Normal after c section?

[surreygirl1987]

Hello, I had an elective c section 11 days ago. Baby was breech and very large.
Wound is healing well and despite the first 3 or 4 days being awful, I'm no longer in the pain I was, just a bit uncomfortable,, though admittedly I've not done anything more than potter round the house and garden!

But I am concerned about the fact that my stomach (the postnatal bulge bit that still looks pregnant) is tender. I assumed this was normal until the midwives saw me for my day 10 appointment and seemed surprised that their poking and prodding left me in discomfort. Added to that, when I go to the toilet or get up after sitting I can feel a heavy, almost dragging feeling in my lower stomach.

Is this normal?? I've done some googling and stumbled upon something called prolapse and that's freaking me out a bit. I'm dying to get back into exercise asap and lose this belly (I usually have a perfectly flat stomach and I hate how I still look so pregnant!) but I'm worried that there's something not quite right... anyone able to tell me if I'm feeling normal for 11 days pp or not??

Many thanks.

Did you ever get a response about this or find out if it was normal op? The same part of my belly is so tender and I'm 3 weeks pp tomorrow 🤷‍♀️

My lower tummy is still tender and painful nearly three years later. The GP told me to go away and take painkillers every day because there’s nothing else they can do. She said you’ve been cut open, it won’t feel normal again so you just have to get used to it.

Hi @boymum4 I got told mixed things... some midwives and the health visitor seemed concerned that I'm still sore, but others said it's totally normal at this point as literally been cut open and to just rest - and that that's why they say it's 6 weeks recovery period. So I just don't know! I do feel better than I did but then I overdo it with bending and cooking meals and feel really sore by the evening. Reeeeeally hope it gets better soon!! Fingers crossed for you too...

@PineappleSquosh sorry you've never fully recovered...!

I think as a society we underplay what major surgery a c section is. I do one to one pilates with a great teacher who specialises in post natal women and she said it takes a loooong time for the layers to knit back together. They cut through 7 layers but only stitch the top and bottom. It's a huge thing to put our bodies through.

When you feel able I would definately see a post natal physio to have a full check up and they can advise some exercises to support a safe recovery.