Common problems with cesarean section wounds

During childbirth, it is of course best if you can have a natural birth, but some sisters have to have a cesarean section due to their physical conditions and pregnancy conditions. It is said that natural childbirth is painful during birth, and cesarean section is painful after birth, especially the wound on the abdomen.

Horizontal cutting or vertical cutting?

Cesarean section has become a common method of delivery, especially in certain specific circumstances, it ensures the safety of mother and baby.

Transverse incision: The incision length is generally 10 cm. The subcutaneous tissue and rectus abdominis muscle must be completely freed. The injury is large, the bleeding is heavy, and it is easy to injure the subcutaneous blood vessels and nerves. The injury will be greater if another cesarean section is performed. The pain after the operation is relatively mild, and the wound follows the skin texture and is easier to heal.

Vertical incision: The incision length is generally 10cm. The longitudinal incision is in the same direction as the rectus abdominis muscle, which is in line with the abdominal anatomy. The operation is simple, and fast, with little damage and less bleeding. The skin pain will be more severe on the first day after surgery. The longitudinal incision extends from below the navel to above the pubic bone.

1: Should I choose a horizontal or vertical incision for a cesarean section?

A: From the perspective of aesthetics, most people choose transverse incisions. From the perspective of postoperative recovery, most people choose vertical incision.

2: If the first baby was delivered by cesarean section, where should the incision be made for the second baby?

A: Generally, we will cut from the first wound, remove the original wound scar, and suture it again after surgery, so that there will not be a new scar. If there are dangerous situations such as fetal asphyxia and placental abnormalities, we will generally choose vertical incision, which is more conducive to surgical operation.

3: Do I need to remove the stitches? Will it hurt?

A: Whether it is a horizontal or vertical incision, it is generally sutured with absorbable sutures, which are both beautiful and do not require suture removal.

In a few cases, such as when the expectant mother is allergic and cannot tolerate absorbable sutures, the doctor will choose to use buckle sutures or silk sutures, which require removal.

The stitches for transverse incisions are usually removed 5 days after birth, and those for vertical incisions are usually removed 7 days after birth. After the stitches are removed, you can use an abdominal tension-reducing dressing to prevent scars.

4: How many days will it take for a cesarean section wound to heal?

A: Usually the epidermal wound will heal gradually within 5-7 days after laparotomy, but it will take 4-6 weeks for the wound to heal completely! Generally, it can be changed every 2-3 days! It is not necessary to change it every day, as doing so will increase the chance of infection.

5: Can I take a shower after a cesarean section?

A: For mothers who have undergone cesarean section, it is safer to wait until the wound on the surface of the abdomen is completely healed before taking a bath. If you cannot stand it, you can use a sponge bath or apply a waterproof patch. Remember to keep the wound dry to avoid water contact with the wound and cause infection. If the wound is accidentally exposed to water within 1 or 2 weeks after delivery, just wipe the moisture off the wound with a sterile dry cotton swab.

6: Can silicone gel scar dressing be applied to wounds?

A: Yes! Cesarean section wounds must be covered with a patch for 3-6 months to prevent scar hyperplasia.

7: Does lying down more after childbirth help the wound recover?

A: Mothers who have had a cesarean section should never lie down all the time but must get out of bed and walk around. In addition to promoting gastrointestinal motility and increasing gas discharge, getting out of bed and walking around can also help wound recovery and prevent adhesions. However, when getting out of bed and walking around, it is better to move as slowly and gently as possible!

8: What should I do if my wound hurts when I get out of bed?

A: When getting out of bed and moving around, it is easy to involve the cesarean section wound, causing pain, which makes the mother afraid to get out of bed. It is recommended to use a belly band after delivery and wear it for 4-6 weeks to reduce tension and avoid pulling pain on the wound.

9: What conditions should be paid special attention to when the wound appears?

A: Redness, swelling, heat, pain, abnormal secretions, fever

The recovery time for a caesarean section is longer than that for natural birth. If the wound becomes red, hot, swollen, painful, has an abnormal discharge, or even has a fever, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible!

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Editor: kiki Jia