X
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
EnglishFilipino
Product GuideSign in
  • Building a BakuNation
  • Becoming a Parent
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Pregnancy
    • Delivery
    • Losing a Baby
    • Project Sidekicks
  • Ages & Stages
    • Baby
    • Toddler Years
    • Preschool Age
    • Kids
    • Preteen & Teen
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • News
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Health & Wellness
    • Diseases & Injuries
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Preschool
    • K-12
    • Special Education Needs
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Celebrities
    • Contests & Promotions
    • Home
    • Travel and Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Fitness
    • Wellness
    • Money
  • Become a VIP
  • COVID-19
  • Press Room
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping

Post-cesarean wound infection: What you need to know

Here's how to spot, treat, and manage infections that occur on a post-Cesarean surgical site

Undergoing a C-section brings with it a certain set of risks, but they are not just found during the surgery itself. In some cases, post-cesarean wound infections can occur up to several weeks after the procedure. It's important for all moms-to-be, regardless of their planned method delivery, to know how to properly care for a wound after surgery.

What is a post-cesarean wound infection?

It is an infection that occurs at the surgical incision site following a C-section, usually bacterial in origin. Though it can affect any woman who has undergone a C-section, those most at risk are those with diabetes, or immunosuppressive disorders, such as HIV.

If a mom has been taking steroids for a prolonged period of time, she is also at risk. Other risk factors are insufficient prenatal care, a history of C-sections, prolonged labor or surgery, heavy blood loss during surgery, or if they didn't take antibiotics or were not given proper sterile care pre-surgery.

[caption id="attachment_14895" align="alignnone" width="500"]The entire process of C-Section photo: shutterstock[/caption]

What are the signs and symptoms of a post-Cesarean wound infection?

Suspect a post-Cesarean wound infection if you note the following symptoms:

  • High fever (38ºC and above)
  • Wound sensitivity
  • Severe pain in the lower abdomen
  • Redness, pain, swelling, pus discharge from the incision site
  • Leg pain or leg swelling
  • Pain upon urination
  • Vaginal discharge that is foul in odor
  • Profuse bleeding (Soaking a feminine pad in just an hour)
  • Bleeding with large clots

Though infections can happen weeks after a mom is discharged, it can also be occur while a mom is still in the hospital.

Medical staff will note how a wound looks, or how long it takes to heal. They can also observe a wound for common infection symptoms as well as certain types of bacteria.

How is a post-Cesarean wound infection treated?

Antibiotics are usually prescribed for several days to help resolve a bacterial infection, specifically in cases of Cellulitis, or infections caused by staphylococcal and streptococcal bacteria.

In the case of wound abscesses, antibiotics are the best course of treatment, accompanied by wound care and pus drainage through making a new incision on the area. Antiseptic gauze is later applied and close monitoring is done to make sure the wound is healing properly.

How can a post-Cesarean wound infection be prevented?

Though these types of infections can be unexpected, especially for first-time moms, there are measures to prevent this from happening, especially in moms who have had C-sections in the past.

Here are some tips to prevent post-Cesarean wound infection:

  • Strictly adhere to post-op and wound care instructions given by your doctor or nurse
  • Take antibiotics religiously, without skipping doses
  • Regularly change wound dressings and thoroughly clean your wound
  • Refrain from wearing tight clothing or applying lotions or creams on the wound
  • Don't force yourself to carry your baby if you are uncomfortable. Do not apply too much pressure on the wound. Seek help to find a good position for breastfeeding.
  • Keep skin folds from coming into contact with the wound area
  • Always take your temperature. Call the doctor in case of high fever.
  • If you note any of the symptoms mentioned above---pus, redness, pain, swelling---call for help immediately. Remember, post-Cearean wound infection can happen weeks after you are discharged from the hospital.

sources: Healthline, Livestrong

READ: What are gentle C-sections and are they right for you?

 

These may help you, heal your cesarean scar faster

product image Cesarean Section Dressing Pad

Editor's note: The product links provided here are aimed to help simplify product searches for our readers. Purchase the items at your own discretion. We do not take liability for any transaction issues and dispute. If you purchase an item from this post, theAsianparent may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
img

Written by

Bianchi Mendoza

Share this article

May katanungan tungkol sa pagpapalaki ng anak? Basahin ang mga artikulo o magtanong sa kapwa magulang sa aming app. I-download ang theAsianparent Community saiOS oAndroid!

  • Personalized Baby Blanket Philippines: Adorable Gifts For The Nursery

    Personalized Baby Blanket Philippines: Adorable Gifts For The Nursery

  • Everything You Need For Your Boss Baby Theme Party: Baby Boss Cake, Decorations, and All

    Everything You Need For Your Boss Baby Theme Party: Baby Boss Cake, Decorations, and All

  • Nakakabahalang stretch mark habang nagbubuntis: Ano ang mabisang pantanggal ng stretch mark?
    Partner Stories

    Nakakabahalang stretch mark habang nagbubuntis: Ano ang mabisang pantanggal ng stretch mark?

  • Personalized Baby Blanket Philippines: Adorable Gifts For The Nursery

    Personalized Baby Blanket Philippines: Adorable Gifts For The Nursery

  • Everything You Need For Your Boss Baby Theme Party: Baby Boss Cake, Decorations, and All

    Everything You Need For Your Boss Baby Theme Party: Baby Boss Cake, Decorations, and All

  • Nakakabahalang stretch mark habang nagbubuntis: Ano ang mabisang pantanggal ng stretch mark?
    Partner Stories

    Nakakabahalang stretch mark habang nagbubuntis: Ano ang mabisang pantanggal ng stretch mark?

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Baby Names
    • Delivery
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Advice for Parenting Kids
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Local celebs
    • Celebrities
    • Money
    • News
  • FAMILY & HOME
    • Couples
    • Weekend & Holiday Guide
    • Health
  • Building a BakuNation
    • More
      • TAP Community
      • Advertise With Us
      • Contact Us
      • Become a Contributor


    • Singapore flag Singapore
    • Thailand flag Thailand
    • Indonesia flag Indonesia
    • Philippines flag Philippines
    • Malaysia flag Malaysia
    • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
    • India flag India
    • Vietnam flag Vietnam
    • Australia flag Australia
    • Japan flag Japan
    • Nigeria flag Nigeria
    • Kenya flag Kenya
    © Copyright theAsianparent 2022. All rights reserved
    About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
    • Tools
    • Articles
    • Feed
    • Poll

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    theAsianparent heart icon
    Nais naming magpadala ng notification sa'yo tungkol sa latest news at lifestyle update.