibly pop, intense straining is how it might happen. Straining can cause or worsen hemorrhoids too. Having to push hard or force are signs that your body isn't ready yet, so don't force it. Take a break and try again later.