How to Care for a C-Section Wound After a Cesarean
The thought of having a cesarean section never even crossed my mind. With my first child I had a vaginal birth, so I assumed the same would be true for my second. But alas, that wasn’t my reality. I ended up having an emergency c-section and very quickly figured out my recovery, or fourth trimester, would be vastly different.
What No One Told Me About Recovering After a C-Section
After my vaginal delivery, I was up and moving within hours. I was rocking the giant diaper, figuring out how to breastfeed, a little sore down there, but overall, not too bad. I even felt well enough to work an event five days after he was born. The same can’t be said after my c-section delivery.
I was not prepared for my c-section recovery. For weeks (read three months), if I laughed, cried, or had any sudden movements, my insides would hurt. It was a sudden jab that often left me in tears. I ended up learning by trial and error what worked and what didn’t for my recovery.
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Here's What I Learned About How to Care for My C-Section Incision:
Types of Incisions for a Cesarean Section
There are two main types of c-section incisions: vertical and transverse incisions. A vertical incision, also known as a classical incision, is from the belly button down to the pubic hairline. A transverse incision is a horizontal incision just below the bikini line.
Monitors and Stitches for a C-Section
After the surgical procedure, I was sewn up, and a giant band-aid was placed across my incision site. Then, a Pico monitor was attached to my incision site to watch for signs of infection. The monitor itself can be detached for showers, but try not to get the bandages wet. Pico monitors typically stay on until the one-week appointment, at which time the physician will take it off.
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Easing the Pain of a Cesarean Section
The healing process can be rough after a cesarean delivery. Just like a vaginal delivery, you can expect vaginal bleeding, some uncomfortable bowel movements (hello Miralax!) and no heavy lifting for a few weeks. On top of all of that, though, add a major abdominal surgery so the recovery time is going to be longer.
Keep a small pillow nearby for four to six weeks. Having something to hold against the incision helps ease the pain. In the bathroom, a rolled-up clean towel works just as well.
Take the pain medicine if you need it. You did just undergo major surgery where the doctors cut through seven layers of tissue after all, so you’re going to be in some pain. Ask your health care provider about over-the-counter pain medications you can take at home. They may also suggest ointments to avoid keloid scarring.
Most nights it’ll be more comfortable to sleep sitting up. The movement from lying down to sitting up is a lot on all those layers and will hurt.
PRO TIP: Two words: abdominal binder. This simple fabric wrap helped tremendously when I needed to move around the house.
There’s typically a lot of nerve damage with having a c-section. Some women experience numbness for weeks, months, or may never get full feeling back around their incision area. In the first couple of weeks after your c-section, massaging the surrounding skin can help regain feeling.
Showering After a C-Section Surgery
The first couple of weeks after the bandages are off, you’ll want to take extra care of the incision. No baths, no scalding hot showers, and no scrubbing. Lukewarm showers and letting the soapy water run off the incision are suggested. Be sure to use mild soap and no shower gels on the incision.
Make sure to pat the area dry so you avoid a risk of infection. If the incision is itchy, then putting a bit of petroleum jelly over it helps. Also, try wearing loose clothing and cotton underwear (it's breathable) so as not to trap moisture near the incision.
Post Six-Week Cesarean Section Checkup
After about six to eight weeks, if your healthcare provider says the wound area is healing well, you’ll want to switch gears a bit to help your scar area heal, too. There are lots of scar patches and creams out there. Petroleum jelly can also be used.
There are different massage techniques that can be used directly on the incision (once it’s fully healed and safe to touch of course) to help with blood flow and sensitivity- circular motions, clockwise and counterclockwise, worked well for me. If you’re in the boat of “I don’t want to look at or even touch this scar right now,” like I was for a few months, then that’s okay. Once you’re ready, try lightly touching the area with a soft fabric.
While a cesarean section wasn’t ideal, my new baby was delivered safely and is now a healthy, thriving two-year-old. Remember, safety first, mama!
If you’re expecting, don’t forget to take a look at our article on what to pack in your hospital bag. It has some essentials on there for those with a scheduled c-section. DM us about your c-section experience and what you wish you knew over on Instagram @thecitymoms
