Difference between c-section stomach and any other stomach?
jemhh
Posts: 14,261 Member
This is something I see posted fairly frequently--Do any other moms have a c-section belly? How do I get rid of it? Every time I see those posts, I wonder what is the significance of having had a c-section as far as losing weight and shrinking it goes? By that I mean, how is a c-section stomach any different than any other fat (or formerly fat) stomach? I've tried looking at pictures online and the only difference I see is when there was a vertical cut rather than a horizontal cut. Is that it?
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I have had 2 C-sections and my stomach looks perfectly normal. However, my abdominal wall was very strong to begin with. They cut through your muscles when they do a C-section and it takes work to gain the strength back. For people who didn't do regular ab work prior to surgery, it can take a while and many have a "pooch" above the scar that they have trouble getting rid of.0
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Too fat to personally say, but I figure it's what @jvs125 said. They cut through muscle and sew it back up, so I'm guessing it's harder to get back into shape.
ETA: I only hold this as a hypothesis. I don't know if there is a legit reason.0 -
I don't think there is one apart from the fact that the scar that is low down pulls the skin tight so that it is easy to get a pooch overhang if you have excess bodyfat ..kind of like a muffin top over too tight trousers I think0
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The muscular recovery makes sense. I keep thinking just about the appearance aspect. I kept finding images like this one, which is pretty much what I see when I look in the mirror and I didn't have a c-section. But the muscle aspect makes sense.0
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Thanks for asking this because I've always wondered that, too. I had a C-section 25 years ago and never noticed a difference from the way that area looked, other than the scar, but my situation was similar to jvs125. I was in good shape and a healthy weight both before and after so there was nothing to hang over and my muscle tone was already good.0
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^^^ This, plus the fact that the scar goes through all the layers of tissue, so everything is usually stuck together at that point right on through the abdominal wall. Some women don't have much of a problem because regular movement helps break down the scar tissue between the layers, but others have horrible pinching pain any time they move and it pulls on that scar tissue because the skin is tacked down in place. It really depends on how the woman heals/scars, and to a certain degree how low the scar is (mine is too low to make a pooch, but several of my friends have significantly higher scars).I don't think there is one apart from the fact that the scar that is low down pulls the skin tight so that it is easy to get a pooch overhang if you have excess bodyfat ..kind of like a muffin top over too tight trousers I think0 -
There you go. That's what I'm currently stuck with. I've still got a long way to go in terms of my stomach but mine has always hung over since having a section 10 years ago. My stomach muscles at the bottom are shot. No feeling there either. So there you go
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Kind of threadjack, but related...
I'm childless, but I have C-section hips. Meaning that if hubs and I do ever have a sprog, that's going to be its only option for egress.
Based on what @jvs125 said, am I correct in understanding that having strong abdominal muscles in advance of the pregnancy is advantageous for recovery post-surgery? Like, I might want to do some extra core work with that in mind?
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Sorry if my belly puts anyone off their dinner by the way. Just wanted to show you what it can look like.0
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NobodyPutsAmyInTheCorner wrote: »Sorry if my belly puts anyone off their dinner by the way. Just wanted to show you what it can look like.
You're a Mom. You went through all that just for your kid. That's not ugly, that's love.
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NobodyPutsAmyInTheCorner wrote: »Sorry if my belly puts anyone off their dinner by the way. Just wanted to show you what it can look like.
No, don't apologize. That was actually really useful. I can see that the spot where your skin folds over is higher than where the fold starts on my body. Is the numbness bothersome or do you get used to it?0 -
PeachyPlum wrote: »NobodyPutsAmyInTheCorner wrote: »Sorry if my belly puts anyone off their dinner by the way. Just wanted to show you what it can look like.
You're a Mom. You went through all that just for your kid. That's not ugly, that's love.
I'll be honest. I had a rough birth. Emergency section and was left with internal bleeding for 8 days before they realised. I was not well
but he was worth it 0 -
This is something I see posted fairly frequently--Do any other moms have a c-section belly? How do I get rid of it? Every time I see those posts, I wonder what is the significance of having had a c-section as far as losing weight and shrinking it goes? By that I mean, how is a c-section stomach any different than any other fat (or formerly fat) stomach? I've tried looking at pictures online and the only difference I see is when there was a vertical cut rather than a horizontal cut. Is that it?
I'm really confused by your vertical cut vs horizontal cut comment. The only mothers who have a cut at all are those who had a c-section. If you didn't have a c-section, there isn't any cut at all....did you mean something else?0 -
I have had two c-sections. I was in good shape before pregnancy and also did not gain more than the recommended amount of weight each time. I lost weight pretty quickly after pregnancy, so my body was able to recover from the surgery pretty quick too.
@peachyplum - I would just keep doing what your doing. Any extra core work would be great, but I also think being within a healthy weight range before , during (healthy weight for being pregnant) and after pregnancy can help.0 -
Sorry--doesn't mean a thing. There are little women with skinny hips who have kids naturally and easily, and then tall women with large hips (bone structure), like me, who had to have 3 c-sections starting at 30. It's a crap shoot dear. You don't know til you get there. I hope you will be lucky. Best.PeachyPlum wrote: »Kind of threadjack, but related...
I'm childless, but I have C-section hips. Meaning that if hubs and I do ever have a sprog, that's going to be its only option for egress.
Based on what @jvs125 said, am I correct in understanding that having strong abdominal muscles in advance of the pregnancy is advantageous for recovery post-surgery? Like, I might want to do some extra core work with that in mind?
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But any way, I agree with others...it doesn't make a difference with losing fat, but yes certainly having my stomach sliced open (twice) makes muscle repair challenging. The first time around, I couldn't even stand up straight for a couple days. The 2nd time I was up on my feet and doing much better faster, so perhaps I had tightened my muscles during the 3 years in between my 2 kids' birth?0
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NobodyPutsAmyInTheCorner wrote: »Sorry if my belly puts anyone off their dinner by the way. Just wanted to show you what it can look like.
It was a generous thing to do. (Not at all off-putting.)0 -
As for the OP. As I mentioned above, with 3 C-sections, those muscles were cut 3 times. Is it harder to lose the belly after that? I think so. Not impossible though, but I felt the numbness and tingling for over 2 years--after every one, and the last at almost 40, well let's just say I'm happy with what I was able to do, and my scar is real low. 0
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This is something I see posted fairly frequently--Do any other moms have a c-section belly? How do I get rid of it? Every time I see those posts, I wonder what is the significance of having had a c-section as far as losing weight and shrinking it goes? By that I mean, how is a c-section stomach any different than any other fat (or formerly fat) stomach? I've tried looking at pictures online and the only difference I see is when there was a vertical cut rather than a horizontal cut. Is that it?
I'm really confused by your vertical cut vs horizontal cut comment. The only mothers who have a cut at all are those who had a c-section. If you didn't have a c-section, there isn't any cut at all....did you mean something else?
I was looking at pictures of women who had c-sections and the only time I saw differences was when the women had vertical incisions as opposed to horizontal incisions. In other words, the stomachs of women who had horizontal incisions looked the same to me as the stomachs of women who had vaginal births (and some who have never had a child) while the stomach of those who had vertical incisions looked different from the stomachs of those who had vaginal births (and some who have never had a child.)0 -
PeachyPlum wrote: »Kind of threadjack, but related...
I'm childless, but I have C-section hips. Meaning that if hubs and I do ever have a sprog, that's going to be its only option for egress.
Based on what @jvs125 said, am I correct in understanding that having strong abdominal muscles in advance of the pregnancy is advantageous for recovery post-surgery? Like, I might want to do some extra core work with that in mind?
How do you know you have csection hips? It's what's on the inside that counts. I have very narrow hips and had 4 children one of whom weighed 9lbs 11 oz naturally.0 -
PeachyPlum wrote: »Kind of threadjack, but related...
I'm childless, but I have C-section hips. Meaning that if hubs and I do ever have a sprog, that's going to be its only option for egress.
Based on what @jvs125 said, am I correct in understanding that having strong abdominal muscles in advance of the pregnancy is advantageous for recovery post-surgery? Like, I might want to do some extra core work with that in mind?
How do you know you have csection hips? It's what's on the inside that counts. I have very narrow hips and had 4 children one of whom weighed 9lbs 11 oz naturally.
I guess I don't know that for sure, that's just what three different doctors have told me will likely be necessary. In the absence of evidence to the contrary, I figure it's wise to adjust my expectations accordingly.0 -
This is something I see posted fairly frequently--Do any other moms have a c-section belly? How do I get rid of it? Every time I see those posts, I wonder what is the significance of having had a c-section as far as losing weight and shrinking it goes? By that I mean, how is a c-section stomach any different than any other fat (or formerly fat) stomach? I've tried looking at pictures online and the only difference I see is when there was a vertical cut rather than a horizontal cut. Is that it?
I'm really confused by your vertical cut vs horizontal cut comment. The only mothers who have a cut at all are those who had a c-section. If you didn't have a c-section, there isn't any cut at all....did you mean something else?
I was looking at pictures of women who had c-sections and the only time I saw differences was when the women had vertical incisions as opposed to horizontal incisions. In other words, the stomachs of women who had horizontal incisions looked the same to me as the stomachs of women who had vaginal births (and some who have never had a child) while the stomach of those who had vertical incisions looked different from the stomachs of those who had vaginal births (and some who have never had a child.)
I don't know anyone with a horizontal cut from a c-section. Most are vertical (including mine). So it makes sense that you're seeing that the vertical incision stomachs look different than all other stomachs as this is much more representative of a c-section.
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This is something I see posted fairly frequently--Do any other moms have a c-section belly? How do I get rid of it? Every time I see those posts, I wonder what is the significance of having had a c-section as far as losing weight and shrinking it goes? By that I mean, how is a c-section stomach any different than any other fat (or formerly fat) stomach? I've tried looking at pictures online and the only difference I see is when there was a vertical cut rather than a horizontal cut. Is that it?
I'm really confused by your vertical cut vs horizontal cut comment. The only mothers who have a cut at all are those who had a c-section. If you didn't have a c-section, there isn't any cut at all....did you mean something else?
I was looking at pictures of women who had c-sections and the only time I saw differences was when the women had vertical incisions as opposed to horizontal incisions. In other words, the stomachs of women who had horizontal incisions looked the same to me as the stomachs of women who had vaginal births (and some who have never had a child) while the stomach of those who had vertical incisions looked different from the stomachs of those who had vaginal births (and some who have never had a child.)
I don't know anyone with a horizontal cut from a c-section. Most are vertical (including mine). So it makes sense that you're seeing that the vertical incision stomachs look different than all other stomachs as this is much more representative of a c-section.
Oh wait, wrong way. Most are HORIZONTAL (including mine). I have no idea what's the deal with a vertical incision--sounds horrible).0 -
They don't cut the muscles during a cs. Bogey cut the fascia between the two halves of the rectus abdominus and retract them. They sew that back together. They do not cut any muscle fibres or into the muscle belly. Any pregnancy regardless of delivery method does a number on your core and requires a lot of rehab. The tethering due to scar tissue causes the shelf but the muscles are not cut.0
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Bogey should be "the OB" darn autocorrect0
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I think a long time ago they used to do vertical c-sections. The majority of c-sections now are horizontal.0
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I didn't know the muscles weren't cut. Regardless, the pain of just sitting up, or even LAUGHING tells me something. Certainly by now (my youngest is 3), this shouldn't be a factor anymore. But I can see how a new mom would struggle with her stomach. Or maybe it's different for everyone.0
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This is something I see posted fairly frequently--Do any other moms have a c-section belly? How do I get rid of it? Every time I see those posts, I wonder what is the significance of having had a c-section as far as losing weight and shrinking it goes? By that I mean, how is a c-section stomach any different than any other fat (or formerly fat) stomach? I've tried looking at pictures online and the only difference I see is when there was a vertical cut rather than a horizontal cut. Is that it?
I'm really confused by your vertical cut vs horizontal cut comment. The only mothers who have a cut at all are those who had a c-section. If you didn't have a c-section, there isn't any cut at all....did you mean something else?
I was looking at pictures of women who had c-sections and the only time I saw differences was when the women had vertical incisions as opposed to horizontal incisions. In other words, the stomachs of women who had horizontal incisions looked the same to me as the stomachs of women who had vaginal births (and some who have never had a child) while the stomach of those who had vertical incisions looked different from the stomachs of those who had vaginal births (and some who have never had a child.)
I don't know anyone with a horizontal cut from a c-section. Most are vertical (including mine). So it makes sense that you're seeing that the vertical incision stomachs look different than all other stomachs as this is much more representative of a c-section.
Oh wait, wrong way. Most are HORIZONTAL (including mine). I have no idea what's the deal with a vertical incision--sounds horrible).
They are used (or at least were used) in emergencies. My mother had one (she nicknamed it her zipper) because she had undiagnosed pre-e and started hemmoraging. I needed to come out immediately.
My section was horizontal. Kid needed to get out, but we had a few hours (properly diagnosed pre-e!)0 -
This is something I see posted fairly frequently--Do any other moms have a c-section belly? How do I get rid of it? Every time I see those posts, I wonder what is the significance of having had a c-section as far as losing weight and shrinking it goes? By that I mean, how is a c-section stomach any different than any other fat (or formerly fat) stomach? I've tried looking at pictures online and the only difference I see is when there was a vertical cut rather than a horizontal cut. Is that it?
I'm really confused by your vertical cut vs horizontal cut comment. The only mothers who have a cut at all are those who had a c-section. If you didn't have a c-section, there isn't any cut at all....did you mean something else?
I was looking at pictures of women who had c-sections and the only time I saw differences was when the women had vertical incisions as opposed to horizontal incisions. In other words, the stomachs of women who had horizontal incisions looked the same to me as the stomachs of women who had vaginal births (and some who have never had a child) while the stomach of those who had vertical incisions looked different from the stomachs of those who had vaginal births (and some who have never had a child.)
I don't know anyone with a horizontal cut from a c-section. Most are vertical (including mine). So it makes sense that you're seeing that the vertical incision stomachs look different than all other stomachs as this is much more representative of a c-section.
Oh wait, wrong way. Most are HORIZONTAL (including mine). I have no idea what's the deal with a vertical incision--sounds horrible).
Vertical incisions are far more likely in the case of emergency sections ...quickest entry and egress0 -
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