C-Section Scar Care: Healing, Pain and Signs of Infection

In the shower, ten days after the birth, you finally dare to look. A red line, a little swollen, just above the pubic bone. The skin around it feels almost nothing, and yet it itches. The c-section scar raises many questions, often asked too late, once you are back home.

In Morocco, the question concerns many women. In an opinion piece published by TelQuel in 2026, a gynaecologist cites CNOPS data: in the private sector, the share of caesareans reportedly rose from 35% in 2006 to 61% in 2017, figures he considers cannot be extrapolated to the whole private sector. How the operation goes and the recovery are detailed in our article on caesarean birth. Here, we focus on the scar: how to care for it, what you may feel, and what should worry you.

What does a caesarean scar look like?

Most often it is a horizontal incision of 10 to 20 cm, just above the pubic hair, according to the NHS. A vertical incision, below the navel, is rarer. The wound is closed with stitches that dissolve on their own, with stitches to be removed or with staples, often covered by small adhesive strips.

Before leaving the maternity unit, ask what was used: it determines whether you need to come back for removal. Red and visible at first, the scar fades with time. On olive or darker skin, the NHS specifies, it can leave a darker or paler mark.

Care, week by week

These reference points come from the Ottawa Hospital, the MSD Manual, the NHS and Naître et grandir. Timings vary between teams: follow your maternity unit's instructions first.

The shower, every day

The Ottawa Hospital sums up home care in a few steps:

1. Wash the scar with water and mild soap in the shower, without rubbing.
2. Rinse well.
3. Dry completely, patting with a clean towel, before dressing.
4. Let the strips fall off on their own.

No antiseptic or cream is needed on a wound that is healing well. Wear loose or high-waisted clothes, and cotton briefs that do not rub on the incision, advises the NHS.

Pain, itching, numbness: what is normal

Pain is significant in the first days and gradually lessens. According to Naître et grandir, painkillers may be needed for one to two weeks. The Ottawa Hospital adds that period-like cramps are normal: these are afterpains, which also affect women who had a caesarean. The choice of a painkiller compatible with breastfeeding is up to the doctor or pharmacist.

Numbness of the skin around the scar is common. How long it lasts varies from woman to woman, notes the Mieux vivre guide. Sensation returns slowly.

Itching is part of healing, even once the wound has closed. Do not scratch.

Bruises, slight redness, a little swelling and a little clear, odourless fluid are also normal, according to Naître et grandir and the Ottawa Hospital.

Getting up, coughing, sneezing pulls on the scar. Press a cushion against your belly, and to get out of bed, turn onto your side first and then push up on your arms. Do not strain on the toilet: our article on constipation and haemorrhoids after baby gives the right reflexes.

Scar massage: when and how?

From six weeks, once the wound is well closed and free of scabs, Naître et grandir advises massaging the scar every day for five minutes. Make small circles with the pads of your fingers, on either side of the scar, without pulling it apart. The aim is to soften the area gently.

A neutral oil or cream makes the movement more pleasant. None makes a scar disappear: it is the massage that counts, and time. Avoid massaging an area that is still bright red, weeping or painful.

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Lifting, driving, exercise: the timelines

• Lifting: nothing heavier than your baby for about six weeks. The Ottawa Hospital sets the limit at 4.5 kg and lists the car seat among loads to hand to someone else. Water jugs, shopping and your older child on your hip will have to wait.
• Walking: yes, from the first days and a little more each day. Moving helps recovery and limits the risk of clots, remind the NHS and the Mieux vivre guide.
• Driving: not until you can brake suddenly without hesitating, nor if your painkillers make you drowsy. Naître et grandir speaks of four weeks, the NHS of about six.
• Exercise: Assurance Maladie places the return around 8 to 10 weeks after a caesarean, after medical advice. Details are in our article on getting back to exercise after baby.

A postpartum belt can ease the first days, but it does not flatten the belly: see our article on the belly after childbirth.

How to recognise an infected scar

Infection shows as spreading redness, skin that is hot, swollen or hard, pain that increases instead of decreasing, and a discharge that changes: heavier, yellow or green, foul-smelling. Fever and chills sometimes follow. More rarely, the wound opens or starts bleeding again.

Smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, significant overweight or a previous infection raise the risk, notes the Ottawa Hospital. An infection caught early is easily treated: do not wait for the postnatal check. The other postpartum emergencies, such as phlebitis, are gathered in our article on complications after childbirth.