C-section Wound Infection: Risks, Types, and Precautions

A cesarean section or a c-section wound infection is an infection, as the name suggests in a surgical site infection that occurs after the C-section and is also medically reviewed as an abdominal or cesarean delivery as well. This happens as a result of a bacterial infection in the surgical incision site during childbirth.

Some of the common signs of wound infections include, fever from 100.5ºF to 103ºF, wound sensitivity, redness with some swelling in the area of the lower abdominal accompanied with some pain. Therefore, it is not a case of neglect but a call for action to prevent the increase of the complications caused by the infection.

In this article, we will articulate the risks, types, and precautions that you can take in order to prevent or aid if you end up with these c-section wound infections.

What are the risk factors involved in a post-cesarean delivery wound infection?

After the completion of the trimesters, as per the health conditions, you might go through vaginal delivery or a c-section. While none of this is in your hands, a few women are more likely to get this post-cesarean wound infection.

Listed below are the risk factors that can include:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• An immunosuppressive disorder, such as HIV
• Chorioamnionitis during labor, which is an infection of the fetal membrane and the amniotic fluid
• Long-term steroids
• Poor prenatal care
• Past cesarean deliveries
• Lack of antibiotics
• Long surgery
• Excessive blood loss

Complications or symptoms of the surgical site infection and how are they diagnosed?

According to the American College of Obstetricians, women who had a cesarean delivery must monitor their wounds, along with a regular follow-up session with the doctor’s post-operative instructions. However, if you are unable to check the wound by yourself, it is advised to have your partner or a loved one check it for you to look out for any warning signs of the wound infection, cause otherwise if ignored, there are chances of blood clots as well.

Here is a few wound infection prevalence impact that you must keep an account of and call the doctor for medical attention if occurred:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Redness and swelling of the incision site
• Pus discharge
• Non-stop pain at the incision site
• High fever, that is, more than 100.4ºF
• Pain while urinating
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Severe bleeding with or without large clots
• Swelling or pain in your leg

As per the Obstetricians and Gynecologists, this is how you can diagnose a wound infection:

• An appearance of the wound
• The rate of the healing progress
• The presence of any infection symptoms or bacteria

Note – It is very important to keep an eye open for any symptoms, as if reaching the doctor in time you can prevent a great deal of the forthcoming problems. Here, the doctor is expected to open your wound in order to diagnose it and help you with proper treatment, such as the antibiotic prophylaxis for cesarean.

The different types of infections after a C-section

These are the different types of infections that you can experience after a c-section:

1) Cellulitis

The cellulitis results due to staphylococcal bacteria or streptococcal bacteria that are known to be a part of the normal bacteria found on the skin. Here, the infected tissues that are present under the skin become inflamed resulting in redness and swelling that gets spread from the surgical incision to the nearby skin areas. When touched, these are generally warm and quite tender.

2) Abdominal abscess

This is also caused by staphylococcal bacteria like cellulitis, as well as, other bacterias found on the skin. The abdominal abscess leads to redness, tenderness, and swelling at the edges of the incision and the pus gets collected due to the tissue cavity by the bacterial infection. This can generally form at the uterine incision, ovaries, scar tissue, or any other nearby tissue or organ post-surgery.

Let’s now decode the other infections that are not always present in women who go through an incision site infection.

3) Thrush

This is caused by a fungus called – Candida that is normally present in the human body and can cause an infection to those consuming steroids, antibiotics, or ones with a weak immune system. Candida can result in a vaginal yeast infection or red and white sores in the mouth.

This can be prevented with an antifungal drug or with yogurt and other probiotics that prevent the growth of the yeast.

4) Bladder infection and urinary tract

The urinary tract and the bladder infection is caused due to the use of catheters when in the hospital, which results in the Escherichia coli bacteria that can be treated using an antibiotic. The common symptoms of the urinary tract cause a burning sensation during urination, a frequent need to urinate, and a fever.

Prevention and treatment of the surgical site infection

Treatment:

Cellulitis – It is reviewed by medically approved doctors that the use of an antibiotic on the wound cellulitis can help clear the infection drastically as it prevents the growth of the staphylococcal and streptococcal bacteria.

Abdominal wound abscesses – These are also treated by using antibiotics. However, in this case, expect your doctor to open the incision of the infected area, drain out the pus, and wash it clean. Once that’s done, an antiseptic with gauze will be inserted to prevent the growth or formation of the pus and will be regularly checked, making sure of the healing process.

Note – In just a few days, you can expect the wound to close or will be allowed to heal on its own.

Prevention:

Given that these surgical site infections are not in your control, there are a few ways by which you can reduce the risk of getting an infection, given by the obstetrics and gynecology department.

• Make sure you follow the wound care instructions and the postoperative medication directions for the wound and around the wound as mentioned by your doctor or nurse.
• Avoid skipping or avoid the dose of antibiotics
• Always keep the wound clean and change the dressings regularly
• Avoid wearing tight clothing
• Do not apply any body lotions in or around the wound
• Avoid skin folds or any touch on the incision area
• Keep a check on your body temperature

Does vaginal delivery also risk wound infections?

Women who have a vaginal delivery are less likely to experience a postpartum infection. However, on the other hand, vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) is dangerous as it risks the baby and the mother.

Listed below are a few steps that you can take if you haven’t had a C-section:

• Try to maintain a healthy weight to avoid an obese body mass index
• If given a choice, opt for a vaginal delivery as it reduces the risk of postpartum infections
• In case you have pre-existing medical conditions that cause your immune system, you must treat them on priority.

Note – Always opt for the safest method to close your wound. For instance, if the doctor plans for staples, ask for an alternate method, such as PGA sutures, pre-incision antibiotics, and also check for the signs of infection.

To Conclude:

A surgical site infection has occurred post a c-section delivery and it’s very important for you to take good care of yourself along with the necessary precautions. Take regular doses of antibiotics and avoid any skips, wash the wound clean, visit the doctor for regular check-ups, and keep an eye on your body temperature.

Feel free to contact Parenthood Bliss for any questions!

FAQs: C-section Wound Infection: Risks, Types, and Precautions

1) How can I reduce the risk of infection after C-section?

• Preoperative antiseptic
• Shower on the morning of surgery
• Use clippers for hair removal
• Avoid shaving
• Use chlorhexidine-alcohol
• Use extended-spectrum antibiotic prophylaxis

2) What antibiotic is used for C-Section infection?

Prophylactic, postoperative course of antibiotics with metronidazole (Flagyl) and cephalexin (Keflex) to reduce the growth of the surgical site infection (SSI) for obese women.

3) How to clean a c-section scar?

The best way to clean a c-section scar is by using warm and soapy water to wash the incision regularly. Then, pat the area dry.