What to Expect After a Caesarean.
Caring for my wound.
You may have received antibiotics while still in
theatre. And a sterile dressing will cover the incision site, placed
there by the surgeon. These safeguards should help reduce the likelihood
of infection.
During that first day of recovery, within hours of
your surgery, your midwife will offer you a bed-bath, where she
will sponge you down with warm, soapy water and clean away any traces
of blood or surgical fluids. Then she will help you get dressed
in your nightie and make you more comfortable. She won't remove
the sterile wound dressing at this stage.
The day after your caesarean you will be encouraged
to get up and have a shower. This is usually when the sterile dressing
is removed -> by your midwife, or yourself. You should gently wash
away any dried blood from your wound, with water (soap may irritate),
then gently pat the area dry with a clean towel. If it's possible
then allowing the wound area to air-dry is best.
A great way to protect the wound area is to place
a sanitary pad, sticky side on your underpants, over the wound.
This will help to prevent your clothes rubbing directly on the area.
Also, for this reason, your pregnancy clothes (with the lovely elasticised
belly section) will be really comfy for the first few weeks. Wearing
big, comfortable underpants, rather than bikini briefs, avoids the
elastic waistband being right on the wound area -> you can send your
partner, or a friend, out to buy you some if you are unprepared.
A healthy diet will encourage healing, as will gentle
exercise (discussed in the next section). You should maintain good
hygiene, and try to avoid getting very hot, as perspiration will
aggravate the wound area.
Your wound may continue to feel uncomfortable for
some period after the delivery. Some women experience mild pain
and pulling sensations for some months afterwards when performing
some actions. This does go away in the majority of women after a
time. If you are worried discuss these sensations with your midwife
or doctor.
If you notice any swelling or redness, or if your
wound weeps blood or other fluids, please bring this to the notice
of your midwife or doctor, ASAP. Especially if these symptoms are
associated with pain.
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