Why does the cesarean section wound not heal?

We all know that cesarean section is a common way of childbirth. Many pregnant mothers will choose cesarean section to give birth. After cesarean section, the wound on the abdomen needs some time to recover. Some mothers' wounds after cesarean section never heal. So why does the wound not heal after cesarean section? Let's take a closer look!

Why does the cesarean section wound not heal?

1. Wound infection

Some mothers do not pay attention to wound care after cesarean section, allowing the wound to be exposed to water or sweat too early, or touching the wound with unclean objects, etc., which may cause wound infection. Therefore, the wound should not be exposed to water for at least 2 weeks after cesarean section. Mothers sweat more after delivery because they need to discharge the water accumulated in the body during pregnancy. Sweat should not be allowed to get on the wound. If it does, wipe it off with a clean cotton swab and disinfect it with iodine to keep the wound clean and hygienic.

2. Maternal malnutrition

Wound healing cannot be separated from the participation of protein. Protein is equivalent to the raw material for wound healing. Therefore, we often tell mothers to eat more protein-rich foods after delivery, which can promote wound healing. If the mother is in a state of malnutrition for a long time, it will not only reduce the body's immunity, allowing bacteria to take advantage, but also affect the normal speed of wound healing.

3. High blood sugar in pregnant women

Some sisters have slightly higher blood sugar than normal people, which will also affect normal wound healing. People with high blood sugar usually have poor blood circulation, and naturally the blood circulation around the wound is also poor. Therefore, people with high blood sugar usually have difficult wounds to heal. If necessary, some blood sugar-lowering drugs can be used to promote normal wound healing.

4. Fat liquefaction

Fat liquefaction usually occurs in obese mothers. Because their abdominal fat layer is thicker, the surgical process is an external stimulus to the fat layer, which will cause aseptic necrosis of the fat layer. The necrotic fat tissue will continue to exude fluid, and the wound will not heal well for a long time. If this happens after a cesarean section, go to the hospital in time for treatment. The doctor will put gauze for drainage and change the dressing according to the mother's condition to make the wound heal faster.

5. Maternal physical condition

Many caesarean sections now use absorbable sutures, which will generally be absorbed by the wound in about a month. However, some mothers have special physical conditions and their bodies will reject the sutures, causing pain in the wound and the thread ends will come out of the wound. In this case, mothers need to go to the hospital to remove the sutures to prevent them from affecting the healing of the wound.

How to promote wound recovery after cesarean section

1. Keep the wound clean and dry

Change the dressing on time according to the doctor's instructions, pay attention to the wound condition, keep the wound dressing clean and dry, and report to the doctor in time if there is bleeding, exudation or the dressing is wet. After the stitches are removed and you are discharged from the hospital, you should also pay attention to keeping the wound clean and dry, and avoid getting it wet before it is completely healed, so as to avoid infection and poor healing of the wound.

2. The wound scabs and falls off naturally

After the wound scabs, it is often extremely itchy. At this time, you can apply some anti-itching drugs as prescribed by the doctor. Do not scratch with your hands, let alone artificially remove the scabs, which will affect the healing of the wound. It is better to let the scabs fall off naturally.

3. Avoid increasing tension on the wound

Wound healing is closely related to wound tension. You should take more rest and do moderate activities after cesarean section. Generally, you are encouraged to get out of bed and move around the next day after cesarean section. However, you should avoid strenuous activities, weight bearing, pulling the skin at the wound, and constipation to avoid increasing the tension at the wound and affecting healing. After the postoperative lying-flat period without a pillow, it is recommended not to lie flat when sleeping. You can lie on your side with your legs bent to reduce the tension at the wound.

4. Pay attention to nutrition

Some traditional customs have many restrictions on maternal diet, many of which are unscientific. Modern medicine believes that after a caesarean section, the mother can gradually eat after the intestines are ventilated. The mother can eat fruits and vegetables. Attention should be paid to timely nutrition, scientific diet, balanced nutrition, and reasonable combination, but attention should be paid to avoiding raw, cold, spicy and irritating foods.

5. Maintain a good physical and mental state

Mothers should be good at adjusting their life after having a baby, maintaining a good mood, adequate sleep, and a regular schedule, which will help the body repair itself and promote good wound healing.

How long does it take to heal from a cesarean section wound?

After a caesarean section, you can usually pass gas, defecate, and urinate freely within 24 hours, and walk around. The caesarean section wound will take about 6-7 days to heal and you can take a shower.

Except for breasts for breastfeeding, other organs need about 42 days to return to their pre-pregnancy state. The medical term is "puerperium", which refers to the period from the delivery of the placenta to the recovery of all organs of the mother (except the breast) to their pre-pregnancy state (including morphology and function). This period is generally stipulated as 6 weeks (42 days). However, if there are special circumstances during the pregnancy and delivery of the mother, such as severe complications during pregnancy or major rescue during delivery, the recovery time may be extended.