April 2024 is caesarean awareness month

What are possible causes for C-Section wound infections?

• Certain factors drive the likelihood of developing a post-c-section SSI, among them are
• maternal obesity
• hypertensive disorders
• smoking
• multiple vaginal examinations prior to giving birth
• an emergency c-section
• giving birth in a lower income country – which is one of the greatest risk factors [2,3,4].

The number of women experiencing a post-c-section SSI is likely to increase globally, mainly due to the overall rising number of c-sections in recent and coming years [2,5,6].

How to avoid a C-Section wound infection

Obviously, the best way to avoid a C-Section wound infection is to not have a c-section in the first place.
Gynecologists thus urge doctors and patients to carefully consider the risk this procedure carries and to only perform/undergo a c-section if it is absolutely necessary from a medical point of view. Additionally, effective infection prevention strategies need to be implied in hospitals to minimize post-c-section SSIs [2,7].

A most recent initiative in 6 hospitals in the West England region aims to reduce post-c-section SSIs by implementing an effective infection prevention bundle based on WHO and NICE recommendations [1,8]. 

This bundle consists of

• alcoholic skin preparation
• the use of a dual ring wound protector for mothers with a BMI > 45
• repeated doses of antibiotics in case of excess blood loss
• and antibacterial suture [9].

Yet, mothers should not only rely on the hospitals to take action, there are some things that mothers can do themselves to minimize the risk of any post-c-section surgical site infection.

Prior to c-section:

• Shower with soap and water before you come to hospital.
• Do not shave the area of the procedure with a razor up to 24 hours before your delivery, as this increases the risk of an infection.
• Keep yourself warm before and after your arrival in the hospital.

After your c-section:

• Shower as soon as you feel able to, but don’t use soap or other hygiene products on your wound.
• Always wash your hands before touching the wound.
• If your stomach covers your wound, lift it gently and wash the area with clear water.
• Dry the wound by gently patting it with a clean towel – don’t rub it.
• Wear loose fitting, high waisted underwear to prevent pressure on the wound.