Itchy stomach after a C-section

As the incision heals, skin may feel tight, numb, tingly, or itchy. Adhesive, antiseptic, sweat, and friction from clothing can also irritate the surface. Itching around a closed incision is different from itching with spreading redness, warmth, swelling, discharge, or wound separation, which can point to infection or another complication.

Generalised itching, especially with a rash, can relate to a medicine or pregnancy-related condition. Severe headache, vision changes, pain beneath the ribs, sudden swelling, or feeling unwell can occur with pre-eclampsia and require prompt medical advice, including after birth.

Keep the incision clean and dry as instructed by your maternity team. Wear loose, breathable clothing and avoid scratching, rubbing, or applying creams directly to the wound unless advised. Do not peel off adhesive or disturb a dressing without guidance. Ask before taking an antihistamine or using a new product, particularly while breastfeeding.

Contact your maternity team promptly for increasing pain, redness, warmth, swelling, pus, a bad smell, fever, wound opening, or bleeding. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, severe headache, vision changes, fainting, or a seizure. These symptoms need timely assessment rather than home treatment.

Ask whether the wound looks as expected, whether a dressing or medicine could be causing the itch, and which products are safe while breastfeeding. Ask how to protect the incision during washing and movement, and when postnatal physiotherapy is suitable.