C-Section Scar Care For Quick Healing And Recovery

C-Section Scar Care After The Delivery

After every cesarean section, a woman is monitored intricately for the first 24 hours in order to ensure that she doesn’t develop any alarming symptoms. Painkillers, antibiotics, and multivitamins are administered to better her condition. Ambulation is encouraged after 24 hours as it expedites the process of healing. However, you should get out of your bed and walk only if you feel that the numbing medications have worn off.

Usually, the hospital stay lasts for 4 to 7 days, and post-operative instructions are advised. Information is also imparted regarding complications and what alarming signs should be watched for. Before you leave the hospital, a paper tape-like product known as Steri-Strips will be made to cover your site of incision. They come off on their own after a week or so, and you will be told strictly not to mess with them.

In the early days, about two weeks after delivery, you will be advised not to lift anything heavy other than your baby so as not to disrupt the healing process. You can take a bath with the tape on, though soaking is not recommended. Use only warm water to clean the area and avoid soap and never scrub the region. In case you notice reddening, bleeding, or puss at the incision, or run a fever, seek your doctor’s appointment immediately.

Is A C-section Scar Painful?

Initially, mild to moderate pain is present around the scar line, but this fades off with the passage of time. The pain is dull in nature, usually stretching or pricking sensations are experienced. Postural changes, standing up straight, lifting the baby, or anything else could be potential pain triggers.

Pain-relieving medicines and gentle walking can be helpful. The scar is a sensitive one, and it may be painful to lift the baby or walk straight because of a decrease in the support of the back from the abdominal muscles. You can ask your doctor to prescribe you pain relief medications that are safe even when you are breastfeeding. Slowly the scar will heal and you will not feel any pain.

C-section Scar Itching And Burning

As the scar begins to heal you will notice itching and slight burning around the affected area. This is normal and there is no need to panic. Your doctor can give you some medications to decrease the itching. Aloe vera gel can also help. Try to keep your scar moisturized and do not rub it against tight clothes.

C-section Scar Tissue Lump

The scar usually heals within 6 weeks and you can resume your pre-surgery activities. Initially, the scar integrity remains intact, but you will see a reddish-purplish coloration that will last for 6-7 months. Sometimes the keloid-raised area might be present. The true cause of its origin is unknown; however, some kind of hyper-reaction of the healing process is responsible for keloid formation or outgrowing of scars beyond the natural boundaries.

Adhesions Symptoms Of C-section Scar

Abdominal surgeries are often related to adhesions and are quite frequent with C-sections. Adhesions are formed by bands of underlying scar tissue and help to bind the abdominal tissues and organs. Scar tissue does not pose any threat unless it adheres to internal organs and results in severe complications such as bowel blockage.

With c-sections, it’s very common to have an adhesion on your colon, ovary, or between your bladder and uterus. The common symptoms of adhesions are discomfort and pain and these are not a regular feature. However, in the event of lower back and pelvic pain that appears to bother you more than it should, it would be wise to take the opinion of your caregiver. Massaging a C-section scar has been known to be beneficial as it helps the scar tissue to lie down.

C-section Scar Cream

Nowadays advancing scientific developments have made a variety of scar-diminishing or fading creams accessible. These creams should be applied as soon as your scar has externally healed. The main ingredient of these creams is silver sulfadiazine. ‘Fade out’, ‘no scars’, ‘no marks’ etc are a few to name in the long list of such scar creams.

You can try creams with vitamin E or over-the-counter creams having cocoa butter in an effort to reduce the appearance of your scar, however, please keep your expectations real. No scientific studies back the effect of these creams on the appearance of the scar. Also, if you are breastfeeding, do exercise caution.

10 Tips For Speedy C-section Scar Healing

It is very important to take good care of your baby as well as yourself after getting discharged from the hospital. Following are 10 tips for C-section scar care.

1. Avoid too much rest

Do not rest for too long as excessive resting will make you tired. Walk for 5 to 10 minutes as it increases blood circulation and speeds up the recovery process. Increase your walk span day by day. It will keep constipation, pneumonia, and blood clots at arm’s length.

2. Say ‘no’ to strenuous work

Strictly avoid strenuous work like jogging, weight lifting, bicycle riding, and aerobic exercises. Do it only after your doctor recommends to do. Stay away from sit-ups or any exercises where your belly suffers pressure.

3. Support your abdomen

Hold your abdomen when you have to cough or sneeze. Stand and walk carefully and use a good posture. Coughing puts pressure on the incision and can even cause its rupture. While coughing, hold a pillow against the incision line as this will support the belly and will also lessen the associated pain.

Find out how to reduce Tummy after C section here

4. Shower

You can shower, but make sure you keep the dab dry on the incision line after you are done with the shower. Do not rub soapy water against the incision line instead allow the water to drip down. Hygiene also assumes a very important part in a speedy c–section scar healing.

5. Bleeding

Some amount of vaginal bleeding will be present, even if you have a c-section. This is absolutely normal. Never use tampons or douche. However, sanitary pads can be much safer, and make sure you change them every few hours for hygiene reasons.

6. Getting back to work

If you are a working woman, wait till 6 weeks post-surgery and seek a doctor’s advice before resuming work again. This is very important if the work requires standing up for long hours.

7. Sexual relations

Normally sex should be avoided for at least 6 to 8 weeks till the scar is fully healed. Your apprehensions about sex life after delivery have been answered here.

8. Eat well

Take a balanced and healthy diet that is rich in micronutrients and minerals. Take fresh fruits and green vegetables. Include milk in your daily diet plan. If you experience any digestive ailments, take low fatty and bland diet such as plain rice, toast, broiled chicken, fresh yogurt, etc.

9. Drink plenty of water

Take plenty of fluids as it relieves the passage of stools and checks constipation. Water will also help you produce ample breast milk and expedite the healing process. Initially, there will be little problem in your regular bowel movements. That’s perfectly fine and normal after abdominal surgery. If you notice constipation for a couple of days, ask your doctor for a mild laxative.

10. Ask for pain relief medications

The doctor may prescribe a heating pad, pain-relieving drugs like ibuprofen, acetaminophen (Tylenol), or other medications to relieve the pain. Not to worry, the doctor will prescribe the medicines that are safe for breastfeeding mothers. However, refrain from popping in OTC medications unless prescribed by the doctor.

Read about C-section bleeding and breastfeeding here.

Have a speedy recovery and wonderful motherhood.

FAQ’s

1. How Long Does It Take For A C-Section Incision To Heal?

On average, it takes about 4 to 6 weeks for a C-section incision to heal completely. During this time, the incision site may gradually close, the scar will form, and the surrounding tissues will heal. However, individual healing times can vary, so it’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.

2. Can I Put Coconut Oil On My C-section Scar?

It is generally safe to apply coconut oil to a healed C-section scar as it can provide moisture and promote skin health. However, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.