Tummy shape/recovery after VB vs C Section- any difference?

[elfisheyes]

I had a vaginal birth 2y4m ago and felt my abdomen/tummy shape recovered fairly soon afterwards, to pretty much the same as pre pregnancy, but I had an emergency CS birth 10w ago and my abdomen/tummy looks and feels so different now. From belly button down to scar area, it feels more swollen and ‘fuller’ and I don’t remember this after my VB. I’m wondering if it’s due to the C section, or because it’s a subsequent pregnancy, more stretching or fluid or fat retention. I’m wondering if it’ll go down more/get flatter, or if this is it.. Feeling a bit low about it.

Have you experienced both and relate to this, or know if this is true, is there less scope for recovery back to previous tummy shape following a C section?

thanks so much x

There’s no reason your whole abdomen being fuller would have anything to do with a c section.
The only thing that would directly link to a c section is a line of fat some people carry above their incision line which looks prominent because the scar can heal lower into the skin and cause a sinking look.

How far after the section are you?

I had one 4 and 2 years ago but I didn’t notice any change to my abdomen once I went back to a normal weight.

10 weeks is still very early. I had a Csection 1 year, 6 months ago and it took a good while for the swelling to subside. You’re still healing, especially on the inside.

I now have a flat stomach as I did before pregnancy, albeit a little looser than before (skin wise). Give yourself grace - I know that isn’t easy, I was very self critical too ❤️ xxx

Thank you both. I’m now 11w postpartum. Hoping things will improve, as it feels things are very much the same at the moment and have changed for a few weeks.

They will. Go easy on yourself ❤️ xxx