Sagging tummy after a C-section: practical advice

After pregnancy, stretched skin may hang over the lower abdomen, particularly around a horizontal scar. The uterus, abdominal wall and connective tissues need time to recover, and reduced movement can affect muscle tone. Diastasis recti may cause a soft middle, back discomfort or a ridge when lifting the head. These changes are not determined by the scar’s appearance, and a physical examination is more useful than comparing your body with photographs.

Prioritise sleep where possible, regular fluids and meals that support healing. Walk gently, protect the incision from friction and follow restrictions on driving, lifting and bathing. When your clinician approves, retrain breathing, posture and the deep abdominal and pelvic-floor muscles before adding harder exercises. [Postnatal Physiotherapy](/treatments/pelvic-floor-and-rehabilitation/postnatal-physiotherapy/) may help identify movement patterns that strain the scar or pelvic floor. Avoid forcing a sit-up or using a tight garment if it causes pain or numbness.

Seek advice for increasing scar pain, spreading redness, warmth, discharge, wound separation or fever. Urgent assessment is needed for heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing or a painful swollen leg. A severe headache with vision changes or sudden swelling after birth warrants urgent care and may be related to [Pre-eclampsia](/conditions/pre-eclampsia/). Arrange a review for ongoing pain, a firm lump or bladder and bowel symptoms.

Ask whether the scar is healing normally, whether you have muscle separation, and which exercises match your current stage. Discuss pain, numbness, a bulge or pelvic symptoms specifically, and ask which [Caesarean Section](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/caesarean-section/) aftercare instructions apply to you.