A caesarean section or, c-section, is an option of birthing your baby through the tummy rather than through the vagina. This is something that can be planned in advance, offered if there are complications during pregnancy or as an emergency if there are complications during the birthing process.
The surgery performed is through the abdomen and usually low in the bikini line; 3 or so inches above the pubic bone. The most common incision into the skin is horizontal and then vertical as they move deeper toward the womb. You may have had an epidural or spinal block for the operation and in some cases a general anesthetic is needed.
The NHS UK website describes a Caesarean section as a “major operation that carries a number of risks” but unfortunately it often isn’t treated as such in the postpartum period. The most common advice you will receive is not to lift and/or carry anything heavy for at least 12 weeks while the incision heals and the stitches dissolve, and no bathing in this time until the scabs have fallen off. Anything that will increase the pressure in your abdomen may put strain on the healing wound (I.e. coughing, sneezing and heavy lifting) so having a rolled up towel or pillow to hug against the incision may help to lessen the strain and keep movement as gentle as possible in those initial 6 weeks.
You may or may not have your GP check your wound at your postnatal check but things to report are:
Redness
Swelling
Oozing
Heat at the incision
If you have a temperature.
All scars need attention and all births deserve rehab because no matter the type of birth your body has been through major changes and in this case major surgery.
Physiotherapy can help with scar work once everything has healed alongside your postnatal rehab and making sure your nervous system and brain are happy after the operation is key to helping your body in its recovery. We can’t change the tissue itself but we can change the way your brain perceives the area while giving it the foundations it needs to heal.
If you have had a c-section recently and you feel a little lost with recovery and getting back to movement then please don’t hesitate to book in. If you have had a c-section in the past and maybe you’re having symptoms that you can’t explain then it’s never too late and we have everything you need to give your healing body what it needs to help you feel better
DON’T JUST LIVE WITH IT!
Book in for a Pelvic Health Consultation or a Mummy MOT with Sarah