Caesarean section overhang - swelling

[Dr1984]

Hi all,

I had an elective C-section last week and was looking for some advice/reassurance.

I was a size 16-18 prior to becoming pregnant and put a lot of weight on during the pregnancy. I have a fairly decent overhang at the moment, which has been generally tender since the surgery but not what I would call painful. It’s quite swollen and numb across the overlying skin. It is not warm to touch or red. In addition to this I’ve developed a rash around my belly button which the midwife thinks is possibly an allergy to the cleaning prep they used in theatre (I’m not convinced that is the cause but I’m taking some antihistamines and using steroid cream and may speak to my GP tomorrow).

I should say that my scar looks great and is healing well. The skin directly above and below it looks healthy.

I was wondering if other women also had a swollen overhang post op and how long it lasted for? Not sure if I should be worried about infection, but there aren’t any obvious signs (red/hot/painful etc).

Thanks!

Hi mumma congrats on your baby, had my second c section 3 weeks ago.. i still have some swelling but it's gone down a lot! - be kind to yourself can take a good year or more to see some normality. X

I had a section about 2.5 weeks ago. My belly overhangs, as I was a size 16-18 before pregnancy.

My tummy is quite sensitive to touch, and very itchy. I was told it’s to do with the nerves. My wound itself is healing well, and it doesn’t hurt that much anymore, unless I over exert myself. My tummy has started to bruise, as I’ve been given 6 weeks of blood thinning injections. However, I have been discharged by the midwives as they were satisfied with how everything is healing.

With regards to the overhang and wound, I was told to wash it with a scent free soap (I’ve been using Sanex Zero). I was also told to pat it dry, and then lie on the bed for 5-10 minutes, holding my tummy up, so that the air can get to the wound to help it heal.

Thank you for this and congratulations to you too! Just trying to work out if I need to be worried or not really. Sounds like it’s normal and I just need to stop being so anxious! I don’t mind having the swelling and it taking time to settle if it’s all part of the process x

Thank you. Good to know this is all normal (not that it’s good you’re having similar symptoms!).

All sounds perfectly normal - I had my last section a year ago and was swollen for a good few weeks, I’ve had a few sections and the swelling can be very slow to go; I recommend taking arnica if you can tolerate it. It helps with the internal bruising and swelling.

It’s always worth checking with your midwife, as obviously I’m not an expert, I can only tell you what they’ve told me, based on my own personal progress. (I don’t want to advise you incorrectly, obviously as what might be normal for me, may not be for you). If you are concerned, contact your GP. I went to my GP as I was concerned about my bleeding, as it had changed, and she soon put my mind at ease after properly examining me. ☺️

It’s always better to be safe than sorry after a major operation like a section, and ask the experts the question. That way you can be reassured that everything is all good.

I hope your recovery continues to be good ❤️

Oh yeah for sure. I’m going to contact the GP tomorrow for the rash and to get some more painkillers so will mention it then. This is my first baby so I feel like I’m questioning the normality of everything!

Ahh thanks. I was pretty sure it was ok, but my anxiety has picked up a bit the last few days and I’ve been questioning everything. Did you take the arnica orally?

Good idea ☺️
I’m the same, as this is my first baby too.
I’ve also never had major surgery, so that’s been a massive eye opener haha!