Experiencing abdominal pain during pregnancy? Your c-section scar may be a reason why…
Written by Vanessa Werner from our Tribe of Experts
My first baby made his entrance into the world by a C-section and since becoming pregnant again, I have been anticipating the sensitivities I may feel from my incision scar through this pregnancy and birth.
Though I am only just beginning my second trimester, I am aware that as my baby grows and body changes, I am already feeling new sensations not experienced during my first pregnancy and it is likely these differences are due to my C-section scar and the underlying scar tissue.
Do you remember the sensation of stretching during your first pregnancy?
As your belly grows, so does your uterus. This naturally may cause you to feel some slight pulling, tugging or stretching but when accompanied with scar tissue from a c-section incision, these growing adjustments may feel more intense, can be felt earlier or noticed more often.
What about Ligament pain?
As your uterus grows during pregnancy, rope-like ligaments stretch and thicken to accommodate and support it. Ligament pain occurs during the second trimester but can be felt earlier towards the end of the first trimester. This pain usually presents as an ache or pulling in the pelvis, or you may feel a short, sharp, stabbing pain in your hips, abdomen, and/or groin.
Perhaps you experienced it during your previous pregnancy, but as a c-section mama, it is helpful to be aware that scar tissue may contribute to a heightened sense of ligament pain with the immediate area around the scar also feeling tight or uncomfortably stretched.
What causes abdominal pain after C-sections?
After your c-section birth, scar tissue is likely to have formed underneath the incision throughout your recovery and healing. This might not have caused any problems initially, however, with your new pregnancy, as your belly expands, the scar tissue will become stretched.
This can create discomfort that can range from a sharp or stabbing-like pain, a burning sensation over the skin and/or intolerance of touch or contact with clothing around your incision area. You might find you notice these sensations with certain movements or that they are constant throughout the day.
How may your scar feel during labour and birth?
It's important to be aware that contractions during labour may feel different due to the scar tissue continuing to be stretched and moved as your baby descends into the birth canal. If you are having a vaginal birth, the tightness of the internal scar tissue may contribute to pain during pushing. This can be unsettling but know that you and your baby can and will move through this. Connect with instinctual movement and breathing and ensure your birthing team support you to feel prepared and confident.
What can you do?
Often, the connection is not made between abdominal pain and your c-section scar. When we are 'supporting our scar' we should have a whole-body approach to the care we are receiving.
Become aware and familiarise: Though it can initially be confronting to feel these different discomforts, try your best to familiarise yourself with any sensations felt. Notice if you feel them when you are moving in a certain way or sleeping in a certain position. Do they linger or ease? Do you notice them at a certain time of the day or night? Do you feel pain elsewhere in the body at the same time or notice that the sensations are accompanied by other symptoms (such as nausea or headaches)?
Become aware and familiarise: Though it can initially be confronting to feel these different discomforts, try your best to familiarise yourself with any sensations felt. Notice if you feel them when you are moving in a certain way or sleeping in a certain position. Do they linger or ease? Do you notice them at a certain time of the day or night? Do you feel pain elsewhere in the body at the same time or notice that the sensations are accompanied by other symptoms (such as nausea or headaches)?
Scar Massage: To help alleviate the pain, more mobility in the scar needs to be created by generating more pliability within the tissue. Usually, the scar is adhered down to the surrounding tissue and needs to be released - this can be done through scar mobilisation techniques which can help to break down the tissue. It’s important to see a pelvic floor physical therapist or scar tissue remediation therapist who understands how to treat scar tissue before you try scar massage treatment.
See a specialist: Remember a scar is never localised - scar tissue has the ability to affect different parts of our body. A physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor may be able to provide personalised guidance and ongoing support.
Physical touch: If you feel comfortable, try a gentle touch or very light massage over your scar area using the Viva la Vulva Belly Birth Scar Oil.
Stop and rest: During pregnancy, it is important for our personal well-being and the development of our baby to slow down and manage our stress. Usually, our symptoms of discomfort can be enhanced by our body feeling tight and tense. Take some deep belly breaths and focus on being present so you are able to consciously relax your body and encourage the ease of any tension.
Warmth: Sometimes introducing a new awareness to our senses can help to distract us from what we may be currently feeling. A warm shower or bath can also help us to relax and feel refreshed.
Usually, abdominal pain connected to c-section scar tissue will resolve itself after birth.
However, if the pain persists after delivery, it can trigger other issues including bladder infrequency, pain with sex, and GI issues such as constipation or bad period cramps.
We all wear our scars differently so it is important to be aware and compassionate at any stage of your pregnancy, (whatever pregnancy number it may be) or postpartum of any pain along your lower abdominal region, specifically around your scar. Please contact your care provider if you are concerned.
