Pain like a bruise on stomach 3 weeks after c-section

I had a c-section three weeks ago (unsuccessful VBAC), and feel like I am recovering really well. The only thing is I have an area on my stomach on right (level with belly button) which feels like it is bruised (it is nowhere near my scar) but no outward sign of a bruise. Before the birth it was very tender in exactly the same spot. Could it just be like a bruise from where DS's foot or something was sticking me? Or any ideas if I should get it checked out?

I have bad stomach muscle separation and am seeing a physio about, but I had muscle separation last time and didn't get this sort of sensation (more tugging round scar area last time). Will ask the physio about it on Monday but just wondered if anyone had experienced something similar?

It isn't so bad I need pain medication for, is more annoying than anything and makes wearing certain clothes difficult if the waist falls on the 'bruised' bit.

:hug: I remember having similar pains hun and I think the thing is that the whole stomach has been through mega trauma with a c/s. If you had it beforehand as well, maybe a muscle was damaged or something like that? Although it was 3 weeks ago, you may have pulled a muscle or something, or it could just still be muscles moving back and healing after the surgery. Does it feel muscular? Have you been doing more than you should be because you feel ok?! I did that a few times - even things like lifting your arms up high above your head can cause it. I also had a 6cm muscle separation so just be careful with what you are doing and if it seems to get worse then maybe call your hospital.

ETA: Just realised how unhelpful my post was :rofl: Hope someone who has a clue pops in soon for you, and in the meantime I might call it a night! oxoxo

Sorry hun, my c/s feels like a lifetime ago and i can't remember if i had that..... i agree with tanstar though, it's a horribly hard operation on our bellys! Anyway :hug: and i hope it gets better soon xxxxx

Hi, hun

There was a thread a little while ago regarding the possibility during pregnancy of getting separated tummy muscles, and I recall telling the poster not to worry about it because it completely doesn't hurt, etc etc etc ...

But then quite a few other posters said that theirs had hurt quite badly - so could it be that you have separation again, but this time it hurts?

Wondering whether as it can be different for different mummas, maybe it can also be different for the same mumma over different pregnancies ... ?

Whatever it is, I hope it settles soon :hug:

I posted in the pregnancy section about almost the exact same thing just 2 days ago! I have never had a c-section but I am 38 weeks pregnant with my second and for the last few days I have had a very sore spot on my bump, and the only way I can describe the pain is that I feel like I have hit myself and I am bruised. But there is no sign of a bruise or anything on the skin.
I wonder what it could be, I think you should go and get it checked out and then let me know as well! When I called the midwife she said it sounded muscular and as long as baby was moving around fine and I wasn't too uncomfortable then I shouldn't worry...like you it is more annoying than anything, although it is a bit sore and painful as well.

I had a physio check me and said my stomach muscles were not separated, but I had the same thing. Felt bruised from c section cut to belly button, for about 6 weeks at least. Had to wear harry high pants or hipsters, as anything touching that area hurt. Is totally fine now 4mths on :)

Thanks for the replies. Will see what physio says. Just glad haven't had any replies saying "that is really bad see your doc immediately!"

SiarasMummy - Yes I saw your post, and was going to comment but I couldn't find it when I had time to reply - but my pain is exactly like you describe - feels just like a bruise does and is quite a small spot. I never mentioned it to midwife or anything when pregnant though - always seemed to forget at appointments - if they ever touched that bit when checking position it really hurt though!

Tanstar - All replies are helpfu. My separation was 6cm this time too - last time only 5! Hopefully it will heal as well as last time.

Oh well, if may take a while, I will have to go buy some more high waisted leggings I suppose!

Just wanting to know how you got on - did you find out what it is? Mine is still bothering me, I'm 40 weeks tomorrow. I mentioned it to my OB and he kinda just dismissed it as something to do with a ligament or muscle so I have just been putting up with it. Although tonight I was leaning over so my Hubby could give me a back rub and when I went to stand up straight I felt ssoooooo much pain, it was like a burning sensation in the spot that has been bothering me, it felt like something ripped inside. It was hurting for a good few mins but feels better now, apart from if I lean over or bend down. It's so annoying that you can't see it from the outside, it would be easier to explain to someone if they could see it!

Hi - Physio said it sounds like pain from the muscle being so stretched, and when pregnant was from the muscles stretching. I am weaker on the side where the pain is worst so it makes sense. It has felt better this week though still there but not as tender. Hope you have your baby soon and start to get some relief - I think the sharp pains were more when I was pregnant and now is more like just a sore spot when I touch it.

My stomach muscles were only 3cm separated at worst, at 4 weeks so they are getting better slowly, I have more exercises to do and see physio again in a few weeks.