
Written by Editorial Team
Cesarean section births are rising nowadays. A C-section delivery is done by making a deliberate incision in the lower abdomen, which is mostly horizontal. Some C-sections are also done by making a vertical incision, though it is rare. Since it is a surgical method, obviously there are risks of C- section scar infection affecting the mother.
Infections can happen at the incision site or in the abdomen itself. The invasion of infection can be immediately after birth or in the recovery phase. However, with adequate wound care, you can minimize the risk of catching an infection. Find out everything about C-Section Scar Infection – Causes, Diagnosis, And Treatment
In This Article
Generally, C-section infection occurs due to the entry of notorious bacteria from the surgical site. Around 3 to 6 percent of patients are vulnerable to this type of C-section infection. The Symptoms are:
In the event you notice any of these signs at the C-section wound, make sure that you reach out to your doctor at the earliest possible
Infection can occur due to an array of causes, though lack of adequate hygiene is one of the predominating one. Women having diabetes, pregnancy complications such as high blood pressure, autoimmune disease, etc., are at a higher risk of getting their C-section incision infected. C-section infection is also more frequently seen in the following group of individuals:
Adequate care against infection is done at the hospital before discharge. However, it has been observed that many mothers get c-section infections after the first couple of weeks. If you happen to notice any infection signs as stated above, you will need to contact your doctor immediately. A C-section is major abdominal surgery, hence follow-up visits to your doctor are mandatory.
Practice good hygiene and healing tips, and if you have been exposed to any unpleasant experience regarding your scar care, you must mention it to your doctor. The doctor may cut the wound a little to take a sample of the discharge. Some pus may also be taken to test for bacteria. The doctor will also look very closely at the incision site to check for the infection signs.
The treatment of C-sections depends upon the invading organism. If the causative organism is of bacterial origin, then antibiotics are of great help. Depending upon the degree of infection, oral and intravenous antibiotics are administered.
In case an abscess is present, then using antibiotics alone will not do much help.
You need to follow the following things for proper healing:
If you are on antibiotics, you will need to complete the entire course even if you feel that the infection is gone
It is important to understand everything about C-Section Scar Infection – Causes, Diagnosis, And Treatment. Give yourself at least 4-6 weeks of time to heal, a C-section is major surgery, so recovery will take some time. As far as recovery is concerned, nothing can beat proper rest and hygiene. However, proper medical care for the wound is equally important.
Find out some simple tips that can help heal faster:
Read more about C-section recovery and healing here.
Read about C-section scar care here.
Begin breastfeeding after C-section as early as possible. You can hold a pillow while breastfeeding to cut down the associated pain. You will have to carefully avoid any sort of uncomfortable pressure on your wound. Always breastfeed in a comfortable position. Though your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics for the infection, if you are breastfeeding, you should mention the same to her.
Following are the recommended breastfeeding positions that expedite recovery without putting any additional pressure on the C-section incision site:
In case there is any problem in breastfeeding, seek the help of a doctor or lactation consultant.
Women who have already undergone C-section should follow the following steps to mitigate the possibility of catching an infection.
Improper wound care can cause the following serious, life-threatening complications:
Now you are well informed about C-Section Scar Infection – Causes, Diagnosis, And Treatment. If any of the above-listed complications are present, then the recovery time is prolonged.
So be aware, be protected!
With a rich experience in pregnancy and parenting, our team of experts create insightful, well-curated, and easy-to-read content for our to-be-parents and parents at all stages of parenting.Read more.
K
Kathryn
Sep 09, 2016
Third c section 3days after coming home, had excruitiating abdominal pain. Within minutes incision opened up and my intestines started c oming out fast. Called 911 and was rushed by ambulance to ER, where I was taken immediately to surgery. They had to irrigate and put my intestines back inside of me and sew me back up. Day of caesarean they used staples. I was kept in hospital for a week on heavy duty antibiotics intravenously and orally.
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