Caring for my Caesarean Section Wound

Introduction

This leaflet aims to provide some advice and tips about looking after your wound if you have had a Caesarean Section (C-Section). It will also give some tips to help reduce your risk of developing an infection in your wound.

What is a Caesarean Section?

A Caesarean Section or C-Section is an operation to deliver your baby through a cut made in your lower abdomen (tummy) into your womb where your baby was growing. This is usually 15 to 20cm in length, just below your bikini line.

Around 1 in 4 pregnant women in the UK have a C-Section for different reasons. These could include:

• Breech presentation (feet or bum first instead of head down)
• Request by the patient
• Low lying placenta
• Pregnancy induced high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia)
• Certain infections
• Labour not progressing

How long will it take to recover?

Generally it takes about six weeks to recover from a C-Section. However this can be different for everyone.

For example, if you have other children at home to care for, you might not be able to rest as much as you need to. This can mean recovery takes longer.

As long as there are no complications, most women can usually go home 1 to 2 days after the C-Section.

Gentle exercise is encouraged such as walking but avoid anything too demanding and it is advised not to lift heavy items. Also regular pain relief is advised as there will be some pain in your wound.

Before you go home, your midwife or doctor will give you pain relief and explain how and when you can take it.

Looking after your C-Section Wound

When your C-Section is over you will usually have stitches to close the wound. The stitches are normally absorbable, which means they will disappear in time and do not need to be removed.

If there is any difference to this, you will be advised by your midwife or doctor before you go home. 

If you have a PICO dressing (explained further on in this leaflet) please only follow the advice for that dressing.

Waterproof dressing

Your wound will be covered using a waterproof dressing, and this has to be on for 72 hours.

After 72 hours you can take the dressing off. When you have removed the dressing you can shower as normal if you feel well enough.

However please only use soap and water over the wound, and pat the area dry with a fresh clean towel when you get out of the shower.

If you do not have a shower you may use your bath but please do not allow the water level in the bath to reach or cover your wound as this can prevent healing and increase the risk of infection.

Consider using water from a clean jug or shower head to wash the wound as instructed above.

PICO Dressing

A PICO dressing is a different dressing that is used for some patients. This will be decided by your doctor, and explained to you when you are in hospital.

This dressing is usually used if you are at a higher risk of getting an infection in your wound.

The dressing has a small device which creates a suction effect (negative pressure) over the wound. This removes any extra fluid and puts pressure on the skin and tissue to increase blood flow.

This can help to reduce the risk of infection. The device has a battery in it, which will run out between day 5 and 10. Once the battery has run out the PICO dressing can be removed.

While you are on the ward staff will check on any leakage from the wound. If the dressing needs to be changed they will do this.

While you have the dressing on you can shower safely using warm water only.

Please note the PICO dressing battery pack is NOT waterproof – unscrew the tubing from the machine before showering.

After showering, reconnect the dressing to the device: press the orange button and await the green flashing light. If the light doesn’t flash green check the troubleshooting section further on in the leaflet.

You must not use oils or soaps while you have the dressing on. You should also avoid putting your dressing fully underwater.

As with the waterproof dressing, if you do not have a shower you may use your bath. But please do not allow the water level in the bath to reach or cover your wound as this can prevent healing and increase the risk of infection. Also remember as with showering to remove the battery pack.

Troubleshooting with PICO

Your PICO dressing has a device connected to it which should flash green when working properly.

If the light is flashing red, then there may be a leak. You should lie down as flat as possible and smooth the edges of the dressing down. You then need to press the orange button again. This might need to be done a few times until the light flashes green.

If the PICO’s ‘full’ indicator is flashing have a look at the dressing. If there is a lot of leaking on your dressing it might need to be changed.

If there isn’t a lot of leaking pressing the orange button should reset the ‘full’ indicator.

The batteries are designed to last for approximately 1 week.

If you have any problems with the PICO dressing you can ask your midwife, or call the Antenatal Day Assessment Unit (contact details and hours are further on in this leaflet).

How to help prevent wound infection

You should avoid oils, soaps, or putting your wound underwater for the first 2-3 weeks. Avoid wearing any tight underwear where the elastic touches the wound.

Wearing loose fitting or high waist underwear is better.  Between 5 to 6 weeks your wound should have healed into a scar. The scar will be pink/red at first but will gradually fade.

There are a number of lifestyle factors that can increase the risk of wound infection.

Medical History

Many medical conditions can reduce how well a wound heals. For example diabetes, autoimmune disease, or being overweight.

Diet and Hydration

It is important to maintain a well-balanced diet, with lots of protein, to help increase the speed of healing.

Your body uses energy to heal, so eating a balanced diet can help give you the energy to heal. Plenty of fluids can also help.

Smoking

Ideally you should make the best attempt to give up smoking before your surgery. Smoking reduces oxygen flow to your tissues, and this can effect wound healing.

If you have any worries or concerns about wound healing please contact your midwife.

Contacts

University Hospital of North Tees

Antenatal Day Assessment Unit

Telephone: 01642 624239

Delivery Suite

Telephone: 01642 382718

Antenatal/Postnatal Ward

Telephone: 01642 382822

Further Information

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/caesarean-section

https://emergeortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PICO-Dressing-Information-Sheet.pdf

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

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