What is a C-Section Shelf?

Written by a pelvic floor physical therapist at Empower Your Pelvis, in Kansas City, Missouri (Lee Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS)

For my C-Section Moms,

First of all, let me say this: your body is incredible. Whether you’re recovering from pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum journey, you’ve accomplished something amazing. That said, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed or self-conscious about the physical changes your body has undergone.

One common change that many C-section moms experience is the C-section shelf, also known as a "pooch" or "overhang." Whether you’re feeling frustrated by how it looks or wondering how it might affect your pelvic health, I’m here to break it all down for you.

What Is a C-Section Shelf?

A C-section shelf is the layer of loose skin and excess fat that accumulates in the lower abdomen after a C-section delivery. It’s often caused by the way your body heals after surgery and the formation of scar tissue. Here’s what you need to know:

• Healing and Scar Restriction: During recovery, the layers of tissue at your incision site can adhere to each other, forming an indented scar. Over time, the area above the scar may puff out, creating the shelf.

• Deep Scar Tissue: C-section scars aren’t just skin-deep; they extend through multiple layers of tissue, including muscle and fascia. Restrictions in any of these layers can contribute to the shelf.

• Beyond Appearance: While a C-section shelf is harmless, it can sometimes lead to bladder, bowel, or pelvic health issues due to its proximity to the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles.

How a C-Section Shelf Can Affect Your Health

Your C-section scar sits near some critical areas of your body, including the bladder, pelvic floor, and abdominal muscles. When scar tissue becomes restricted, it can lead to:

• Bladder issues: Urinary urgency, frequency, or leakage

• Bowel difficulties: Constipation or trouble emptying your bowels

• Pain: Pelvic or back pain, especially during sex

• Muscle dysfunction: Abdominal and pelvic floor weakness or tension

These changes aren’t just cosmetic—they can impact your comfort and quality of life.

Can You Prevent a C-Section Shelf?

While some factors, like genetics or incision tightness, are out of your control, there are steps you can take to minimize or prevent a C-section shelf:

• Strengthen Your Core and Pelvic Floor: Postpartum exercises that focus on gentle strengthening can help restore muscle function.

• Postpartum Support: I’m a huge of compression like the postpartum biker shorts or leggings from LoveSteady in the postpartum weeks and months (I wore mine up to a year postpartum). If you are interested in a LoveSteady compression, my CODE for them is empoweryourpelvis

• Proactive Scar Care: Incorporating scar management techniques early on can help reduce the formation of adhesions.

  STAY TUNED for the next blog on “How to improve Scar Tissue”.

  If you are looking for more in depth information on C-sections, you can join my 4 Week C-section program to follow along with recorded videos. Click here to get the videos for $37 instead of $127.

  Watch how to retrain your abs below!

• Want a FREE Scar Tissue Mobilization Guide? Click HERE

  Get Professional Help

  If you're looking for “pelvic floor therapy near me”, consider scheduling a consultation at one of our locations in Kansas City-Overland Park, Kansas, or Lees Summit, Missouri. Click here to book your appointment.

  With wellness in your pelvis-

  Amanda Fisher, PT, DPT
  Owner, Empower Your Pelvis, a pelvic floor physical therapy clinic in Kansas City (Lee’s Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS)