how to clean c section incision
How often should I clean my C-section incision?
Use warm, soapy water to wash your incision daily (usually when you shower). Pat the area dry after cleaning. If your doctor used tape strips on your incision, let them fall off on their own. This usually takes about a week.
Should I put anything on my C-section incision?
When you’re done, gently pat the area dry with a clean towel. It might be possible to use ointment and cover your scar. Some doctors say it’s okay to apply a topical antibiotic or petroleum jelly and cover the wound lightly with a bandage; others say it’s better to apply nothing and leave the wound uncovered.
How do I take care of my C-section incision at home?
You’ll usually be advised to:
- gently clean and dry the wound every day.
- wear loose, comfortable clothes and cotton underwear.
- take a painkiller if the wound is sore – for most women, it’s better to take paracetamol or ibuprofen (but not aspirin) while you’re breastfeeding.
- watch out for signs of infection.
How do you clean an open C-section incision?
You can shower after a C-section, and it’s fine to let the soapy water run down the area. Just avoid rubbing, scratching, or scrubbing the C-section site. Wounds need some moisture to heal properly, so it’s best to keep the bandages on most of the time.
How do I know if my C-section incision is infected?
Signs of an infected C-section incision include: Redness around the incision. Abnormal swelling around the incision. Fluid leaking from the wound.
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Common signs of an internal or uterus infection after a C-section include:
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Common signs of an internal or uterus infection after a C-section include:
- Fever.
- Increasing abdominal pain.
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
What should I not eat after C-section?
‍Food items to Avoid
The diet chart after C-section recovery should also eliminate anything that takes a longer time to digest. Items like carbonated drinks, citrus juices, coffee, tea, and spicy food should be avoided as they increase bloating and gas. Fermented and fried food can cause heartburn and indigestion.
When can I use soap on C-section incision?
While your scar is fresh—usually for the first two weeks—you’ll be instructed not to lift anything heavier than your baby so as not to disturb the healing process. During this time, you can shower freely using a mild soap without scrubbing the area.
What to do if an incision opens?
Things to consider
- If you incision breaks open, call your doctor. …
- If your incision is red, this may be a sign of infection. …
- If your incision bleeds, replace your bandage with a clean, dry bandage or gauze. …
- If you’re outside in the sun, cover your scar with tape or sunscreen for the first 6 months after surgery.
What do you clean an incision with?
Clean the area with mild soap and water and gently pat dry with a clean cloth. Your provider will remove your staples when your wound is healed. Some stitches dissolve over time — others need to be removed by your provider. Dissolvable stitches may be held in place by strips of tape (Steri-Strips).
What soap should I use to clean my C-section?
We want you to shower with a special soap called chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) or Hibiclens. A shower using this soap will reduce your risk of getting an infection. Our goal is to keep you from getting an infection. It is very important that you bathe with CHG the night before and the morning of your surgery.
Can I use soap in shower after C-section?
It’s fine to have a shower or bath after a c-section and to use soap on the wound, as long as you rinse it off. You can use a flannel, as long as it’s freshly washed. Pat, rather than rub, the wound and gently pat it dry with a clean, dry towel, or use the cool setting on your hairdryer to air-dry it.
What position should I sleep in after ac section?
According to Specialty Surgery Center, the best sleeping position after C-section and most surgeries is on your back. Many times sleeping on your back may be the best option to relieve any pressure on your incision.
Should I shower the morning of my C-section?
Shower #2: Morning of Surgery
Do not shave any area of your body that is near the surgical site. Dry off with a clean towel. Then, use the 2nd CHG cloth to wipe the front of your body, the same as you did last night. Allow your skin to air dry.
Is it necessary to drink hot water after delivery?
A senior Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr. James Odofin, has warned women against drinking beer or hot water to lose belly fat after delivery, noting that it does not help mothers regain pre-pregnancy abdomen size.
How do you shower before ac section?
Start each shower or bath by washing your hair as usual with shampoo. Rinse your hair and body thoroughly to remove the shampoo residue. To prevent infection following surgery, shower the night before using an antibacterial soap, such as Dial or Hibiclens (do not use a soap with no antibacterial properties).
Do they take your organs out during ac section?
In most c-sections, the bladder and intestines are moved aside so the ob-gyn can keep them safely out of the way while delivering the baby and repairing the uterine incision. Those organs won’t be moved outside the body, though.
Can I drink water after cesarean delivery?
At first you may be asked to only eat ice chips or take sips of water, at least until your provider is certain you are not likely to have very heavy bleeding. Most likely, you will be able to eat a light diet 8 hours after your C-section.
How many C-section can a woman have?
“So, every patient is different and every case is unique. However, from the current medical evidence, most medical authorities do state that if multiple C-sections are planned, the expert recommendation is to adhere to the maximum number of three.”
Why do you shake during C-section?
Shaking and Feeling Cold: During c-sections, moms are kept awake, and the effects of the anesthetic and blood loss often produce vigorous shaking and an overall feeling of being cold {similar to fever chills}. The shaking can start during the surgery and continue well after into the recovery period.
Is C-section traumatic for baby?
Increasingly, researchers are finding that c-sections are linked to both short and long-term health problems for baby. Short-term problems include breathing difficulty, risk of head/facial laceration from surgery, breastfeeding difficulties, and delayed bonding.
How long does it take for your organs to go back after C-section?
In a week, your uterus will be half the size it was just after you gave birth. After two weeks, it will be back inside your pelvis. By about four weeks, it should be close to its pre-pregnancy size. This process is called involution of the uterus.
Is it OK to sit after C-section?
After a C-section it is important to allow core and pelvic floor recovery: Avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby, and get help wherever possible. Roll on to your side when lying down before sitting up. Rest horizontally as much as possible.