How long does the wound take to be reasonably healed?

[Claire300]

I only had my section 6 days ago, but would like to know what I should expect!

I had staples (19 of them!) and they were removed yesterday. My scar is very sore and angry looking, and has a little overlap of skin that I'm hoping will go soon. I also still very much have a (not so..) sexy baby belly with a bit of an overhang so that especially when I'm sitting down (let's face it, it's most of the day!) it's covering the wound so it's also very 'gunky'. I went to the doctors today to check there's no infection - there wasn't - so I'm just trying to keep it clean & dry and putting gauze over it.

How long roughly will I have to be concerned with the incision? Am feeling fine other than this, apart from a bit tender on the tummy. I'm looking forward to not thinking about it all the time!

Oh, and when will I be able to wear jeans etc again? Keen to get back into normal clothes, although I've resigned myself to wearing my maternity leggings for a while yet!!!

 

[Bernie16]

I had my stitches removed at 5 and 7 days. I cleaned my wound every night before bed with a baby wipe then dried it off with some tissue. I did this four around 3 weeks just to be on the safe side. My son is now 17 weeks old. I still have overhang (but I was overweight before). Some days my scar looks a little red and I have recently started cleaning it at night again just to be on the safe side, but although I was in agony for the first couple of weeks when I did things I shouldn't, I was driving again at 2 weeks and other than anything strenuous I was back to normal by then. I had aches and pains for weeks and bled for 7 weeks. I was back to pre-pregnancy weight at about 9 weeks but I did lose a stone and a half overnight when I had him! I know my shape had changed completely and nothing I wore on the bottom half before pregnancy fitted but things are a lot better now, although I am still afraid to try some stuff on in case it still doesnt fit! xx

 

[biliboi2]

Ohh I thought you werent covered by your car insurance to drive before 6 weeks?

 

[Arisa]

Rest assured you will be able to wear jeans again. I was trying on clothes and brought a pair of post partum jeans last week. For me it took until the eighth week to feel normal again and it does not hurt now to pick up baby or other things, i just cannot pick up really heavy loads of washing or do vaccuming yet and i have to wait until the end of September to go to the gym but most women wait three months before doing strenuous exercise although walking and swimming is fine at six to eight weeks PP

I did not have staples so I do not know how long it will take in regards to healing from them but the overall c section recovery for me was eight weeks, i am in week ten now well coming up to week ten and feel okay, except for the stretch marks, saggy tummy and post partum body but thats to be expected after any birth :/

 

[TheSmpsns]

I am 2 weeks post-surgery. I had my staples removed at 7 days, and had a draining seroma (Fluid filled pocket) in my incision. I have gauze on it daily and have changed it several times a day. Mine is pretty much healed now. I go in for a recheck with the doc tomorrow. I have had DH dry and clean the incision because I have some belly overhang, so I have to hold it up while he cleans/dries the incision. So far it has worked well, and is pretty much healed up.

 

[miss cakes]

id say 6wks ish is when you stop constantly worrying about it and your be back in jeans without panicking your stomach is gonna fall apart lol x

 

[helena]

In 10 days I was walking and pushing push chair. Can't remember about jeans but I agree you shouldn't drive for 6 weeks insurance wise though I know I felt fine to 2 or 3 weeks after the op.

 

[sapphire20]

I'm 2 weeks PP and feel pretty good, been out and about with pram, still a bit achy about my incision but it looks like it's healing well! Just don't over do it and you will be fine, I still have a rounded belly, hoping it goes soon, wearing maternity jeans still and big pants as don't want anything sitting on my incision! Just remember you may feel like you can do more but don't push yourself as it was a major operation you have been through

 

[havingmyfirst]

I'm 3 weeks post emergency C Section - I'm not worrying about scar anymore although I'm still very bruised and although I am back to pre-pregnancy weight I should still ideally lose some more so I have a tummy which feels tender. Not back into jeans yet - but right now I would feel very uncomfortable with anything tight on my tummy or scar.

 

[Monkey monkey]

My scar feels loads better 3 weeks 2 days after, just feels a bit bruised but otherwise ok. I was lucky as had disolvable stitches.

I still have a bit of a baby belly too although is loads better than week one. Looking forward to being able to do some proper exercise!!