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Causes of scarring on the uterus
Any surgical intervention does not pass without a trace – scars and scars are almost inevitable, this also applies to cesarean section. This operation is one of the main causes of scarring on the uterus. They occur where the uterus is cut to remove the baby, most often in the lower third. The remaining causes of scarring are also associated with a violation of the integrity of the walls of the uterus during certain operations.
“The appearance of scars on the uterus is possible after various kinds of diagnostic procedures, for example, separate diagnostic curettage, in such situations, the likelihood of damage to the walls of the uterus increases, and, as a result, the formation of cicatricial changes,” says obstetrician-gynecologist Margarita Khalimova.
The appearance of a scar can occur after piercing the wall of the uterus during an abortion and at the site of surgically removed myoma nodes.
“In the presence of congenital anomalies in the development of the uterus, which are corrected by surgical methods at the present stage, the risk of scarring also increases,” explains Margarita Khalimova.
By themselves, these scars do not pose a great danger, but only until the woman wants to give birth to a child. Pregnancy and childbirth is a big load on the uterus, and it can burst along the scar line. To avoid this, you must constantly be observed by a doctor.
Types of scars on the uterus
Scars differ from normal uterine tissues in that their cells only make up for the defect, but are almost unable to perform their function to the full extent.
There are two main types of scars.
| Complete | Formed, it retains the ability to stretch in the event of pregnancy |
| Defective | For the most part consists of connective tissue and does not have sufficient elasticity, which increases the risk of complications |
Treatment of scars on the uterus
“Currently, there are no specific methods for treating scars on the uterus,” explains the obstetrician-gynecologist.
The main thing in the presence of such a problem is to constantly be observed by a gynecologist, especially during the period of bearing a baby.
“It is important for a woman who has undergone a caesarean section or other gynecological operations to plan a pregnancy no earlier than two years after surgery, and when it occurs, regularly visit an obstetrician-gynecologist and follow his recommendations,” says Margarita Khalimova. – Two years is enough to stabilize the scar and reduce the risk of uterine rupture during the next pregnancy, as well as to reduce the likelihood of placenta growing into the scar.
Prevention of scars on the uterus
Prevention of scars on the uterus will help to avoid most problems. It comes down to a few simple rules.
Firstly, a woman is recommended to periodically do an ultrasound scan to monitor the condition of the scar.
Secondly, if pregnancy is in the plans, then you should prepare for it, cure existing chronic diseases, register at the antenatal clinic and regularly visit an obstetrician-gynecologist.
When choosing a method of delivery, you need to listen to your doctor. Only he, taking into account possible indications and contraindications, can determine what is safer for mother and baby – natural childbirth or repeated caesarean.
What is the norm of the scar according to medical indicators
– As such, there is no norm for scars. The obstetrician-gynecologist usually evaluates the thickness of the scar and its continuity based on ultrasound data. In addition to external indicators, it is important to know if the expectant mother feels pain in the scar area during pregnancy, explains obstetrician-gynecologist Dinar Gabdrakhmanov.
All these indicators are taken into account by the doctor in order to recommend a safe method of childbirth.
Is childbirth possible with a scar?
With a scar on the uterus after a caesarean section, a woman can still give birth, both naturally and with the help of a second operation.
The preferred method of delivery depends on the condition of the scar zone, on how the postoperative period went after the previous operation, and on how the current pregnancy proceeds.
– If the pregnancy proceeds normally and it is confirmed that the scar is full, retains its elasticity, the woman has a good chance of having a baby naturally. Monitoring of the expectant mother in such cases is established according to the standard system: timely registration for pregnancy, visiting a gynecologist on time, undergoing tests and ultrasound, explains obstetrician-gynecologist Margarita Khalimova.
If the usefulness of the scar on the uterus is doubtful, and this happens after repeated surgical interventions, or if, in addition to the scar on the uterus, there are inflammatory diseases of the female sphere, then the observation of the woman is established according to an individual scheme and most likely she will be asked to give birth by planned caesarean section.
Whether natural childbirth or not depends not only on the factors mentioned, but also on where the placenta is located, how the baby is placed in the uterus, what size it is.
What other complications might you face?
The most formidable complications with a scar on the uterus:
Scar rupture: dense connective tissue may not withstand stretching, which threatens with serious complications for both mother and baby – up to death.
Ingrown placenta in the scar. Caesarean section in such a situation can lead to rapid and massive bleeding. Previously, such operations ended with the removal of the uterus. Fortunately, now doctors have learned to cope with this problem and now the uterus can be saved.
With a scar on the uterus, there is a threat of miscarriage or premature birth.
caesarean scar on skin
Even a small defect in appearance confuses girls, and what can we say about scars after surgery. I want them to be as invisible as possible.
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From this point of view, the most “advantageous” in aesthetic terms is a transverse incision during caesarean section. Most often today they perform it. A vertical external incision is practiced in cases where doctors count every second, for example, when there is a threat of death of a woman in labor or a fetus.
If the suture is horizontal, it is usually performed with a bioabsorbable material, so a so-called cosmetic suture is obtained. The scar from him then will be almost invisible. The length of the seam may be different, as it depends on the size of the baby. Most often the scar is about 7 cm long. If the outer seam is vertical, then it will look rougher, as there will be more load on it and the scar will remain noticeable.
If the first seam came out beautiful and the scar is almost invisible, then there is nothing to be afraid of with subsequent caesarean sections. Doctors excise the old scar as much as possible, in fact, cut it out, and make a new suture.
However, not all girls are lucky to be left with a barely noticeable scar, sometimes keloid scars form at the site of the incision. They are reddish, rough and rise above the skin. It is almost impossible to predict in advance whether the connective tissue will grow to a keloid. Doctors call genetics the reason for the formation of such scars: an increased content in the body of a woman of an enzyme responsible for the production of collagen. However, you should not grieve, such scars are now successfully removed with a laser or hormonal therapy.
In order for the scar after a cesarean to be beautiful, the girl needs to make some efforts herself. Immediately after the operation, it is better to treat the suture 1-2 times a day with an aqueous solution of chlorhexidine or 3% hydrogen peroxide. Two weeks after the operation, it is necessary to apply a special cream to the scar – twice a day for three months. Then you can replace it with any anti-cellulite cream. After a year of such manipulations, the scar will be neat and barely noticeable.