When a surgeon performs a c-section, endometrial tissue is cut and can move outside the uterus. Endometrial tissue can implant in the area of the surgical scar. The endometrial tissue then builds up along the scar, leading to painful adhesions that can affect a person's fertility or make periods more painful.
Some women do experience symptoms related to their C-section scar long after the operation. Some women feel pain, restriction, or a pulling sensation on or around their scar months or even years after surgery. This is normally due to the build-up of scar tissue which can stick to muscles or even organs and cause pain.
In the first few days after a c-section, your scar will be sore to the touch, and it may hurt to move around. It will look red and slightly swollen, and you'll be able to see the stitch or glue they used to close the wound. Your doctor will give your instructions for taking care of your scar at home. Pain relief.
As with other types of endometriosis, the most common symptom of C-section scar endometriosis is pelvic pain, which is often cyclical in nature. However, non-cyclical pain may also occur. Another common symptom is the development of a mass or lump in or adjacent to the C-section scar.
Incisional endometriosis can cause cyclic pain, swelling, and brown-like leakage at the site of the scar during menstruation.
The symptoms
If you notice the following symptoms after a C-section, you might have endometriosis. Note that everyone experiences this condition differently, so there's no exact blueprint for how it will affect you. The most common symptoms are: pain and tenderness on your scar months or years after a C-section.
The first period after C-section might last longer than usual because of the hormonal changes that the body has gone through. The bleeding can last for 10 days depending on the individual. If it doesn't stop even after 12 days, you must convey your condition to your gynaecologist.
The fallopian tubes and ovaries are attached to the uterus, so they're also visible and accessible during a c-section. If you're done having children and interested in having your tubes tied, it's easy for the OB to do this during a scheduled c-section. Most women are awake and aware during their c-sections.
Some research has shown that C-section scarring can increase period pain as well as flow. In general, postpartum period symptoms will be similar to pre-pregnancy symptoms, so if you used to have cramps, they likely will resume. However, some patients say their period pain improves after pregnancy.
Your first period after c section or vaginal delivery may be different than what you are used to. It can be spotty and light or very heavy. You may not go back to your regular cycles for months. You could have longer cycles or shorter cycles until your hormones become balanced again.
“So, every patient is different and every case is unique. However, from the current medical evidence, most medical authorities do state that if multiple C-sections are planned, the expert recommendation is to adhere to the maximum number of three.”
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.
Intrauterine cleaning at cesarean section – wiping the inner lining of the uterus with a dry laparotomy sponge after placental delivery – is intended to remove blood clots, bits of decidua or membranes within the uterine cavity.
If you're having a second C-section, normally your surgeon will attempt to cut through the same scar.
At the beginning of a caesarean section, six separate layers of the abdominal wall and uterus are opened individually. Once the baby is delivered the uterus is closed with a double layer of stitching.
If you need to change your tampon or pad after less than 2 hours or you pass clots the size of a quarter or larger, that is heavy bleeding. If you have this type of bleeding, you should see a doctor. Untreated heavy or prolonged bleeding can stop you from living your life to the fullest. It also can cause anemia.
If you've had a cesarean delivery (c-section), you will still bleed for several weeks, but it might be less than if you had delivered vaginally. You should still expect dark red blood that gradually changes from brown to yellow to white over several weeks.
How long do first periods after delivery last? Most women return to their normal cycle soon after giving birth. If your period was 'normal' prior to pregnancy, it will occur every 21 to 35 days post pregnancy, while the bleeding may last anywhere between 2 to 7 days.
Pain intensity, wish for more analgesics and most interference outcomes were significantly worse after CS compared with hysterectomies.
Ultrasound studies of the uterus can demonstrate the intact CS scar, which appears as an echogenic line through the lower anterior myometrium (Figs. 4, 5, 6). Thinning of the caesarean scar. Thinning of the caesarean scar and fluid in the endometrial cavity.
Surgical scar endometriosis following cesarean section is more frequent recently mainly due to an increase in the number of cesarean sections. The Pfannenstiel incision of a cesarean section scar is the most common site of abdominal wall endometriosis with an incidence of approximately 0.03% to 0.4%.
During a C-section, your organs are usually just moved aside so that the doctor can see your uterus better. But the organs stay within the abdominal cavity and aren't taken out. In rare cases, the intestines may be temporarily lifted out for better visualization and space to operate, but not permanently.
There has been some research into how c-sections affect the long-term health of children. There is limited evidence that children born by c-section may have a higher risk of childhood asthma up to the age of 5 and obesity up to the age of 12. The reason for this increased risk is not clear.
After a caesarean, you are not advised to sleep on your front. Your incision is across your abdomen, so putting pressure on it will be painful and risk interfering with healing. Usually, doctors recommend avoiding sleeping on your stomach for six weeks post-C-section or until you no longer have any pain.
Overgrown scar tissue from a c-section can cause numbness, pain, and tightness in the lower abdomen. It can also be difficult to activate your abdominal muscles, leading to subsequent feelings of weakness or back pain.