Does this mean I may not get my VBAC?

Hi just a quick question for all..

Last night when I was sleeping I was conscious of the fact that my c-section scar was aching... and this morning when I properly woke up, it was still achy and a bit sore. So I got up and went for a shower - and noticed in the mirror (once I lifted up my fat belly :rolleyes:) that my scar has raised up from where it was - like a cm or something - so now its more noticeable as its not in my.. uh.. pubic hair line anymore... and its also really red!!!!

So does this mean that since I think my belly has recently grown heaps - really quickly - that its beginning to strain my scar or is this normal?!?!? I was going to email my OB from work, but I've misplaced her business card so don't have the address!!! I'm going crazy!!!!!!

I'm just wanting to know if this is normal "scar behaviour" or if it means I won't get my VBAC? :(

Thanks

My scar didn't chnge throughout my pregnancy at all, so I'm not sure. It sounds a bit odd that it's moved position to me, so maybe check with your OB if all is ok. Have you had any other symptoms, bleeding, severe abdominal pain? Is bub still moving?

Nope no bleeding - bubs is going crazy most of the time, so I know its well...... no other abdominal pain to speak of really, just on and off cramps still and achy near scar..

The alteration of a scar, particularly one which affects all layers of the skin and underlying sinew, is not uncommon in my opinion where changes are going on adjacent to, or at, the location of the scar. Each person with a c-section scar will be different due to the uniqueness of your own body and the exact location of the scar in relation to your growth. Having a raised scar is pretty common in situations of increased growth and additional blood flow.

I think it's worth asking the professionals about, but I don't think you should be alarmed.

I agree with slyder it's pretty common to have some pain in your scar particularly as you start to grow.

Your scar would also rise up past your pubic line as your belly grows - kind of in the same way low lying placentas move away from the cervix on the inside as the uterus stretches it pulls them away...so it's the same kind of thing happening on the outside.

Definitely get it checked if it's bothering you but it shouldn't be a drama.

Thanks Slyder :D
I've emailed my OB so hopefully she will get back to me today and I won't need to stress anymore!!!!!

Mel.. honey id just keep a good eye on it. Hopefully your OB will get back to you asap and let you know whether to come in for a check up. Id even be tempted to give them a call or even the hospital. Not something you really want to risk if something serious is going on in there.
Remember you just have to do what is best for bubs and you.. even if at the end of the day you dont get your VBAC.. as long as you are both fine and healthy i think thats whats most important.

Wow I didn't know that it would move at all, you learn a new thing every day.

I feel the same way Sarah - I never knew it could move either.... :D

Kel - thanks :hug: Whilst I will be happy with a fine, healthy bub, I do want my VBAC and I will be disappointed if I don't get it, because I did this to myself - nobody else is to blame. And its on me to fix it and make it right.
But I know where you are coming from :hug:

Tobily - Thanks for the info :hug:

Oh sweety - I'm sure it will be fine - mine has been red and itchy already, plus when y ou think about how much our bellies grow and stretch throughhout pregnancy it is probably no wonder that it might move a bit. Good luck with it all :goodluck: and let us know what your ob says. :hug:

Hi Mel, did you hear back from your OB yesterday?
Is it just the superficial scar that is sore, or does your uterus feel sore where the scar is also? Perhaps it's just your skin stretching and all is fine below?
I hope your OB can confirm all is well :crossfingers:

Hey CM - nah, OB didn't get back to me by the time I had left work, and scar hasn't been hurting today. Not sure if it is hurting in the uterus ?? It was just painful in the scar area. I think I was more concerned because it changed colour and moved up!!!!

Tan - thanks hon.. you are always so supportive!!! :hug:

Have you been rubbing some cream on it to keep the skin as supple as you can down there? It may not hurt as much if it happens again.

Trillian - thanks for that advice :hug: I've been rubbing cream on it every night since and I haven't had a problem. It must of been growing pains..

Thanks to all !!!

My Scar did not move but boy was it painful until Quinn turned at about 30 weeks. Every time he kicked it felt like he was scraping my scar with his toenails.
I was really worried but my Dr wasn't concerned and my labour was quick and relatively easy.

Melissa

My OB emailed me back - my email got lost in her junk email for some reason. Thought I would update just incase anyone else has the same concerns for their scar :D

"I have no idea why your scar would be behaving odd like this! It may be that it has become looser over the underlying muscles and that's why it seems to have moved. The skin scar is COMPLETELY unrelated to the uterine scar. You'll VBAC beautifully when the time comes I'm sure."


God I love her.... She is SOOO supportive. :D

That is awesome news hun! Now you can relax and focus on that VBAC coming up in a few weeks time and meeting your lil' bubby! :hooray: I just keep telling myself too that it is just a birth, that's it - no different to what thousands of women do every day that I worry about it!!! You will be FABULOUS!!

Thanks Tan - you're a sweetheart :hug:

I'll be supporting you all the way when its time for you to pop bubs out.. :cryinglaugh:

My OB is just so great - she is also one of the only ones on the coast here that support vag breech births - amazing.. she is just sooooo good....

Ahh god I'm feelin lucky today :D

Oooh and btw - may be TMI but I had a clump of mucous today when going to the loo - ooooh... things are getting ready.... :D