Question for previous c-section mommas...

[GhostRose]

Those of you that have had previous c-sections, did you find with following pregnancies that you were unusually sore/crampy in the area of your c/s scar? I've had horrible cramping in that area the last couple days. The only thing that makes it better is to lie down. I'm wondering if it's normal or something I should call my Dr about. I don't have any bleeding fortunately.

TIA!

[wombatclay]

I'd probably call, but it could be adhesions pulling/releasing. I have some really sore spots that I know are caused by adhesions from my c/s 4 years ago... the wierd sensations mostly go away between pregnancies, but when I'm pregnant it's really easy for me to "feel" where things are messed up. But for me it's more of a muscle ache or even a sharp, almost "electric shock" sensation as the scar tissue pulls on things.

Anyway... if it really feels like cramping I'd let your care provider know (since as I've learned cramping can be a sign of a bladder infection that could lead to PTL) but it could just be those blankety-blank adhesions doing their thing.

[Mamatoabunch]

I never have that I recall, but have read many previous c/s mamas have had that issue. It is normal.

[rclaz]

I actually recently posted a concern about a cramping feeling. To be more accurate, it wasn't deep like a menstrual cramp, but it was "inside." It felt like a pinching..or lightening pain. it woudl start in the middle and go outwards. I just saw my w/f and was told it was probably my scar stretching. I hadn't thought of that, but come to think of it...it was exactly where my scar was, I just can't see that place anymore, so it didn't occur to me I'd definitely mention it, but I guess my ultimate answer is yes.
Rebecca

[Mamatoabunch]

Well I had some last night after s*x. Not sure totally if it was scar stuff or just round ligament pain, but I am fine today.

[darcytrue]

de-lurking from Sept DDC.

Originally Posted by rclaz

I just saw my w/f and was told it was probably my scar stretching. I hadn't thought of that, but come to think of it...it was exactly where my scar was, I just can't see that place anymore, so it didn't occur to me

this is what I chalked it up to with my last pregnancy and this pregnancy. My c-sections were six years apart each time so I've had time to heal. I read somewhere it could be the scar stretching and that made sense to me.

[GenomicsGirl]

While I, personally, haven't felt them, I have heard that it is normal for stretching to occur differently along the previous scar line. Definitely ask, though, because c-section scars are nothing to mess with.

[wombatclay]

In terms of adhesions and c/s healing... one of my "soap box" issues is scar massage. There are links and descriptions and how-tos in the Natural Family Living Cesarean Resource sticky (top of Birth & Beyond) but it's an easy to learn technique that is commonly taught to people following surgery. But for some reason almost no OBs mention it following a cesarean, even though ab surgery is a known top-ten cause of adhesions. Maybe it's just not covered in their training since they're not "primarily" surgeons? I dunno.

Anyway, while you can do scar massage during pregnancy, it can be uncomfortable and it's not the best time to start. But following the birth (vaginal or c/s) you can start up again or start for the first time. I found it was a big help with the physical side effects of the c/s but it also helped me emotionally "re-integrate" the scarred area. For a long time I hated touching or even thinking about the scar (and the really icky "numb spot" along the scar line) and the massage helped me accept that part of my body (though I still have a numb spot and don't like to touch that bit... it creeps me out!)

[Jadzia]

I was thinking about posting a similar thread to this. I have been getting a sharp pain in my side, very low where my scar is. It is always in the same spot. For the longest time I thought maybe it was round ligament pain, but lately I am wondering if it is my scar tissue stretching. My midwife said it might be adhesions.

It almost feels like someone is twisting my insides. Between that and my severe pelvic pain, I don't even want to walk most of the time. Ugh.

[MiamiMami]

Yep, I've had/have it. I attribute it to scar tissue or nerve damage.