C-Section Scar Infection: Causes, Types, Signs And Treatment - 万博客户端手机版,ManBetx安卓客户端下载

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A C-section scar infection may occur in 3-15% of women who deliver through a C-section.The number of women giving birth through C-sections has increased significantly in the past few decades(1). A prompt diagnosis and management of C-section scar infection can help improve its prognosis and prevent complications.

Read this post to learn more about the causes, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of C-section scar infection.

In This Article

What Is A C-Section Wound Infection?

C-section scar infection should be seen by a doctor

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A c-section wound infection, also known as post-cesarean section wound infection, is a bacterial infection that develops aftercesarean delivery. It is due to bacterial infecting the surgical site(2).The infection could usually happen due to numerous types of bacteria and may be a superficial skin infection or a more dangerous deeper pelvic wound abscess. It is essential to be seen by a doctor as soon as possible to diagnose and treat the problem

What Are The Causes Of Infection After Cesarean Birth?

The following are risk factors for a wound infection(6)(7)(8)(9)(10):

Obesity
Increased weight
Previous cesarean delivery
Diabetes
An infection called intraamniotic infection that developed during labor
Prolonged rupture of membranes
Repeated vaginal examinations
An emergency Cesarean delivery

Quick fact

Tobacco use, insufficient or limited prenatal care, twin pregnancy, the prolonged second stage of labor, and excessive blood loss are some other risk factors for infections after a cesarean section(20).

Knowing the symptoms of a c-section infection can help you start the treatment in time.

What Are The Signs Of A Post-Cesarean Wound Infection?

Lower abdominal pain after the surgery may indicate infection

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The following are a few symptoms of an infection after c-section.

Feverand possible chillstypically with a temperature higher than 100.4 F can be one of the symptoms of a c-section infection.Swelling, redness, or increased painaround the incision or surgical site. Anyfluidcoming out from the incision, an opening of the incision, andmalodorousvaginal dischargeare also c-section infection symptoms(12).

Discomfort orpain in the lower abdomenregion for several days after the surgery.

Heavy bleeding and difficulty while urinatingare also signs of a c-section infection. In addition to this, you could experience pain and a burning sensation while urinating, and blood in the urine if you have developed an infection(13).

If you have noticed any of these symptoms, consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Related:Bleeding After C-Section: Causes And How Long It Lasts

How Is A Post-Cesarean Wound Infection Diagnosed?

The doctor would check for tenderness, fever, swelling, or any other sign that could indicate an infection.Daily inspection of the incision site is the most vital part of the postoperative diagnosis. However, most of the infections start to appear after a week of surgery. Therefore, doctors advice new mothers to be attentive to these signs. If you see the symptoms, visit the doctor for further diagnosis and timely treatment(14).

How To Treat A Wound Infection?

Oral antibiotics are used in the early stages to treat infection

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剖腹产感染可以治疗使用(10):

Antibiotics:Doctors usually recommend treating cesarean wound infections such as cellulitis with antibiotics.If caught early, oral antibiotics are used, however for more advanced cases,intravenous antibioticsⁱXAntibiotics administered into a vein via an injection or catheter to treat or prevent bacterial infectionsmay be necessary.

Drainage: For cases where there is a pocket of abscess or pus, opening the skin incision to allow drainage of the infection may be warranted

Dressing the wound:Some infection conditions may require dressing the wound regularly to close the wound and promote healing.

The treatment can be effective and your recovery faster when you follow a few tips.

Related:Is It Safe To Take Antibiotics When Pregnant?

How to take care of a C-Section Infection Wound?

Consume healthy food and lots of liquids

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Here are some things that you need to take care of.

Take and complete the antibiotics.

Go for regular cleaning and dressing of the wound as directed.

Avoid applying any lotions or creams that may contain chemicals harmful to your skin. And wear loose and lightweight clothes that don’t rub on your wounds.

You can always get postpartum medical care from your doctor if the wound doesn’t seem to heal or if you experience more pain at the surgical site.

Consume healthy food and lots of liquids.

Quick tip

If the doctor has applied tape on your incision, let it fall down on its own. It may take about a week(21).

Keep reading to learn how you can prevent an infection or minimize its risk.

Related:20 Healthy Foods To Eat During Pregnancy

Can You Prevent C-Section Wound Infection?

Control gestational diabetes to reduce c-section scar infection

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You may not be able to entirely prevent the infection after a c-section , but you can take certain precautions to avoid any complications.

Maintain a healthy weight:Obesity is one of the risk factors of a c-section wound infection(6). Hence, pregnant women should try maintaining theirweight during pregnancyby exercising or consuming a healthy diet.

Control diabetes:Gestational diabetesⁱXA condition where the pregnancy's hormonal and physical changes interfere with the body's use of insulin, causing an elevated blood sugarcould cause more complications related to the infection after a c-section(15). Therefore, pregnant women should try keeping their glucose levels in check.

Treat other conditions/diseases:If you are suffering from any disease/illness or have any pre-existing conditions that may trigger complications with a c-section infection, try to treat them before the due date.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why does my C-section scar hurt?

In rare cases, the endometrial tissue grows at the site of a C-section scar. This tissue may grow outside or inside the uterine walls, hurting the scar. Treatment may involve medical or surgical intervention (16) (17).

2. How many C-sections can a woman have?

Every woman is unique, and so is their body. Since the risk of C-sections starts increasing after the third cesarean, experts recommend that women can have a maximum of three C-sections (18).

3. Is it normal for a C-section incision to pus?

No. While you may experience swelling and redness at theincisionⁱXA cut in the body made for surgical purposesite after cesarean delivery, pus seeping out from the incision site is a sign of surgical site infection(12).

4. Can internal stitches open after C-section?

Yes. The internal cesarean incision on the uterus can also open or rupture following a cesarean delivery. However, its occurrence is rare(22).

5. How many layers are cut during C-section?

During a cesarean section, three layers of the uterus, including the serosal outer layer (perimetrium), the muscle layer (myometrium), and the inside mucosal layer (endometrium), are incised(23).

C-section scar infection is uncommon, but being obese, repeated or emergency cesarean delivery, diabetes,intraamniotic infectionⁱXInflammation of the placental and embryonic membranes caused by a bacterial infection, and many other factors may increase its risk. It is a bacterial infection that can be superficial or have a more severe deeper pelvic woundabscessⁱXA swollen area of skin filled with pus and debris resulting from a bacterial infection. However, with adequate medical treatment, it can be managed. So, if you experience any symptoms, see a doctor specializing in obstetrics and gynecology for the diagnosis as soon as possible. To reduce the risk of infection, take proper care of the C-section wound and visit your doctor if you have any concerns.

Infographic: Infection After C-Section: Additional Risk Factors And Complications

Although C-section has become a common surgical mode of delivery, post-surgery healing is not easy as you could be exposed to infections in the incisional region. Here is an infographic with the possible risk factors and complications following an infection after C-section.

other risk factors and complications of c-section scar wound infection (infographic)

Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below.

Download Infographic

Key Pointers

A C-section scar infection develops post-cesarean delivery, resulting from obesity, diabetes, etc.
Fever, abdominal pain, and bleeding may indicate an infection and needs immediate attention by a doctor.
Cleaning and dressing the wound regularly would promote healing.
To avoid C-section scar infection, a pregnant woman should maintain her weight and keep other health issues in control.

Learn about post-cesarean infection and antibiotic prophylaxis in this informative video. Understand the risks and how to prevent them with the right treatment.

References:

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