#AskTheExpert
Dear Expert..
It has been 4 months 12days to my c-section. I feel pain in my stomach many times just above my stitches. What could be the reason behind it?
Thanks for your valuable time.

Question

#AskTheExpert 
Dear Expert..
It has been 4 months 12days to my c-section. I feel pain in my stomach many times just above my stitches. What could be the reason behind it?
Thanks for your valuable time.

Accepted Answer

it is very common that post cesarean section there will be pain at the incision site or around it for at least 2 to 3 weeks and sometimes 4 weeks.
but if there is sudden increasing pain then you will have to rule out local infection which might be present at the incision site. it is advisable to meet the doctor and apply any local antibacterial cream if there is any discharge from the incision site.x
you can take tablet paracetamol 650 mg for pain has well has fever.

Accepted Answer

It's not uncommon to experience some discomfort or pain in the area around your C-section incision even months after the surgery. Here are some possible reasons for the pain you're feeling just above your stitches:

### 1. **Scar Tissue Formation:**
   - **Adhesions**: Scar tissue, also known as adhesions, can form as your body heals after surgery. These adhesions can sometimes cause discomfort or pain, especially if they involve deeper tissues.
   - **Nerve Healing**: Nerves that were cut during the surgery are healing, and this can sometimes cause sharp or burning pain.

### 2. **Muscle Strain:**
   - **Weakened Abdominal Muscles**: Your abdominal muscles were stretched and affected by the surgery. It takes time for them to regain strength, and overexertion can cause pain.
   - **Post-Surgical Exercises**: If you've started doing exercises to strengthen your core or return to physical activity, you may experience some discomfort as your muscles adjust.

### 3. **Infection:**
   - **Localized Infection**: Although less common after several months, there could be a low-grade infection in or around the incision site. Look for signs like redness, warmth, or discharge from the area.
   - **Internal Infection**: Sometimes, an internal infection could develop around the uterus or the abdominal area, which could cause pain.

### 4. **Hernia:**
   - **Incisional Hernia**: In rare cases, a hernia can develop at the site of the incision. This occurs when a part of the intestine or abdominal tissue pushes through the weakened area of the abdominal wall.

### 5. **Endometriosis:**
   - **Endometrial Tissue**: In some cases, endometrial tissue (which normally lines the uterus) can grow on the scar tissue, causing pain, especially around your menstrual cycle.

### 6. **Nerve Entrapment:**
   - **Nerve Pain**: Sometimes nerves can get trapped in the scar tissue, leading to persistent pain in the area of the incision.

### 7. **Normal Healing Process:**
   - **Ongoing Healing**: The healing process can take months, and some tenderness or discomfort might just be part of normal healing, especially when the area is touched or under pressure.

### What You Should Do:
1. **Monitor the Pain**:
   - Keep track of when the pain occurs, its intensity, and any specific activities that seem to trigger it.

2. **Look for Signs of Infection**:
   - Check for any redness, swelling, discharge, or fever, which might indicate an infection.

3. **Avoid Heavy Lifting**:
   - Avoid heavy lifting or activities that might strain your abdominal muscles, as this could exacerbate the pain.

4. **Consult Your Doctor**:
   - It's important to discuss this pain with your doctor, especially if it persists or worsens. They may recommend an ultrasound or physical examination to rule out any complications like hernia or infection.

5. **Pain Management**:
   - If the pain is mild and your doctor has ruled out serious issues, they may suggest pain relief options like over-the-counter painkillers or specific exercises to strengthen your core muscles gently.

Your healthcare provider can provide a thorough evaluation to ensure that there are no underlying complications and offer appropriate treatment or reassurance based on your symptoms.

#AskTheExpert Dear Expert.. It has been 4 months 12days to my c-section. I feel pain in my stomach many times just above my stitches. What could be the reason behind it? Thanks for your valuable time.