How to Prevent a C-Section Wound Infection Some surgical site infections are out of the control of the patient. However, women who have had a C-section can take certain steps to reduce their chances of getting an infection. In addition, women who are thinking about an elective C-section delivery can take precautions to avoid a C-section wound infection. If you have already undergone a C-section: Follow the wound care instructions and postoperative medication directions given by your physician or nurse. If you have questions, do not hesitate to call your doctor. If you have been given antibiotics, do not skip doses or stop using them until you have finished the entire course of treatment. Clean your wound and change the wound dressings regularly. Do not wear tight clothing or apply body lotions over the wound. Ask for advice on holding and feeding the baby to avoid uncomfortable pressure on your wound, particularly if you plan to breastfeed. Try to avoid allowing skin folds to cover and touch the incision area. Take your temperature with an oral thermometer if you feel feverish. Seek medical care or call your doctor if you experience a fever over 100 F. Seek medical care for incision sites that become more painful, swollen, pussy, or that spread redness to skin further from the incision site. If you have not yet undergone a C-section: Maintain a healthy weight. If you are not yet pregnant, exercise and follow a healthy diet to avoid pregnancy with an obese body mass index (BMI). Opt for a vaginal, spontaneous labor and delivery if possible. Women with vaginal deliveries – even after a previous C-section – are less likely to get postpartum infections. In some cases, however, vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) is dangerous because of other risks to the mother and baby. Discuss your personal risk factors with your doctor. Request pre-incision antibiotics and thorough wound care instructions from hospital staff (KRAMES Patient Education). Ask to be checked for signs of infection before you go home from the hospital. Treat pre-existing conditions that cause you to be immunocompromised. If you have an existing infection or illness, try to have it treated prior to pregnancy or before your due date (if it is safe for you and the baby to do so). Ask for the safest suture method for wound closure (Basha, et al., 2010). If your doctor plans to use staples, ask if an alternate method is available (such as stitching).
Posted on: Tue, 19 Aug 2014 06:27:58 +0000