Around one in three children in Germany is now born Caesarean section (caesarean section). This leaves the mother with caesarean section scars that need to be taken care of.
Regardless of whether the incision is planned or unplanned, it is the most common operation performed on women worldwide. A horizontal incision is made above the pubic hairline. The various layers of tissue underneath are also opened in order to reach the uterus and also open it through an incision. The baby can now be brought into the world through this access. Even though the procedure is now regularly carried out as gently as possible, it remains a major abdominal operation (laparotomy) in which the abdominal wall is opened.
Because more tissue is injured than the body can regenerate, it forms new tissue. This remains visible on the skin as a 10-20 cm long scar. What this scar looks like afterwards is as individual for each woman as each birth. Some scars are a clearly visible reminder that the woman has given birth by caesarean section. Others are barely recognisable as a fine, pale line. Ultimately, the result also depends a little on the surgical skill of the surgeon and the genetic predisposition of the woman concerned.
However, you are not completely at the mercy of chance and luck after a caesarean section. You can support the healing process with the appropriate care of your caesarean section scar and thus help it to heal better yourself (more on this below).
Wound healing during a caesarean section
After a caesarean section, the new mother usually stays in hospital for three to six days. During this time, she can recover from the operation while the scarring and wound healing are monitored by a doctor. During the first few days in particular, the woman experiences pain, especially when making (jerky) movements such as coughing, sneezing or laughing. The intensity and duration of the pain varies from woman to woman. At the clinic, she will also be offered appropriate painkillers - tailored to breastfeeding, of course.
In the first few days after the birth, the caesarean section scar is still red, bulging and slightly swollen. You may also feel a slight burning or itching sensation during the healing process. The area between the navel and the scar may still be numb, as nerves are also severed during the operation. The numbness disappears over time, in a few cases it is still present up to a year after the caesarean section.
After around a week, the wound has usually closed externally and scabs have formed. The staples or stitches can be removed after 10 days. In many cases, however, self-dissolving stitches are also used to close the wound. In this case, only the knots at the edge need to be removed.
It is important to keep a close eye on the scar for the first two weeks. If you notice any leaking wound fluid, pus or noticeable redness, if you have acute pain or even a fever - do not hesitate to inform your midwife or gynaecologist. There may be an infection that requires medical treatment. Other complications such as adhesions or adhesions on the outer or inner scar tissue are usually rare, but can be problematic if they occur.
After 14 days, the severed skin and tissue layers have normally healed. Careful hygiene is particularly important up to this point. For example, always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your scar. You should also refrain from having sex until then so that the still very sensitive scar tissue does not tear open again. And afterwards, it is also advisable to resume your love life carefully.
Over time, the scar flattens out more and more until it becomes a more or less visible line. The newly formed tissue feels somewhat firmer and is usually less elastic.
Caring for the caesarean section scar after a caesarean section
Your midwife will advise you on how to take good care of your caesarean section scar. Ask her about the possible use of kinesio tape, rinses with diluted plant extracts. Suitable for this is Calendula essenceor also Arnica essence. Of course you can also get midwife help at Notdiensthebamme.de via the online counselling gladly there for you.
Experience shows that a Gentle massage of the scar supports the self-healing powers, promotes blood circulation and makes the skin tissue supple. Once the stitches have been removed and the scab has fallen off, this can be used to achieve success. You can massage the scar and its edge once or twice a day with gentle pressure in a circular motion. It is best to use oil or a cream for this. Vegetable oils such as St John's wort, almond or wheat germ oil are suitable for this. The following creams are recommended Marigold ointment . After the puerperium Scar gel wound healing and regeneration of the scar.
Even if Good hygiene is important, a bath would initially soften the scar tissue too much. It is therefore better to shower at the beginning and then gently pat the wound area dry. For the first two weeks after the birth, only let clear water touch your scar, so do not use shower gel at first.
Scar care also includes Rest and protection in the puerperium. Especially after a caesarean section! This favours the healing process. Support in everyday life is particularly important for the mother - and she should not be afraid to accept help. Avoid heavy lifting and abrupt movements.
Comfortable loose clothing prevents the fabric from possibly pressing on or rubbing against the scar. We therefore recommend higher cut briefswhich about and not sitting on the scar area.
For some mothers, the scar can still be noticeable weeks or even months after the caesarean section. In some cases, women even have to deal with their caesarean section scar for years. This is not always only the case on the outside, especially if the scar is retracted and there is still an abdominal protrusion above it. Recurrent redness, inflammation, itching and burning are not uncommon in such cases. It can also happen that the inner scar tissue sticks together or grows together. As a result, this can, for example, inhibit the flow of urine, cause the woman to bend forward slightly and thus also cause back problems. The cause is often that too little protection and care was possible at the beginning. This can and must be made up for. If internal adhesions have developed, (visceral) osteopathic treatment can provide relief. If the symptoms persist, surgical removal of the internal adhesions offers a chance of healing. It is therefore worth seeking gynaecological help if problems persist with the caesarean suture.
