2nd c section - overhang/shelf/pouch

[ecossegirl91]

I’m due my 2nd elective c section in the coming weeks.
not a brag at all but my first c section healed beautifully - scar is barely visible & zero overhang/pouch/shelf whatever you call it. I was around 8st 10lbs prior to falling pregnant, gained around 2stone ish and then got back down to around 9ish stone. Fell pregnant 2 yrs later and here we are.

I know it sounds so vain but since the first section went so well I just wondered if anyone had experience of having a second section and it looking way way worse? If I avoided the pouch the first time around will I avoid it this time? 🙏🏻

I looked exactly the same after my second. No overhang at all and you have to look very closely to see a second scar line.

I didn't suffer first time round but after second baby I have a noticeable pouch even 2 years on. I'm not sure you can prevent it really

I think if you’re slim to start with, haven’t gained loads and get back down, you’ll be fine.

Oh that’s encouraging @Drivingmissrangey I’m the same, it’s very hard to see my scar.

ive probably gained a similar amount of weight in this pregnancy - I’m around 37 weeks and about 2 stone gain.

I was fat so have an overhang its no worse after my second...

I don’t have any overhang after my second. If you don’t gain much weight you should be ok

I had my second one a little over 3 years after the first, and the surgeon actually re-opened my first scar, so now, several years on, I only have one (barely visible, like yours) scar and no pouch at all - I think in both cases I gained weight in a similar way to you :)

If you’ve kept your weight low you should be okay, but depends on how they stitch you up too

My second scar healed just as beautifully as the first. Now I’m just post partum on third section. I will wait and see if this is the one that does it!!!

I had three C-sections due to large babies. My lower abdomen looked horrible. I ended up having what they call a mommy makeover and it was amazing! It even made my waist smaller than it had ever been. You always have this option so don’t worry too much. Enjoy your pregnancy and babies.

Sorry to say it but I was fine after my first one but have an over hang from my second one, I think it’s like they didn’t sew me back together properly 🤣🤣🤣 no point worrying though if you have to have one

A mix of responses here! Fingers crossed the surgeon is just as skilled as the first 😅🫣

Hmm I really don't remember having an overhang after my first but defo do after second and can't seem to shift it 3 years on.. although I could be trying harder I suppose. Little weight gain in pregnancy although was a bit heavier before having DC2.. maybe half a stone or something.
I wonder if age comes into it. I was 35 with dc1 and 39 with dc2 so on the older side...

Aren’t they expensive? So not available to the majority and not an option (though wish they were!)

I think it depends on where the cut is and the stitches as opposed to just weight judging by friends.

I think it just depends on how they cut it and stitch it tbh. I was very slim when I had mine and afterwards, but they cut mine so wide and I still ended up with a little overhang. I actually jokingly asked if they could give me a quick tummy tuck at the same time but unsurprisingly it was a no 😂

My 2nd healed just as well as my first, I am nearly 50 now and still don’t have an overhang, I also don’t have a single stretch mark. I was back to pre baby weight very quickly and due to having horses I have always had good muscle tone so everything sprang back to place. I’m sure genetics also play a part as well.

Tbh I wonder if this may be another skin issue like stretch marks in that you can be slim/overweight and still get them as it’s down to genetics. I know slimmer and larger women who have pouches, some after first babies and others after subsequent pregnancies.

I haven’t long had a baby via ELCS and mine looks about the same as after my first EMCS so far. I would prefer not to have one too but won’t be too sad if I do. I’ve got two beautiful babies to show for it!

first one was emergency and very painful afterwards, but no pouch. 2nd elective due to being a huge baby, tiny mum and previous issues, lovely and painless, but massive overhang, due to stretched skin. 2nd is 6ft 4 22yr old now and i see my pouch as my medal!

Genetics, weight gain, muscle tone and expertise of the stitcher all play a part. There is no guarantee that a good first experience is repeated the second time around as I put on less weight for the second pregnancy due to having to look after a toddler. However muscle-tone before pregnancy maybe a factor - everything is more stretched so it may take more time to get back to pre-baby fitness.