Cesarean section, postpartum, and scar care - Women's Unit

Cesarean section, postpartum and scar care

La Caesarean section It is performed through a transverse incision two centimeters from the pubis and the aesthetic result is very satisfactoryHowever, it's important to take specific precautions into account to promote optimal wound healing and proper recovery of the abdominal muscles. We'll explore these in this article, but first, let's get into the details.

When is a cesarean section performed?

Caesarean sections are performed when vaginal births are contraindicated. Its use is becoming more widespread and the reasons that may lead the obstetrician to perform this surgical intervention or the mother to request it are very diverse. They can range from pelvic floor care from woman to maternal fear of childbirth o the simple mother's wish.

When it is the woman herself who, after being informed of the pros and cons of the different types of birth, decides that she prefers this alternative, we are faced with a 'caesarean section on demand'. This is not always accepted by all healthcare systems, as it generally involves more costs than a vaginal birth.

Measuring the small incision of a cesarean section

What risks does it entail?

There are patients who, after a complication during a vaginal delivery or without any specific reason, directly request a cesarean section. However, despite the fact that cesarean sections have a very low rate of maternal and fetal complications, they do exist. specific risks associated with itFor this reason, a cesarean section is only indicated when there is a justified reason to perform it.

The first of them is him intrinsic risk of anesthesia, like any other surgery. It is true that, currently, the use of epidural anesthesia allows the mother to remain awake at all times during this surgical procedure. It also prevents babies from having to be resuscitated, as was the case with general anesthesia.

However, as we said, there are other possible risks derived from a cesarean section, which the doctor explains to us. Isabel Rodríguez-Piñero, specialist of the Women's Unit.

Increased risk of endometritis, i.e., a uterine infection.
Possibility of postpartum hemorrhage: In 18% of cesarean sections, patients lose more than 1,5 liters of blood, and around 2%-4% of them require a subsequent transfusion.
There is an increased risk of hollow viscus injury: the bowel or bladder may be injured.
Increased risk of complications and infections in the surgical wound.
Increased risk of complications and surgical wound infections.
Increased risk of paralytic ileus, a blockage in the intestine caused by the intestine taking longer than normal to reposition itself, which occurs in 10% of cases.
Consequences of antibiotic use…
Respiratory problems in babies.

On the other hand, they can also be given psychological consequences when the natural response mechanism during childbirth is affected. Other long-term consequences are more common in women who have been insufficiently informed. For this reason, it is very important go to a center that offers comprehensive advice from top-level specialists.

The World Health Organization (WHO) echoes the recommendation that professionals have routinely considered regarding the ideal cesarean rate. This "should range between 10 and 15%." However, it also reports that there are no studies of sufficient scientific rigor that link this intervention with increased stillbirths, maternal and perinatal morbidity, or psychological or social well-being, which questions the very low recommended rates of caesarean sections.

Mother holding her newborn baby in her arms

Postpartum care after a cesarean section

Just as with a vaginal birth, it is not recommended to maintain sexual intercourse until they pass 6 weeks after delivery and under prior medical approval.

Likewise, the specialist will recommend when to resume daily activities. Although, as a general rule, this Reactivation of routine should be carried out as soon as possible. The objective will be to stimulate muscular and mental recovery.

It is considered that walk It can help prevent blood clots and promote bowel movements. Although the woman may be forced to do this activity for the first few days, slightly inclined forward to minimize discomfort.

Protecting the scar in the days following surgery is essential. Therefore, it is recommended support your abdomen with both hands when coughing or sneezing, as it increases intra-abdominal pressure.

Once the stitches removed, the application of gels, patches or essential oils It will be very positive to reduce the inflammatory reaction and improve healing in order to stimulate the sensory recovery of the area and avoid abnormalities in healing, such as hypertrophic or keloid scars.

It is not generally recommended pregnancy to past 6 to 12 months, as long as the intervention and postoperative period have been normal.

Problems during the postoperative period after a cesarean section and when to see a doctor

If bleeding is excessive, the need to urinate persists for more than a month, legs hurt, breasts become red and hard or nipples become inflamed, fever rises, the scar swells, reddens, has pus or hurts more than usual, or vaginal discharge with an intense and unpleasant odor appears, it is recommended go to the doctor urgently.

On the contrary, warn lack of sensitivity around the scar for the first few days It's very common and should not be a cause for concern.

Cesarean section, postpartum and scar care