C-Section Shelf (C-Section Pouch): Why It Happens and How to Fix the Lower Belly Bulge Why your stomach may still look pregnant after a C-section — and what can be done about it

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In these cases, the bulge often looks more prominent when sitting or bending because the scar stays fixed while the tissue above it folds forward. Importantly, bulges caused by scar tethering are different from abdominal muscle separation, and require a different surgical approach.

Side-on view of a lower abdominal shelf above a C-section scar becoming more noticeable when sitting or bending.
A C-section shelf may appear more prominent when sitting or bending as the scar remains fixed while tissue above it moves.

A C-section shelf is most often caused by scar tethering at the incision site, sometimes combined with skin laxity or muscle separation, rather than by fat alone.

For more information about scarring and treatments available, see our Scar Revision page.

Abdominal Muscle Separation (Diastasis Recti / Rectus Diastasis)

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