Tummy swelling after a C-section

After a caesarean section, the abdominal wall and deeper tissues need time to heal. Reduced activity, constipation, trapped gas, and normal postpartum fluid changes can make the tummy feel full or swollen. The area around the incision may feel firm, numb, tight, or tender as healing progresses.

Swelling should not steadily worsen or be accompanied by marked illness. A bulge near the scar, a fluid collection, infection, bleeding, or another postpartum problem may need examination.

Follow the discharge instructions, walk gently as advised, drink fluids, and use recommended measures for constipation. Support the wound when coughing and avoid lifting or strenuous activity until your maternity team says it is suitable. Keep the incision clean and dry as instructed.

Postnatal physiotherapy can help with movement, abdominal recovery, and pelvic-floor rehabilitation when medically appropriate. Do not massage the scar or begin demanding exercises without guidance.

Contact your maternity team promptly for increasing swelling, severe or escalating pain, fever, wound redness, warmth, pus, opening, heavy bleeding, persistent vomiting, or inability to pass urine or stool. Seek emergency help for chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, confusion, or one-sided leg swelling and pain.

Ask whether the swelling and scar feel are expected, how to manage constipation, which activities are safe now, when physiotherapy may help, and which wound or general symptoms should trigger urgent review.