“Mum, what’s that?” My three-year-old’s tiny fingers traced the line across my stomach as I stepped into the shower. My c-section scar—so defining, yet so rarely seen.

C-sections are often misunderstood—the ‘easy option,’ as if major surgery could ever be that. No water birth photos, no quiet applause for going drug-free. Just a scar—and a bag of painkillers. Yet, according to Tommy's, one in four UK births happen this way.

After a traumatic first birth, I’d clung to the idea of a water birth for our second son— a birthing experience that was calm; something healing. So when complications forced me down the c-section route, I cried for days.

Was I grieving the birth I didn’t have (again)? Yes. Did I feel like my body had let me down? Absolutely.

But in that theatre, as I watched my son lifted above the drapes, those fears—those expectations—they just... vanished.

In the months after, I realised that scar? Well, it's proof of what I’d do to bring our baby safely into the world. Seven layers of tissue, peeled back and stitched together again. Proof of strength I didn’t know I had.

The further we get from those early newborn days, the less that scar feels like my story. It’s just a small part of something so much bigger.

More and more mums are taking to social media, sharing their scars with pride; pushing back against the outdated idea that a c-section is the ‘easy way out.’ They’re not just lines on skin—they’re symbols of love, resilience, and the things we’d do for our babies. Just like birth, every scar is unique. 

During a caesarean birth, the surgeon cuts through your tummy and womb to deliver your baby so it's naturally going to take a bit of time to heal.

Whether you've had an elective c-section, an unplanned one or an emergency caesarean, your physical healing process is a journey. 

The First 24 Hours

Your c-section wound will be covered with a dressing initially, to help it heal and prevent infection. You'll be given pain relief to help with any discomfort. Moving, coughing and laughing can be uncomfortable to start with. 'You will be advised to start mobilising as soon as it’s safe to do so,’ advises  Dr Anna Cantlay  GP & Chief Medical Officer at For The Creators. But, 'don’t over do it,' warns Cantlay. 'Rest lots and only gently mobilise being mindful when getting out of bed.’ 

The First Week

Once the dressing has been removed, your midwife will advise you on how best to look after your wound. You should gently wash and dry the wound, take painkillers if you need them and wear c-section friendly clothes. You might have some bruising and inflammation around your c-section wound. Unless you had dissolvable stitches, your stitches will be removed towards the end of the first week. 'You will need lots of help,' notes Cantlay. 'Get your partner to support you in caring for your baby and doing most of the lifting.'

The First Month

Your scar will likely be 10-20cm long and is usually just below your lower stomach. To begin with it will be red, obvious and sore. You may have some bruising and inflammation around the wound. Dissolvable stitches will usually have disappeared by around week two and your wound will start to form a c-section scar. You might start feeling more normal, but 'it’s a good idea to try to avoid having lots of visitors,' advises Dr Anna. 'Prioritise rest and recovery.'

By Six Weeks 

You will see your GP at around six weeks postpartum, who will be able to advise whether you can start doing activities like driving, exercising and lifting anything heavier than your baby again. Your c-section wound may feel like it's healed by around 6 weeks, though the internal layers can take longer to heal. You might find you have a loss of feeling around your scar, though this sometimes returns. From 6 weeks, when your scar is scab-free and no longer swollen, you can start to care for your scar through scar massage, if you wish. 

6 Months +

Your scar will continue to heal – it can take up to a year for the wound to fully repair itself. You may notice the appearance of your scar changing a lot over this time.

We do a deeper dive into c-section healing time here.