Painful c-section scar at 16 weeks?

[PQ77]

I am 16 weeks pregnant and for the last month I have had pain that ranges from stretchy pain to burning at the site of my 3.5 year old c-section scar. I have mentioned this to my midwife and dr; they were a bit noncommittal and I am still none the wiser as to whether this is completely normal or something to be a bit more vigilant about.

I would be grateful to hear about any similar experiences - many thanks in advance!

I had something similar at around 16 weeks (remember mentioning it to the midwife at 16wk appt) - my c-section was 5 years ago now. Pains I had were sort of twingy, pulling-type feeling right around my scar.

Midwife was unconcerned, just said to keep an eye on it, and say something if it got worse. Pains disappeared shortly afterwards, so I put it down to just all the stretching going on around then, especially as I think 12-wks onwards is when the uterus starts to really stretch and pops up above your pubic bone. I could be wrong mind you, not a medical expert at all! all I can really say is that I haven't really had the pains since then, now 28+5. Maybe speak to doctor or the DAU at your hospital if they get worse?

Thanks benaberry - that's really helpful. Most of my friends who had a c-section first time around and 2DC now can't remember what it was like to be pregnant with DC2!

I just hate being left to wonder what the worst case scenario is and what it could mean if it got worse (can you tell I am anxious about this pregnancy?!).

I've got that too. I'm coming up to 15w. Don't think it's anything to be worried about. Scar tenderness is one of the signs used to indicate uterine rupture, BUT it is extremely unlikely that that's going to happen if you're not in late third trimester / labour! The lower segment of the uterus (where your scar on the inside is) doesn't even exist till later on in third trimester, so the scar on your skin has no relation to the scar on uterus till then. I put it down to muscle/ skin stretching.

I have this terribly this time, I have now had 2 c-sections. Both consultant and MW are not worried but they both told me to hold my scar when getting out of bed, coughing getting up quickly like you did straight after the op.

All helpful stuff, thank you, especially about getting out of bed. I leapt out the other day and felt a really bad twinge - about equivalent to 2 weeks post section when I started to forget to be careful (if that makes any sense whatsoever)

I'm about to have my 3rd CS next monday, and yes, the scars have been painful in following pgs. When pg with DD2 the scar was very painful in early-mid pregnancy, so much so I spent one day in bed with it!!! This time, it hasn't been as bad, just a bit of soreness now I'm near the end. I have had pain when not pg as well, especially if I sneeze violently, twist the wrong way etc.

My friend had her second CS at 37 weeks, as it did show up on her scan that the scar from her first CS was very thin, so they were keen to get the baby out ASAP. I didn't realise they could see this from scanning, but apparently so - this has made me feel rather reassured this time!