How to Care For Your C Section Incision to Avoid Serious C Section Complications

The key to assisting your C section incision to repair quickly and avoid any C section complications is by monitoring and checking it on a regular basis, every few hours is ideal. Your C section incision will take some time to heal completely. Some women report that they feel no pain or discomfort and that the scar healed within a few weeks whereas others aren't so fortunate and complain of pain and C section complications many months later.

It is certainly true that you can help to speed up your C section incision recovery by taking some simple precautions and being vigilant over monitoring its condition. The staff will check on you whilst in hospital to make sure that everything is going well and immediately following the operation your C section incision scar will be covered by a sterile dressing to help guard against infection. You will also normally have been given antibiotics.

During the first 24 - 48 hours the hospital staff will probably encourage you to shower and they will then remove your dressing. After you have had your first shower, you should gently pat dry the wound with a clean towel. It is best If you can allow the area to dry uncovered for a few minutes.

One of the best ways to protect the wound over the top of the dressing is to place a sanitary pad over the top which can be attached to your clothing over the area using the stickers. You can also help to avoid any rubbing or chafing over the scar by wearing boxer shorts or oversized underwear because this will avoid the elastic waistband pulling over the scar area as the scar will be in the exact place where the waistband sits. This should be much more comfortable than your normal underwear for the first few weeks.

As the wound starts its healing process it is quite normal to notice a little spot bleeding, whilst the wound shouldn't break open or tear apart, a little bit of spotting isn't usually too much of a problem.Do not apply any creams over the scar other than an antibiotic cream until your incision has completely healed.

The best way to avoid any C section complications is to keep your incision clean and protected at all times. Wash it by using a slightly soapy wet cloth or sponge (use unperfumed soap), squeezing it over your stomach above the wound so that the soapy water runs down over the stitches. Don't directly rub the scar because this could disrupt the scab that is forming.

Whilst you shouldn't panic at the slightest change in the shape, size or condition of your C section incision it is important to be aware of any differences. If you do see anything out of the ordinary, then keep an eye on it and if it continues to deteriorate then speak to your doctor or healthcare advisor.