Stretch marks, enlarged tummies, loose skin, etc. are some of the signs of pregnancy. Around one-third of deliveries happen through C-section or cesarean delivery. Women who have delivered through this method will develop one more type of scar on the skin i.e., C-section scar. In this article, we will learn more about this scar and how to take the best care of it.
Why does a scar form after a C-section delivery?
Cesarean section is one of the methods to deliver the baby. In this method, the baby is born by making an incision in the abdomen of the mother. This incision if remains open can lead to the formation of infection at the site. It is closed by bringing together several layers of fascia, and muscle with sutures and matching up their color with the original color of the skin.
What is the size of a C-section scar?
C-section scars are small. They appear as horizontal lines that are present below the pubic hairline region. It looks pink or red for many months and gradually fades in color.
Also read: Bleeding After C-Section; How long does it happen?
How does infection happen after a C-section delivery?
When a woman delivers through a C-section delivery, she experiences some form of redness, pain, and swelling, around the scar. This scar can get infected if bacteria makes its way into it. This can lead to the spreading of bacteria and the development of abdominal infections.
Here are some of the signs that show an infected C-section slit:
- Redness in the area surrounding the incision
- Unusual swelling on the skin around the incision
- Discharge of fluid from the wound
- Fever
- Increase in abdominal pain
- Bad-smelling discharge from the vagina
You should know that the symptoms of infection may not appear right after the C-section surgery. It takes around a month for signs to develop. If you find the above symptoms, then you need to check the doctor as early as possible to get the appropriate treatment to cure the condition.
Factors that increase a C-section wound infection
There are specific factors that can raise the possibility of experiencing a C-section scar infection. These are:
- hypertensive disorders
- epidural use
- obesity
- living in rural areas
- age
- a high number of vaginal examinations
- longer duration of labor
- diabetes
- twin pregnancy
- repeated pregnancy loss
How Can You Prevent a C-Section Scar Infection?
Let us see what is involved in post-operation C-section scar care. Before you get discharged from the hospital, your doctor will eliminate the staples from the cut. Sutures will get dissolve by themselves. Your doctor will cover the C-section scar with a sterilized paper tape-like strips. These strips keep the wounded scar locked and clean. Do not try to remove these strips as they will come out on their own in a week.
While the scar is fresh, i.e., in the first fifteen days, you will get care instructions to prevent infection and speedy healing. Your doctor will advise you to clean the area with antibacterial soap before the operation. Do not rub the area while cleaning it. He may also prescribe you antibiotics before performing a Cesarean section surgery. It will help in reducing the chances of infection. Women who are diabetic, are advised to control their blood sugar levels to limit their possibilities of infection. Your doctor will tell you ways to manage these levels to avoid any complications.
Once you have returned home, you need to follow scar care instructions diligently to prevent the build-up of an infection at the site of the C-section incision. It is very important to keep it clean and sterilized all the time till it gets completely healed. This can assist in lowering the chances of infection.
Some other precautions that you need to follow are as follows:
- Keep the wound clean by regularly washing it with medicated soap and warm water
- Change the bandages regularly
- Do not place the baby directly on the wound.
- Avoid using hot tubs and swimming pools to prevent infection.
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Keep blood sugar levels steady
- Do not smoke
- Keep the wound covered to prevent it from coming in contact with the harmful microbes
- Follow the prescribed medication
- Do not wear tight-fitting clothes
Also read: Diet After C-Section Delivery; Foods To Eat And Avoid
Conclusion
A C-section wound infection can happen due to the presence of a c-section scar. It happens when damaging microbes reach the wound site and infect the place. To avoid infection, it becomes very important to ensure cleanliness at the wound site. The above tips will help you take the best care of the scar to prevent the occurrence of infection.