Patients in Sydney and the North Shore frequently seek assessment for persistent abdominal contour changes after pregnancy.
Questions about cost and Medicare eligibility are also common.
This article’s content reflects common findings seen in post-pregnancy and post-caesarean patients assessed in clinical practice, where multiple anatomical factors often contribute to lower abdominal contour changes.
What is a C-section pouch or overhang?
A C-section pouch (also called a C-section shelf or overhang) is a lower abdominal bulge that forms above a Caesarean section scar. It most commonly occurs due to scar tethering, excess skin, or abdominal muscle separation after pregnancy
At a glance: what may be causing your abdominal bulge after pregnancy?
| Cause | Typical feature |
|---|---|
| Scar tethering | Bulge is localised directly above the C-section scar and the scar feels fixed |
| Diastasis recti | Bulge runs along the middle of the abdomen and worsens with straining or sit-ups |
| Loose skin | Skin folds or hangs when bending forward |
| Hernia | Bulge increases with cough/strain, or is painful |
Why does a C-section shelf or C-section pouch occur after pregnancy?
A post-pregnancy abdominal bulge is rarely due to a single factor. Patients sometimes describe this appearance as a C-section overhang, referring to the fold of tissue that develops above the scar. In most cases, it reflects a combination of scar behaviour, skin changes, muscle separation, and residual fat. Understanding these contributors is essential before considering treatment.
