- Replace your bandage daily. This will allow for your wound to breathe and dry up quicker, compared to being soaked in a medicated bandage for days. Unless your bandage gets dirty or wet, change it immediately even if the 24 hours hasn’t lapsed yet. This also helps mitigate any type of infection that your incision can acquire.
- Mild soap and water are enough to clean your wound. Do not scrub your wound, as it could stay tender for at least 2-3 more days. Allow your wound to breathe under running water while you shower.
- If your wound was stapled, glued, or stitched, you may remove your bandage while you shower.
- Give yourself at least 3 weeks postpartum before swimming or taking part in activities that would mean soaking your body in.
- If your wound was closed using strips, you may shower with them and allow them to fall off by themselves. Try not to take them off yourself unless you were given clearance by your doctor to do so.
C-section wound care: Tips on how you can recover faster
- Increase your activity as you go. Don’t force yourself to get out of bed if you’re feeling groggy or are experiencing severe pain; however, make sure to take walks every now and then, at least once a day. This will help your body adjust and get used to having more physical activities as you get stronger.
- Allow yourself 1-2 months before you lift anything heavier other than your baby
- Light and easy house chores are fine (i.e., folding laundry, wiping furniture that don’t require squatting or kneeling for instance). Steadily increase physical movements as you go. Listen to your body.
- Get proper clearance from your doctor for when you can finally start having sex after pregnancy and when you can exercise. Do not perform crunches, sit-ups, or any abdominal movements that may cause your incision to heal slower.
When to see your doctor
If you experience heavy bleeding for more than 4 days, or light bleeding but persists after a month, contact your healthcare professional right away. Even if you’re performing proper C-section wound care and you notice other symptoms like:
- running fever
- swelling around your wound
- pain and redness around your incision
- foul odor coming from the wound
Then consult your doctor immediately.
If you’re worried about the scarring, there are several ways on how to help treat it like using products and creams with silicone and keeping it away from the sun.
The good news is: as long as you stick to what the doctor has ordered, you should recover in about 2 weeks’ time. It is important to openly communicate with your partner or to any family member who is assisting you during your recovery, as this is the time for when you need help the most.
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