What to do if the cesarean section incision is red and swollen

When women choose to have a cesarean section, there are many things they need to pay attention to, which will help the body recover. The cesarean section method of delivery requires some time for the body to recover, so during this period of time, women must arrange their diet and daily routine reasonably to avoid any abnormal conditions. So what should I do if the cesarean section incision is red and swollen? There are some solutions, which are introduced in detail below.

What to do if the cesarean section incision is red and swollen:

If the incision is red and swollen after cesarean section, infrared irradiation can be performed under the guidance of medical staff, and the dressing should be changed daily.

What to do if the incision hurts after surgery

The surgical incision will often be painful within 24 hours after cesarean section. If necessary, 50-100 mg of pethidine can be injected intramuscularly, repeated once every 4-6 hours. At the end of the operation, the anesthesiologist can also give a small amount of morphine through the epidural anesthesia catheter to relieve pain without affecting muscle activity.

When to remove the stitches

Currently, absorbable sutures are mostly used to suture surgical incisions, and there is no need to remove the sutures after the operation. The doctor will change the sterile dressing one day after the operation. If there is no abnormality, the dressing will be changed once more before discharge.

What to do if the incision oozes blood

The incision should be closely observed for bleeding within 24 hours after cesarean section. If there is bleeding, the dressing (mainly the gauze covering the incision) should be changed in time and the cause should be found out.

What to do if the incision is infected

If the body temperature remains high after cesarean section, and the incision is locally red, swollen, hot, and painful, it means that the surgical incision is infected. You should follow the doctor's orders for intravenous infusion for anti-infection treatment or oral antibiotics.

What to do if the incision itches

In the hospital, the itching of the incision will be treated by the doctor. After returning home, the mother or her family can use a sterile cotton swab dipped in 75% alcohol, apply it around the incision and replace the sterile dressing. If you are allergic to adhesive tape, you can use desensitizing adhesive tape.

How to keep your incision clean

In addition to covering the surgical incision with sterile dressings, it must be wrapped with a medical multi-head abdominal band. If there is contamination during urination or defecation, the doctor should be informed immediately and the dressing should be changed.

Can I move around after a cesarean section?

After cesarean section, the patient should lie flat for 6 hours and then change to a free position. The patient can sit up on the second day to facilitate the discharge of lochia. Rolling over is encouraged. After the catheter is removed, the patient can get up and move around to prevent adhesion of abdominal organs. During hospitalization, you can use a multi-head abdominal belt to wrap the abdomen to protect the surgical incision. After discharge, you can use an elastic abdominal belt to tighten the abdomen and gradually shrink the overly swollen abdomen. Start doing postpartum exercises from 2 weeks after delivery, but don't be too strenuous.

After understanding what to do if the cesarean section incision is red and swollen, when such a situation occurs, you can go to the hospital for examination first, so that you can choose the correct improvement method. However, when improving the redness and swelling of the cesarean section incision, you should also pay attention to your diet. You cannot eat irritating foods at this time, otherwise it will not help eliminate the redness and swelling problem.