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What Happens During a C-Section & Why Rehab Matters
A Cesarean section (C-section) is a major abdominal surgery. During delivery, your OB/GYN makes an incision through several layers of your abdomen, including skin, connective tissue (fascia), and uterus, to deliver your baby. Abdominal muscles are either cut at the tendon or separated, stretching and weakening them. Each layer is closed surgically, and although the external scar may heal quickly, the deep layers take much longer to recover.
What Happens:
- Incision through multiple layers: skin, fat, fascia, uterus
- Stretching and disruption of core muscles
- Nerve irritation or injury
- Bladder catheter use and pelvic floor impact
- Postural changes from pregnancy and birth
How It Affects the Pelvic Floor & Whole Body:
- Pelvic floor may become tight or weak, even without a vaginal birth, due to pregnancy pressure and compensations post-surgery
- Scar tissue and fascial restrictions can pull on nearby areas: hips, lower back, ribs, and pelvis
- Core disruption impacts breathing, posture, and bowel/bladder control
- Emotional and nervous system impact from birth experience, pain, or trauma