When it comes to C-section scars a lot of women have questions, how will the C-section scar look when it's healed, how fast they'll heal and other such questions about C-section scar. Also the question of when you are start taking a proper bath after a C-section may also abound all of which are answered in this article.
1. Is it possible to have a VBAC with these previous scars?
The type of uterine incision you had will determine if you can go through a vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC), talk to your surgeon about the kind of uterine incision and if it's possible to give birth vaginally in the future. Some uterine incisions poses risk during VBAC for example, if your incision is extended.
2. What types of material are used to seal a C-section incision?
Doctors use sutures or stitches, staples, or glue depending on your body. Usually doctors prefer skin stapler with metal staples since it's faster and easier.
Stitches is done with needle and thread and although it takes more time (about 30 minutes) experts believe it's better than staples or glue because it's believed to have lesser complications than the others.
Surgical glue layered on with a transparent dressing can also be used, it heals fast and leave little visible scar. But your body fat, abdominal skin and other factors will determine if your doctor can use it.
3. What to do if I feel pain at the Cesarean scar?
Speak to your doctor if you notice swelling, redness, or experience extreme or worse pain or you see pus coming out of the incision area, it could be a sign of infection and you have to treat it immediately.
4. Is it normal for the Cesarean scar to be itching
Itching after a C-section is quite normal but when it itch, don't scratch as you might hurt yourself, cause it to be infected or prevent the scar from healing properly. You can hold a pillow tightly over the scar to stop feeling the itching.
5. Is it normal for the scar to smell?
Nope! If it smells, it's a sign that it's not healing properly or it's infected. Talk to your doctor ASAP.
6. How soon should the C-section scar heal?
That depends on you and how nutritious the food you eat are, for the first few weeks the healing should be rapid but as time goes on, the healing pace will reduce and you'll notice less changes, it's still healing though.
7. How do you help the scars to heal?
If at all you want to take our bath, don't let water touch the scar, although you still need to keep the incision area clean. For this you need to ask your doctor for advice, if you can use antibacterial ointment or petroleum jelly on the incision area.
Avoid wearing tight clothes. Let the area get some air to promote healing and do not start exercising until your doctor says go. Move around but gently so as to allow blood circulation and prevent blood clot.
8. How can I minimize scarring?
Talk to your doctor, he might give you options such as the application of silicone sheeting, silicon gels or creams, also you need to limit the exposure to direct sunlight which may cause the incision area to get darker.