Why does my c section scar still hurt: Why Does My C-Section Scar Hurt Years Later?

Why Does My C-Section Scar Hurt Years Later?

May 6, 2022
C-section Myofascial Pain Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Pelvic Floor Wellness Pelvic Pain Treatment Postpartum

Author| Dr. Maureen O’Keefe, DPT pelvic health, pregnancy and postpartum specialist

Here at Purple Mountain PT in Grand Rapids, MI, we routinely help people who have c-section scars that hurt. Our clinical specialization in pregnancy, postpartum recovery and pelvic floor physical therapy gives us unique insights into those pesky c-sections scars that hurt. We work with individuals in person in our clinic and online via telehealth. Our patients comes to us throughout the lifespan and some of our patients, whose kids are no longer babies, still have C-section scars that hurt. After your healing is complete following your cesarean delivery, your scar should not hurt you, but the truth is that anywhere between 7-18% of women develop chronic scar pain from their c-section. The good news is that you are not stuck with this painful scar tissue. We are licensed physical therapists who specialize in postpartum recovery, scar tissue mobilization and developing treatment plans that optimize your healing process, calm down your pain and enhance your scar mobility. Our specialty in pelvic health, pregnancy and postpartum care, c-section recovery, visceral mobilization, bladder, bowel and pelvic organ prolapse gives us unique insights into c-section scars that hurt. If you would like to learn more about our treatment methods to alleviate scar pain, contact us here.

What can you do for a cesarean scar that hurts years later?

Cesarean scars that hurt for years can still benefit from physical therapy that provides specialized scar tissue treatments and abdominal wall and pelvic floor recovery care. We commonly work with women who have developed scar adhesions and can recollect pain in their scar for years. Our clinical experience, patient feedback, and published research have all found that using advanced fascial and visceral release techniques to old, painful cesarean scars (and any other scar) can help resolve pain, improve function and optimize bladder, bowel and pelvic organ function. We provide physical therapy for women following cesarean and vaginal delivery to optimize postpartum recovery, even if you gave birth years ago. Our treatment plans include scar tissue and fascial recovery, to facilitate improved movement of your scar, viscera and muscles. While we all expect that a cesarean delivery is a painful medical procedure, none of us are expecting to have chronic c-section scar pain; if you fall into the 7-18% of women who do experience chronic c-section scar pain, please reach out to us. To inquire about cost and availability of our services, contact us here or call 616-516-4334 to learn more.

If you experience challenges with your c-section recovery, our licensed physical therapists are here for you! We provide you a treatment plan that includes pelvic floor PT and helps resolve your chronic scar tissue pain.

We have found that our patients tell us that the care they’ve received with us has improved their healing process, even when their cesarean delivery was decades ago. Improving the trigger points and fascial restrictions in and around the scar and also in areas far away from the scar can alleviate your pain and improve your function. Our licensed physical therapists have post-graduate training specific to chronic abdominal and pelvic pain, chronic c-section and other surgical scar treatment and pelvic floor dysfunction. We offer treatments, such as visceral mobilization, scar mobilization, trigger point release, pelvic floor dysfunction recovery, diastasis recti abdominis rehabilitation and more to help overcome the pain that a c-section scar can cause. To learn more about these treatments, contact us here or call 616-516-4334.

How many women experience C-section scar pain?

One paper examined the prevalence of c-section scar pain found the following:

18.3% of women at 3 months post-birth

11.3% at 6 months postpartum

6.8% at 12 months postpartum.

That’s a lot of people! Nearly 7 women out of 100 who have a cesarean delivery will have pain a year later! Flip these numbers and you’ll notice that nearly 82% of women have NO PAIN by 3 months after giving birth.

We recommend starting physical therapy before 3 months postpartum, especially if you are having pain. But, it is never too late to start! Some of our moms have adult children and are grateful to finally get the care they have needed for decades.

Our treatment plan for every patient, regardless of the age of their scars and adhesions, includes scar tissue work. We work with scars that are decades old and are able to meaningful improve these so there is less pain, adhesions and symptoms, like bladder urgency, related to scar issues. If you are reading this and wondering “should my c-section scar still hurt?”, chances are that, no, you should not be having ongoing pain and that physical therapy can help you. To learn more about cost and availability of our licensed physical therapists to help you during your old c-section scar that still hurts, contact us here or call 616-516-4334.

Our licensed physical therapists perform fascial release techniques that have been shown to help alleviate cesarean scar pain

One study provided fascial release techniques and scar tissue manual therapy to women who had chronic cesarean scar pain for 6-9 years following their cesarean delivery. In this study, the women reported high pain levels in the premenstrual period, with bowel movements and with any pressure on their scar. One woman also reported pain when she was trying to move around in her bed. Our physical therapists have advanced training in manual therapy methods, including fascial release techniques, to treat scars. The women in this study experienced resolution of their pain! This is huge. Their pain rating scale was 0 out of 10 after they completed treatment. Using these fascial release techniques, the scars were measured and their mobility and tolerance to pressure both improved. If you are interested in learning more about our treatment plan that comprehensively helps address old c-section scars that hurt, call our office at 616-516-4334 or contact us here.

In one study about c-section scar pain, women reported it hurt when:

*At Rest: Most women reported mild pain when at rest.

*They move: Moderate to severe pain with movement was present at 3 months and tended to decrease for some, but not all women, by 12 months.

*With Activities of Daily Living: Because your c-section scar hurts, this study found your activities of daily living were compromised.

Characteristics of chronic C-section scar pain

The women we work with who have chronic cesarean scar pain describe to us a lengthy list of what it feels like to have c-section scar pain. While this is by no means a complete list, any pain you experience in or around your cesarean scar is a valid experience. Some things our patients report vary and include:

• My c-section scar feels tight
• My c-section scar feels pinched
• I don’t like to touch my abdominal muscles or cesarean scar
• My c-section scar hurts, it can throb, when something comes in contact with it, like my pants
• I can’t have a baby or child in my lap, because I may experience sharp pain in my lower abdomen and scar.
• My cesarean incision always hurt, from day one! It was a really painful medical procedure, a major surgery! I feel like my healing process was not right from the very beginning.
• Sometimes I have pain with bowel movements; it can feel sharp in my abdomen.
• Sometimes when I reach behind me, twist or roll in bed I get a catching feeling, sharp pain or something that says “nope, you shouldn’t move that way.”
• My cesarean scar looks asymmetric, puckers and pinches.
• When I try to pull it up or to the side, it just won’t go. It feels very tight and can feel throbby.
• My c-section scar burns or feels like there’s nerve pain.

Adhesions, tension and stiffness causes chronic c-section scar pain?

As your incision site heals, it goes through 3 stages of developing scar tissue.

1. The first stage is the inflammatory stage, when beneficial inflammatory factors flood the tissue for the purpose of cleaning up the wound and beginning the process of scar tissue development.
2. The second stage is the proliferative stage, when collagen and other cells begin to fill in the defect caused by the incision site.
3. The final stage is remodeling and, in this stage, your new collagen scar tissue becomes more organized and structured, so it is stronger.

When someone experiences chronic pain from a cesarean section or any other surgery, often we find that their healing process may have led to scar tissue that is contracted and stuck to surrounding structures.

In many cases, the person sustained an infection in their postoperative days, but this is not always the case. If you are wondering why does my c-section scar hurt years later, come to an appointment with our licensed physical therapists and you will receive answers. We help you uncover what’s going on and also find a path forward to resolve your c-section scar pain. We find that chronic c-section scar pain has myofascial layers (abdominal muscles, connective tissue, nerves, blood vessels) that often have adhesions and are not able to slide and glide properly. The result is tension and stiffness in the scar tissue and nearby structures. If you have tension and stiffness in nerves and tissues that should be able to easily move when you are going about your daily activities, it is likely you will experience scar pain. In our postpartum recovery physical therapy, we provide skilled treatment to all types of scars, including adhesions, c-section scars, laparotomy scars, robotic scars, perineal tears, episiotomies, keloids and scars that had prior infections.

The physical therapy treatment plans that we provide for individuals who have any abdominal or pelvic pain, especially if it is pain that is related to a cesarean delivery scar, always includes a variety of manual therapy methods, such as visceral mobilization, trigger point release, fascial release to the scar, joint mobilization and massage. Our licensed physical therapists also incorporate exercise, postural correction, movement, stretching and core and gluteal strengthening into a recovery plan for anyone with chronic abdominal and pelvic pain. If you are interested in learning more about our treatment plans to help resolve abdominal, pelvic, back or hip pain, you can call our office at 616-516-4334 or contact us here. 

What are some of the predictors that your C-section scar is going to hurt?

If you have chronic c-section scar pain, please know that you have not done anything wrong. We don’t always know why one person’s c-section scar hurts years later whereas another person experiences no pain. Some of us simply lay down more scar tissue, develop adhesions and experience more nerve pain than others. Our licensed physical therapists are able to help you navigate the complexity of chronic abdominal and pelvic pain. If you are wondering “why is this happening to me?”, we do have some research that investigated risk factors for chronic c-section scar pain.

The risk factors for chronic c-section scar pain:

*How did it feel those first 24 hours? Higher pain intensity with movement within 24 hours of giving birth. This is an important indicator for women because this continued to be the associated with higher pain levels at your baby’s first birthday.

*Did you experience low mood before your C-section? Depression present before the operation was a risk factor for ongoing C-section scar pain.

*Did your operation take a long time? Longer duration of surgery was found to be a predictor of ongoing c-section scar pain.

Could my bladder, bowel or prolapse symptoms be related to my c-section scar tissue?

Because your cesarean scar and incision site penetrates all the layers of tissue in your entire abdominal wall, it can affect how your entire abdominal and pelvic region function. Scar tissue that is altering the ability of your abdominal muscles and pelvic floor to work optimally might contribute to back pain, hip pain, pelvic pain or abdominal pain. Scar tissue might cause non-optimal forces through the abdomen and pelvis, resulting in worsening of pelvic organ prolapse symptoms. Scar tissue might cause pinching or pulling when your bladder or bowel fill up. It is common that our patients have urinary urgency, frequency or incontinence. We also find our patients experience painful bowel movements and sometimes difficulty emptying their bowels. In our work as pelvic health specialists, this is why we examine and treat every scar, even if you don’t have any scar pain. Our experience with providing fascial release and visceral mobilization to all types of scars is because our licensed physical therapists have advanced training in these manual therapies and cesarean recovery. Because we specialize in pelvic pain, we have written a variety of articles, you may be interested to read this. To get your questions answered, you may contact us here or call our office at 616-516-4334.

About Purple Mountain PT’s Treatment for Chronic Pain in C-section Scars

Purple Mountain Physical Therapy is a specialty pelvic health clinic that serves women, men and children in Grand Rapids Michigan. We help kids and adults overcome pelvic conditions, including chronic abdominal and pelvic pain related to old c-section scars that still hurt. If you are looking for solutions for why does your c-section scar still hurt years later, we are here to help you. Our c-section recovery program helps women who are newly postpartum and women who have old c-section scars that still hurt. Our physical therapists focus exclusively on pelvic physical therapy and we’ve written before about chronic c-section scar pain. The treatment plans we provide for c-section scars and other scars that are adhered and cause pain, are comprehensive, effective and offer whole-body care. We have training and techniques specific to ongoing c-section scar pain, pelvic floor rehabilitation and abdominal wall recovery. If your c-section scar still hurts and you know that something doesn’t seem right, give us a call to get help. Our doctors of physical therapy are here to help you feel like yourself again. Give us a call at 616-516-4334 to learn more about cost and availability or contact us here.  

Peace,

Dr. Maureen O’Keefe, DPT specializing in pelvic floor physical therapy, pregnancy and postpartum recovery for 25 years.

C-Section Scar Pain & Complications – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

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Also known as: C-section Shelf

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.

During a c-section, the doctor will make an incision low in your abdomen. They must cut through multiple layers of skin and fascia in order to reach the uterus and the baby. After delivery, the layers are stitched back together and you will have a linear scar just below your bikini line.

After a c-section, the various layers of skin and fascia may stick together during the healing process due to the formation of scar tissue. The incision itself may also form excess scar tissue. Furthermore, moms are typically less mobile for a few weeks after the c-section, which causes more tightness and restrictions in the lower abdomen.

Any woman can develop scar tissue after a cesarean delivery, even if you don’t have a history of keloids or hypertrophic scars. However, if you do have a history of keloids or overgrown scars, early intervention can help.

At Origin, we do not shy away from c-section scars. We address the scar with a combination of manual scar mobilization, which is a firm massage to your scar and lower abdomen, cupping, heat, and, when available, cold laser therapy. In addition, we will retrain your abdominal muscles to increase support through your trunk and low back, as well as prescribe mobility exercises to improve the mobility of your abdominal fascia. You will also be taught how to massage your scar at home.

How Long Does It Take?

It is never too late to start physical therapy for your scar, but a newer scar responds faster to physical therapy intervention. Every skin type is different, but it typically takes 1-3 months of physical therapy to achieve your goals.

What To Expect In The Future

Once physical therapy for your scar is complete, it typically will not bother you again unless you have subsequent c-sections.

Additional Reading And Sources

Pereira, Thalita R C, et al. “Implications of Pain in Functional Activities in Immediate Postpartum Period According to the Mode of Delivery and Parity: an Observational Study.” Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, Departamento De Fisioterapia Da Universidade Federal De Sao Carlos, 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5537436/

Wasserman, Jennifer B., et al. “Chronic Caesarian Section Scar Pain Treated with Fascial Scar Release Techniques: A Case Series. ” Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, Churchill Livingstone, 10 Mar. 2016, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S136085921600022X

Wasserman, Jennifer B, et al. “Chronic Caesarian Section Scar Pain Treated with Fascial Scar Release Techniques: A Case Series.” Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Oct. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27814873

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Recovery after caesarean section

The birth of a baby is an exciting event for the family. However, sometimes, for various reasons, a child cannot be born naturally. And then, in order to save the mother and baby, they perform a caesarean section (CS). As a result, a scar remains on the uterus – “the smile of life, with the help of which the baby was born.” After this operation, mothers need special support and care: how and what exactly – about this midwife Alla Yevtushenko.

CS is performed as follows: under spinal anesthesia, doctors cut the abdominal wall and uterus, and then remove the baby and placenta. In addition to the standard procedure, there is a soft CS. It can be done, both planned and in childbirth, if mom and baby feel good. Mom is conscious, helps the baby to be born, pushing, and sometimes takes it herself. Doctors wait for the umbilical cord to pulsate, then remove the placenta, suture the uterus, and apply cosmetic sutures to the skin.

There is still a difference in recovery after natural childbirth (ER) and CS. After ER, a woman, as a rule, feels well within a day. And after the CS, you need a few more days, weeks or months to recover. The body heals the fastest, the psyche recovers more slowly, especially if the woman was very determined to give birth naturally.

• After the operation, the CS-mother may feel weakness in the muscles around the suture, numbness and decreased sensitivity in this area. Pain at the incision site may persist for up to 1-2 weeks. Sometimes painkillers are needed to deal with it.
• Immediately after CS, women are encouraged to drink more and go to the toilet (pee). The body needs to replenish the volume of circulating blood, because blood loss with CS is always greater than with EP. While the CS-mother is in the intensive care unit (within 6-24 hours, depending on the maternity hospital), she has a urinary catheter. This allows you to evaluate how the kidneys are working.
• In the early days, it is better to eat liquid and semi-liquid food – it is absorbed faster and does not overload the body.
• When a woman returns home from the hospital, you need to take care of the seam – ventilate more often, treat with disinfectants (miramistin or an alcohol solution of chlorophyllipt). Remember – the scar can not be rubbed and scratched. Itching indicates that the wound is healing.
• After the operation, you can wear a bandage – an elastic belt that supports the front wall of the abdomen. Rules: you need to put on a bandage lying down and wear it no more than 5-6 hours a day and no longer than a month so that the muscles do not lose their tone. You need to wear a bandage over linen made from natural fabrics. A good alternative is to tie up with a sling or rebozo.
• After 6 weeks, you can already start doing exercises. Ideally – special complexes for postpartum recovery. For example, postnatal gymnastics from Birthlight.
• It is very good if there are helpers at home who will take care of everyday life, and the woman will only take care of the baby. These may be relatives, friends, or professionals (such as postnatal doulas, whose services are now available in many major cities).
• Feed the baby on demand. Breast milk, as a rule, comes at the same time as during normal childbirth, but sometimes a little later. If the mother is having difficulty latching on, the nurses in the postpartum ward or breastfeeding consultants can help feed her. It is better if the baby is breastfed as soon as possible. This will help the formation of the correct microflora in the baby’s intestines, and the mother’s uterus will contract better.
• Baby, of course, you can wear. You need to feed the baby on demand and try to sleep when he sleeps. If the baby does not sleep well or this time is not enough for mom to rest, you can entrust a walk in the first months to dad or “walk” in a stroller on the balcony.

And most importantly: share your feelings and emotions with those around you. If you do not find support among your inner circle, look for like-minded people and support in thematic groups on social networks. And remember, you are not alone!

how to heal and care for a suture

Contents

• 1 How to properly care for a suture after a caesarean section: tips and tricks
  • 1.1 The process of healing a suture after a caesarean section
  • 1.2 Risks after a caesarean section
  • 1.3 How to tell if a suture is healing properly
  • 1.4 Health factors that are important in the healing of a suture after a caesarean section
  • 1.5 Initial examination after discharge from the hospital
    • 1.5.1 Purpose of initial inspection
    • 1.5.2 How the initial examination is performed
    • 1.5.3 What to tell the doctor
    • 1.5.4 Conclusion
  • 1.6 Suture care after a caesarean section at home
  • 1.7 Medications for pain and discomfort after caesarean section
  • 1.8 How to speed up the healing of the suture after caesarean section
  • 1.9 How to avoid possible complications when the suture heals
    • 1. 9.1 Take care of hygiene
    • 1.9.2 Seek medical attention if symptoms
    • 1.9.3 Avoid stress and trauma
    • 1.9.4 Follow your doctor’s advice
  • 1.10 How to return to normal activities after surgery
    • 1.10.1 Rest and restrictions
    • 1.10.2 Nutrition and wound care
    • 1.10.3 Return to work and daily activities
  • 1.12 Video by subject:
  • 1.13 Q&A:
    • • 1.13.0.1 How long does it take for a suture to heal after a caesarean section?
      • 1.13.0.2 Is it possible to take hot baths after a caesarean section?
      • 1.13.0.3 Is it possible to play sports after a caesarean section?
      • 1.13.0.4 What should I do if the suture comes apart after a caesarean section?
      • 1.13.0.5 How can the healing of a suture after a caesarean section be accelerated?
      • 1.13.0.6 What complications can occur after a caesarean section?

Suture after caesarean section – how does the healing process take place, how to care for the wound, what complications can occur and how to avoid them. Tips and advice from experts.

A caesarean section is an operation in which the baby is removed from the uterus through a small incision in the abdominal wall. The suture that is created as a result of such an operation plays an important role in the healing process. It must be properly cared for and processed to avoid purulent infections and prolong the healing period.

The choice of high-quality material from which the seam is made is very important. Some materials may cause allergic reactions, and some may scar the mother’s body. In most cases, sutures are used that simply dissolve in the body of the body and do not require removal.

In this article, we will look at the basic principles of suture care after a caesarean section, as well as the healing periods that the wound and tissues around it go through. We hope that after reading this article you will receive all the necessary information about healing in the postoperative period and not only be able to avoid complications, but also return to normal life faster.

Healing process after caesarean section

After caesarean section, the sutures covering the scar go through several stages of healing. In the first days after the operation, the stitches may be slightly painful, but the pain will gradually decrease.

Approximately 7-14 days after the operation, the suture should come together and begin to heal. At this stage, it is important not to force the scar to act – do not stretch the skin around the operation site and do not bring the suture out, you should increase the water regime and start drinking more water.

2-3 weeks after the operation, the suture will be somewhat hardened, but softer compared to the initial state. After 4-6 weeks, the scar heals completely and becomes intangible.

Risks after caesarean section

After a caesarean section, a woman is at risk of developing an infection at the site of the operation. Until the suture is completely healed, body temperature should be monitored and if fever occurs, consult a doctor.

Bleeding can be another risk after a caesarean section. Although post-operative bleeding is rare in most cases, it is possible, so women should stay in the hospital for several days after surgery to prevent such complications from occurring.

Women who have had a caesarean section may also have problems breastfeeding. Physical pain and discomfort can reduce milk levels, while a caesarean section can make it difficult for a baby to breastfeed. In this case, it is useful for women to seek help from a lactation specialist.

Despite the risks, caesarean section is a relatively safe procedure with proper care and supervision. In most cases, women can return to normal life within a few weeks after the birth of their child.

How to tell if a suture is healing properly

To ensure that a cesarean suture is healing properly, there are several things to look for:

• No bleeding: there may be some bleeding for the first few days after surgery, but then it should stop;
• Absence of congestion: the seam must be dry, without swelling and redness;
• No pain: after the end of the operation, the patient must be given anesthesia, but after its effect, the pain should disappear. If after a few days after the operation the pain does not go away or occurs again, you should consult a doctor;
• Normal body temperature: An elevated temperature may be a sign of an infection in the suture area.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, or if you have any other symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor. Regular monitoring of the healing process of the suture and following all the recommendations of the doctor will help to avoid possible complications and ensure rapid healing of the suture after a cesarean section.

Health indicators that are important in the healing of the suture after caesarean section

General health condition. Taking good care of your health can speed up the healing of a suture after a caesarean section. Chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases, can make it difficult to quickly restore health. Smoking and alcohol can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications.

Nutrition and hydration. Healthy and proper nutrition is an important element of overall health and accelerate the healing of the suture. Also, remember to drink enough water to keep your body hydrated. This will help keep the stitch clean and speed up the healing process.

Condition of leather and seam. Protect the seam from moisture and heavy loads. Avoid showers or baths until you have received permission from your doctor. Make sure the seam is always dry and clean. In addition, check the condition of the incision and the surrounding skin daily to avoid irritation and infection.

1. Do not touch the seam with your hands or strange objects.
2. Avoid chafing the seam with hard clothing.
3. Keep the stitch under control after urinating and feeding the baby.

If you notice signs of infection (redness, swelling, ulcers, purulent discharge, etc.), be sure to inform your doctor and follow his recommendations. Regular visits to the local obstetrician-gynecologist will help keep you and your baby healthy.

Initial examination after discharge from the hospital

Purpose of the initial examination

After discharge from the hospital, the initial examination allows you to make sure that the healing process after caesarean section is correct and to prevent possible complications. The purpose of the initial examination is to monitor the condition of the woman and the quality of her healing after surgery.

How the initial inspection is done

• Visual inspection of the seam.
• Body temperature measurement.
• Assessment of the general condition of the patient.
• Clarification of methods and recommendations for wound care.

We must not forget that the initial examination should be carried out by a gynecologist who is familiar with the entire history of pregnancy and childbirth of a woman. The doctor will also check that all recommendations were followed during the hospital stay and develop a treatment plan if necessary.

What to tell the doctor

A woman should tell her doctor about any discomfort, pain, bleeding or other complications that may occur after discharge from the hospital. It is important to trust the doctor and follow all the recommendations. It is not recommended to use drugs or other means without consulting a doctor.

Conclusion

The initial check-up after discharge from the hospital is an important step in caring for a woman’s health after a caesarean section. Therefore, all the recommendations of the doctor must be followed exactly to obtain the fastest and highest quality healing of the suture.

Suture care after caesarean section at home

1. Regularly check the suture , especially in the first days after surgery. Pay attention to the presence of bleeding, swelling, redness and tenderness at the suture site. If you notice these changes, see your doctor.

2. Keep the seam dry and clean . After showering, dry the seam thoroughly with a soft towel or hair dryer on a cold setting. Avoid swimming in a bath or pool for the first 4-6 weeks after surgery.

3. Do not use medicines without a doctor’s recommendation , such as aspirin or ibuprofen, which can reduce blood clotting. If you are prescribed pain medications, make sure they are safe to use after a caesarean section.

4. Wear comfortable clothing that does not chafe the seam. Soft fabrics such as cotton work well. Avoid stretchy or overly tight clothing.

5. Follow the diet recommended by your doctor . Proper nutrition will help speed up the healing process and prevent constipation, which can put pressure on the stitch.

6. Spend time in a calm mode , avoiding unnecessary physical activity. This will help reduce the risk of possible complications.

7. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about the healing of the suture. Better to prevent than to cure.

Remember that post-caesarean stitch care is an important part of your recovery that requires patience and care. Do your best to ensure that the suture heals quickly and safely.

Medicines for pain and discomfort after caesarean section

A caesarean section may be accompanied by pain and discomfort around the wound. Analgesics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used to reduce pain.

Grease-based ointments such as Vishnevsky or Synthomycin can be used to promote wound healing. They help shorten the healing time and reduce the risk of infection.

• Paracetamol – analgesic and antipyretic, can be taken orally or applied as suppositories;
• Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory and analgesic available in tablets and as gels and ointments;
• Vishnevsky ointment — has antiseptic properties and promotes wound healing;
• Synthomycin is an antimicrobial agent that can be used to prevent infection in a wound.

It is important to remember that it is necessary to take any medication only as prescribed by a doctor and in compliance with all recommendations and dosages.

How to speed up the healing of a suture after a caesarean section

Remember about hygiene. Keep the incision hygienic by treating it with the peroxide solution you prescribed. Follow your doctor’s advice to avoid infection and improve your healing rate.

Nutrition and hydration play an important role in the healing process. It is important to eat nutritious food sufficient to restore strength and heal the suture. Also, make sure you have enough water to keep you hydrated.

Gentle care. Avoid injury to the suture after a caesarean section. Avoid lifting heavy objects and excessive physical exertion. It is also not necessary to abuse sports and outdoor activities, you need to rest more and not leave the house until the seam heals.

• Take your medicine. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for taking medications and vitamins to speed up the healing process and improve overall body function.
• Additional measures. Some women may resort to using pantyhose or a belt to improve healing. Everything will depend on the individual characteristics of the body and the recommendations of the attending physician.

Although every woman’s healing process may be different, following these tips will help speed up the healing of the suture, as well as reduce the risk of complications and speed up recovery after a caesarean section.

How to avoid possible complications when healing a suture

Maintain hygiene

To avoid inflammation or infection, wash the incision daily with warm soapy water and rinse with cold water. Do not use antiseptics without a doctor’s prescription, as they can be harmful.

Seek medical attention if symptoms develop

If you develop signs of inflammation – redness, swelling, tingling, pain or discharge from the incision – be sure to see a doctor. Do not delay visiting a doctor, as improper treatment can lead to serious complications.

Avoid stress and trauma

In the first few weeks after caesarean section, avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and trauma to the suture field. This will help to avoid opening the seam and other complications.

Follow your doctor’s advice

After your caesarean section, your doctor will give you advice and instructions on how to care for your suture. They must be strictly observed in order to avoid complications and rapid healing of the suture.

How to return to normal activities after surgery

Rest and restrictions

Rest and avoid strenuous exercise after a caesarean section. It is usually recommended to avoid heavy lifting for the first two weeks, and also not to play sports, so as not to damage the seam. You need to monitor your condition and listen to the signals of the body.

Nutrition and wound care

Proper nutrition and wound care are essential to return to normal activities after surgery. It is important to drink enough fluids, including water and natural juices. It is also necessary to eat foods rich in proteins to promote wound healing. Wound care must be regular and proper to avoid infection and other complications.

Return to work and daily activities

After a caesarean section, return to normal activities gradually. You need to pay attention to your condition and avoid unnecessary stress. Return to work depends on the individual characteristics of the body and the nature of the work. It is recommended that you consult with your doctor to determine when to return to work.

What are the methods to reduce the risk of caesarean section during the next pregnancy

A caesarean section during childbirth is a serious medical intervention that may be necessary in cases where a natural birth can harm both mother and baby. If you have had a caesarean section in your past, the following methods can be used to reduce the risk of this in future pregnancies:

• Eat right: exercises. This will help reduce the risk of complications during childbirth.
• Gentle delivery: Plan your upcoming birth and see your doctor as needed to keep mother and baby healthy. this will help to identify and correct possible problems at an early stage in order to avoid the need to resort to a caesarean section.
• Complete rest: To maintain health, well-being and reduce the risk of caesarean section, you should get enough rest, as well as get into the habit of doing exercises to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor and abdominal cavity.

Applying these three basic rules will reduce the chances of having a caesarean section during labor and will allow you to have a vaginal delivery even if you have had a caesarean section in the past.

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Q&A:

How long does it take for a suture to heal after a caesarean section?

Healing of the suture after caesarean section occurs within 6-8 weeks. However, the specific timing may differ for each woman depending on individual factors such as age, health and general condition of the body.

Can I take hot baths after a caesarean section?

Do not take hot baths for the first 2-3 weeks after a caesarean section, as this can lead to softening and stretching of the suture. It is recommended to take only warm showers and avoid rubbing and washing the seam with soap.

Is it possible to play sports after a caesarean section?

In the first 6-8 weeks after caesarean section, it is recommended to refrain from physical activity, including sports. Then you can start light exercises, but only after consulting a doctor.

What should I do if the suture comes apart after a caesarean section?

If the suture comes apart after a caesarean section, contact your doctor or hospital immediately. The dehiscence of the suture can lead to infection and other complications.

How can the healing of a suture after a caesarean section be accelerated?

To speed up the healing of the suture after a caesarean section, it is recommended to maintain hygiene, avoid physical activity and communicate with your doctor about the need to take anti-inflammatory drugs.