If you’ve recently had or know that you are going to have a c-section. The idea that it is going to leave a permanent scar on your body may have you concerned. While scaring from your incision will differ from person to person, depending on how your body heals, there are steps you can take to help your body heal in the best way to help minimize any scaring.

Limit movement and stress

When you first get home the most important step is to relax take it easy and don’t put any stress on the incision. This means rest, limit movement and for heavens sake don’t do any heavy lifting or stretching. At first your belly is held together by surgical means, stitches, staples, steristrips etc., by limiting movement you help keep everything in place while your body has the chance to fuse everything back together. There are appropriate exercises to help strengthen your abdomen without putting to much pressure on it that your doctor can walk you through.

Keep it clean

The next important thing is to make sure you keep the wound clean. Infection can worsen the appearance of scarring once fully healed not to mention its dangerous for you so follow your doctors instructions on wound care. Though the wound may be itchy do not scratch at it. Scratching can remove any scabbing which is essential in the healing process and also can transfer bacteria which could lead to infection. Keeping the free from infection will go a long way in helping your body heal in the most desirable way.

Support your abdomen

Though you may be limiting your movement, you have a new baby to care for so eliminating all movement will be impossible. Coughing, sneezing and laughing can also put added pressure on your incision. Use a pillow to support your abdomen while walking and to help minimize the effects of these natural actions.

Creams and lotions

At first it is not recommended to use anything on your incision. Eventually your doctor may recommend an antibacterial such as Neosporin. Once the wound has fully closed and the doctor has cleared it, adding a stretch mark therapy lotion such as Elastin3 will be ok. Elastin3’s gentle formula will start to repair the scarred area in the same way it works to heal stretch marks that may surround it.