April is C-section Awareness Month

What are the possible reasons for a caesarean section wound becoming infected?

• Certain factors increase the risk of infection, for example
• Overweight of the mother
• High blood pressure
• smoking
• Multiple vaginal examinations before the birth
• An emergency caesarean section
• One of the biggest risk factors: giving birth in a low-income country [2,3,4].

The number of women who contract an infection from their caesarean section is expected to continue to rise worldwide. This is due to the increasing number of caesarean deliveries in the past and coming years [2,5,6].

How you can avoid an infection in your caesarean section wound

Of course, the best way to avoid an infection in the caesarean section wound is not to have a caesarean section. Gynecologists urge doctors and patients to be aware of the risks associated with a cesarean delivery and to only perform or undergo it if it is absolutely necessary from a medical point of view. In addition, hospitals should implement effective measures to reduce C-section wound infections [2,7].

A recent initiative in six hospitals in the West of England aims to reduce the infection of caesarean section wounds. As part of this, hospital staff are following WHO and NICE recommendations [1,8]. These include

• Cleaning the skin around the future incision site with alcohol
• use of a double-ring wound protector for mothers with a BMI > 45
• multiple administration of antibiotics in the event of extreme blood loss
• Use of antibacterial suture material [9].

Regardless of hospital guidelines, there are also measures that expectant mothers can implement themselves to reduce the risk of infection in their caesarean section wound.

Before delivery:

• Shower with soap and water before coming to the hospital.
• Do not shave the area of the incision in the 24 hours before delivery, as this has been shown to increase the risk of infection.
• Keep warm on the way to the hospital and during your stay.

After the delivery:

• Shower as soon as you feel able, but do not apply soap or other hygiene items to your wound.
• Only touch the wound with washed hands.
• If your abdomen overlaps your wound, lift it carefully and wash the area with water.
• Dry the wound by gently dabbing it with a clean towel - do not rub it.
• Wear loose-fitting, high-waisted underwear to avoid rubbing the wound.