Unlike in natural birth, a C-section scar needs extra care and attention. A Caesarean section is a major operation and you can’t carry on as normal. It takes about four to six weeks for a C-section incision to heal. You may feel a little weak after surgery and discomfort and fatigue are common during the recovery process.
The road to healing
You may feel strong and ready to take on the world after popping. But a C-section is sensitive and needs you to take things easy before going back to normal. Here’s how you shouldn’t strain your body:
- Avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby for the first couple of weeks.
- Rest when possible.
- Keep everything that you and your baby might need within reach.
- Hold your abdomen near the incision to support it when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or make any other sudden movements.
- Ask your doctor to recommend pain relief medication if you need it.
- Drink lots of fluids.
Take care of the scar
Plastic surgeon, Dr Dirk Lazarus recommends taping your scar with micro-pore tape for up to a year after the birth of your baby. “Taping the scar will help support the skin and reduce stress around the wound thereby lessening the scar tissue that forms,” he says, adding the following tips:
- Taping a scar will help support and flatten it. Apply a wide micropore tape along the scar.
- Use a flesh-coloured tape if you want it to be less visible.
- Leave the Massage the scar with body oil when you remove and change the tape.
- Gentle massage can improve moisture and increase blood flow in the area.
- Leave the tape on for up to five days. You can bath, shower, and swim as normal.
- Change the tape once it starts to peel off.
Signs of infection
Check your C-section incision for the following signs of infection:
- If the incision is red, swollen, or leaking a discharge.
- If you have a fever higher than 38°C.
- If you experience increasing pain around the incision. Call your doctor immediately if you notice any of the above signs.
