C Section or Caesarean section deliveries have become one of the most preferable ways to bring a child into this world. When a C section is taken place a horizontal incision is done by the doctor right on the lower abdomen. In rare cases, it can also be a vertical incision. This method is a surgical procedure due to which there is also a chance that there could be an infection. This infection can happen right where the incision has been made or even at times inside or on the abdomen. This can generally happen while the mother is recovering from the surgery in case proper care is not taken or if the environment where the mother is staying is not kept clean.
The signs of C-Section Scar Infection
When bacteria enters the site where the surgery has taken place, it can cause an infection, this can happen to around 3-6% of mothers who have undergone a C-section delivery. The signs that you would need to watch for includes:
- Redness or pain in the surgical site. Just in case you cannot look at it, then you can somebody else to check it up daily.
- You may notice your legs or even the incision site swollen and will also experience pain.
- In some cases, you may also develop a fever that is 100.4°F and above
- You may also notice a drainage or discharge from the surgical site or wound
- Another symptom of infection can also be felt when you are going to the bathroom, you may experience difficulty, pain, or a burning sensation while going to the loo.
- There may also be a discharge from the vagina which can have a very foul smell and/ or clots coming from the vagina.
- Another thing that you may notice is a condition called Septicaemia A or Sepsis which is an infection that affects the circulation of the blood.
C Section Scar Infection and its causes
When there is no proper hygiene or if the wound is not cared for properly or even the cleaning process is not done properly, there are chances for the infection to happen. It may also be due to a medical condition like complications during pregnancy or delivery, diabetes, autoimmune diseases or even high blood pressure. The possibility of infection can also happen in cases when:
- Pregnant women are overweight
- The amniotic sac is infected or a condition called Chorioamnionitis is developed
- The pregnant women is on steroids
- An emergency or previous C Section has taken place
The diagnosis of the infection of the C Section wound
Before the patient is discharged, the doctors or nurses show us how the C- section wound has to be cleaned on a daily basis. They also let us know how we should keep the environment around us. Although safety measures can be taken place while in the hospital, one cannot guarantee what happens outside.
The first few weeks are considered to be the most crucial time as this is the time when the woman is more prone to getting infected by C-section wound. In the event if there has been an incident such as a fall or the stitches have opened, it is necessary and essential that you should go to the doctor immediately. You also need to ensure that you update the doctor about what has really happened.
Treatment of the C Section wound infection
If it is needed, a puss sample may be taken for further testing to understand what the problem is and what kind of treatment would be needed to cure the infection. The infection may also be treated with the help of medications, creams, or even powder in some cases. Along with that the doctor may also advise you not to eat certain kinds of fruits and vegetables or may provide a particular diet. The course of treatment will purely be dependent on the observations and analysis made during the evaluation of the infection. Some treatment courses that may be advised are as follows:
- Draining the fluid from the C Section area
- Regular cleaning of the wound with the help of sterile saline
- For the absorption of the fluid that is draining out, you may have to pack your wound up using strips that are sterile.
- Visit the doctor for changing the dressing regularly.
- Going for regular checkups to see how it healing.
- A proper course of antibiotics will be given for a speculated time frame.
Apart from the above mentioned, here are a few essential tips that have to be kept in mind to ensure that your wound heals faster.
- It is very important that you should take proper rest. When you have a new born child, you would be on your toes to cater to its needs. However, as and when you can, you need to ensure that you rest well.
- Especially during the first 4-6 weeks and even after that, until you are cured properly, you need to ensure that you do not indulge into any kind of activity that can be strenuous for you. You also need to avoid lifting anything that is heavy.
- Ensure that you take a good amount of fluids and keep yourself hydrated.
- Use a support in case you are coughing or sneezing. When you walk, ensure that you are on a straight posture as well as avoid bending down to lift anything. The posture plays a vital role for the proper healing of your C Section wound.
- Ensure that you take your medicines on time and if there is any kind of swelling, make sure that you inform the doctor as well as take the necessary rest.
During the time you are breast feeding your child, here are a few tips that can help you take care of yourself while you are recovering.
- The football hold – In this posture, you need to make sure that you hold the baby on your hand while you bend your elbow. While your forearm can be used as a support for the back, the baby’s head can be supported on the breast. If you want, you can use a pillow for a comfortable position.
- Holding the baby while lying down side – In this method, you need to lie down on your side while placing the baby near your breast. Your arm can be used to support your head.