C-Section Scar Healing Stages (With Real Photos): Mums Show What to Expect

“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.

Caesarean births 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 the latest NHS data for 2024-25, 45% of births were by C-section, compared to 44% which were spontaneous, a term used to describe a vaginal birth.

Despite how common they are, many people don’t know what C-section scar healing stages actually look like — or what’s "normal" at each point in recovery. That uncertainty is often what sends us searching.

Because while caesareans are common, honest conversations — and honest visuals — around recovery are not. Scars are hidden under waistbands and swimwear, discussed in whispers, or reduced to a single moment in the birth story rather than an ongoing healing process.

C-section scars heal in stages, and changes in colour, texture and sensation are part of that process. Below, we share real photos showing the different stages of C-section recovery, from the first days after surgery through to the months that follow, so you can see how scars often change over time.

Healing isn’t linear. Scars evolve. Bodies adapt. And if you’re here, wondering whether what you’re seeing is normal — you’re not alone.

These caesarean scar healing phots show how a scar may look as it heals over time. Your experience may look slightly different — that’s completely normal — but most scars move through similar phases.

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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. 

If you’re early in recovery and wondering what will feel comfortable against your scar, our guide on what to wear after a C-section breaks it down week by week.

Don't forget, with For The Creators you can rent your maternity clothes, as well as buy. So should you just want a pair of postpartum trousers for the first month, then rent one-time or become a maternity clothes member for new(ish) clothes every month.