If you had a C-section, you not only had to deal with the typical postpartum issues, such as fatigue and swollen breasts, but you’re also recovering from abdominal surgery.
Keep in mind, the first few weeks after a C-section delivery are usually the most difficult. It’s during that time when you’re most likely to have pain from the incision and a little difficulty when moving around.
If at any point during your C-section recovery you develop swelling, redness or oozing at the incision site, call your doctor. It could be a sign of infection. Additional signs of an infection include foul-smelling vaginal discharge, fever and worsening pain at the incision.
By this point, you are probably through the worse of your recovery. Some women recover from a C-section with ease, for others, it’s a little more difficult. But how do you know if your C-section is healing well?
Although everyone heals at a different rate, typically pain and tenderness from a C-section gradually decreases over several weeks. But in many cases, it takes up to eight weeks for pain and soreness at the incision site to go away.
If tenderness at the incision is mostly gone or getting better, you’re probably healing well. Keep in mind, some women continue to feel occasional twinges or discomfort at the incision for months after a C-section. As always, if you’re concerned something is not healing well, talk to your doctor.
C-section Scaring
Try not to worry too much about how your scar will look. Most C-sections in developing countries are performed using a horizontal incision just below the pubic hairline. You’re likely to be left with only a thin scar.
Your C-section scar will change over time. In the first few months after your C-section, your scar may be red or pink and raised a bit. After several months, it should fade and become thin, pale and flat, which means it’s healing well.
Some women are prone to developing thicker scars. But because of the location of the scar, unless you do a lot of nude sunbathing, it’s usually not noticeable.
To help your C-section heal well, avoid heavy lifting for the first eight weeks to prevent irritating the scar. Also, be sure to eat well, so your body has the proper nutrients to heal. Although there are topical creams on the market to decrease scarring, they have varying success rates. If you are breastfeeding, make sure you talk to your doctor before using a scar reducing cream.
Written by Mary Ann DePietro @writerlady34
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.