This page will provide information about caring for your wound after a Caesarean Section. If you have any questions or want to know more information please contact your midwife/doctor.
The Wound
You have undergone a Caesarean section either as an elective (planned) or emergency case. The operation requires a surgical incision to gain access to your uterus. The wound is on the bikini line, this provides both good wound healing and favourable cosmetic appearance, between 10-15 cms long, and is usually repaired using stitches your body will absorb. The stitches last for 5-7 days, by which time the two edges of skin should be healing together. If non-dissolvable stitches or staples have been used we will inform you of an appropriate plan of care and follow up for removal.
There is a dressing placed over the wound at the end of your operation. This dressing is waterproof and you are able to shower whilst it is in place. The dressing will be removed after 24 hours – this should be removed prior to discharge and you may find this is easier if done after showering to soak the adhesive off. It may be necessary to apply a dressing with a little extra pressure over the wound area at the end of surgery. After dressing removal it is important for you to keep the wound as clean and dry as possible, plain water is recommended for gentle cleansing. This will reduce the amount of time taken for the wound to heal and also reduce the risk of an infection in the wound.
Wound Pain
As with any incision into the skin, it is likely to be painful. Once the anaesthesia has worn off you may begin to feel pain. Simple pain relief such as Paracetamol can help manage this. However stronger analgesia is available if you require it. We would encourage you to take the analgesia on offer at the hospital to manage your pain in the first days following your operation.
Infected wound
Your wound needs to be closely monitored, as any infection can lead to sepsis within the bloodstream or break down the normal healing process and in rare cases this may lead to the wound opening (dehiscence). The midwife will ask to see your wound at your postnatal appointments. The main signs of infection are:
- Fever
- Feeling generally unwell
- Increasing pain in or around the wound
- Wound becomes red and warm
- A pus like discharge from the wound
- The wound has begun to separate, or has completely opened up
If you have any of these signs you must contact your GP/Midwife urgently. If you cannot gain urgent access to your GP telephone the single point of access for maternity on 01423 557531, option 1. After they have discussed your concerns they may suggest self-referring to the 111 service or they may advise you to attend the Accident and Emergency department, or Maternity Assessment Centre if appropriate. If a wound infection is suspected you will be required to start a course of antibiotics. During this time your midwife or doctor may review the wound on several occasions.
Lifestyle, Exercise and Driving
It is advisable to wear loose, comfortable clothing and cotton underwear over the wound. This is to try and limit the amount of discomfort you are in and provide the optimum environment for your wound to heal. Minimal lifting is recommended for 6 weeks and heavy lifting should be avoided for 2-3 months. Gentle exercises are safe to start after 8-10 weeks depending on the degree of post-operative pain. High impact exercise is not recommended until after 12 weeks. If activities are resumed too early it can increase the risk of wounds re-opening. To allow your body to fully recover from a caesarean section a minimum two year gap between pregnancies is advisable. Contraception options are available for after a caesarean section and please ask your Midwife or GP for further information and to supply this.
Driving may be resumed once you are able to turn without restriction to look over your shoulder, able to operate the gearstick and wear a seatbelt appropriately without discomfort and safely perform an emergency stop.
This leaflet has been produced for use for Harrogate District Hospital patients and is in accordance with current NICE guidelines.
Please call 01423 557531, option 1 to speak to a midwife, option 2 for appointments.