Suture management after cesarean section is an important aspect of rehabilitation therapy. The rules for cleaning a wound are explained in the hospital. All points must be strictly followed. This will help minimize the development of infection and rough scar tissue. After the formation of a neat scar, you can resort to various techniques to reduce the external signs of the surgical intervention.

Modern doctors perform a caesarean section in three ways. The most accurate incision is made using the Pfannenstiel technique. This incision is made above the pubic hair growth area.

After healing, such a scar remains invisible to others. The length of the incision using this method is no more than 12–15 cm. The small size is easily explained by the characteristics of the tissue. In this area, the epidermis, muscles and uterus are tightly adjacent to each other. Due to this, the cut is made in one motion. The doctor instantly gains access to the fetus. The healing of such a suture occurs quickly. In order for the tissue to form correctly, a woman must follow certain rules. They will help the tissue form correctly. After recovery, traces of surgical intervention are easily removed with cosmetics.

There is another common technique for cesarean section - Joel-Cochin laparotomy. This method is carried out by making an incision under the umbilical area. The distance to the navel is 5–7 cm. This method allows you to cut the upper part of the uterine cavity. The average length of the incision does not exceed 20 cm. It is used in many clinics. The healing of this wound form is less painful than the previous type of suture. Painlessness is explained by the presence of a fatty layer under the upper layer of the epidermis. But the postoperative scar will be noticeable to others. To minimize its manifestation, you should visit a beauty salon.

The most unpleasant thing for women is the vertical scar left after emergency surgery. It is rare in modern surgery, but has a lot of unpleasant consequences for the patient. The incision using this technique is made from the upper area of ​​the pubic bone to the lower part of the diaphragm. Dissection allows you to separate the diaphragmatic muscle fibers and open access to the abdominal cavity. An operation using a vertical incision is used in emergency cases. This technique allows you to save the life of a fetus that is experiencing various negative influences. The healing of such a seam is very unpleasant. A long longitudinal scar forms in the postoperative area. Restoration of damaged tissue takes place in several stages. The postoperative hospital period can last a month or more. Such a scar can be made less noticeable to others only by using modern hardware technologies.

Stapling the wound

Sutures are applied with various medical materials. The rate of scar tissue formation depends on them. Often there are sutures made using silk thread. Silk leaves minimal marks on the skin and allows the edges of the epidermis to be tightly pulled together. The suture material has a strong structure and is not exposed to the negative influence of the external environment. It should be taken into account that three types of fabric are sewn.

The uterine cavity is also subject to surgical damage during a caesarean section. It is held together with a self-absorbing thread or special staples. The threads allow the uterus to repair itself. The stitches disappear after two months. Staples provide a tighter fit of the tissues, but do not allow the woman to further plan a pregnancy without additional intervention from a surgeon. Surgical thread is rarely used.

The recovery process involves monitoring the healing of the uterine cavity and skin. Muscle tissue can only be tracked using hardware diagnostics. Its edges are also secured with self-absorbing sutures.

Postoperative care

Suture care after cesarean section is carried out in two stages. The first stage takes place in a hospital setting. After the operation, the woman remains in the recovery room for observation. The doctor makes sure that various complications do not arise. The following negative processes that occur after surgery are identified:

Bleeding can be detected by the presence of fluid on the postoperative dressing. Bleeding may occur due to improper wound healing or intracavitary injury. To determine the cause of bleeding, the woman is sent for an ultrasound examination. It is not recommended to ignore pathology. Large blood loss leads to the death of a person.

There is a slight risk of bacterial infection. The risk arises from improper wound care or poor personal hygiene. Bacteria settle on the surface of the wound and begin to actively multiply. Pathogenic microorganisms have a negative impact on the characteristics of tissue cells. The site of infection becomes inflamed. Strong development of pathology is accompanied by additional surgical intervention. In most cases, antibiotic drugs effectively fight infection.

Inflammation is also observed when the sterile dressing is not replaced in a timely manner and there is no antibacterial therapy. The pathology causes partial tissue necrosis. The mixing of dead cells and leukocyte fluid leads to the appearance of pus. In this situation, additional treatment and increased medical supervision are necessary.

After a cesarean section, another problem often occurs. Many patients experience sutures coming apart. This phenomenon is associated with increased physical activity. Many mothers strive to carry their baby in their arms. This entails untying the suture thread. For this reason, doctors do not recommend increasing the load during the first week.

A doctor monitors the healing process. Treatment is carried out by nurses. The edges of the wound are treated with an antiseptic solution. Most clinics use an aqueous solution of chlorhexidine for this purpose. The cleaned surface is dried with a brilliant green solution. The seam is sealed with special sterile dressings. The dressings come in a variety of sizes and are made from cellulose fibers. Removing the bandage is not painful. It is replaced twice a day.

In parallel with caring for the external seam, it is necessary to properly treat the genitals. After childbirth, you can use special liquids to wash the genitals. Douching with an aqueous solution of chlorhexidine or miramistin can reduce infection of the uterine cavity. Washing with soap is not recommended. It changes the acidity of the vagina. The risk of developing thrush increases.

After a week, the woman is examined and discharged. Before discharge, the specialist explains the rules of how to care for the suture after a caesarean section at home.

Self-care rules

The rules for caring for a suture at home are not difficult for the patient. They include the following items:

• antiseptic treatment;
• washing the skin with water;
• decreased physical activity;
• tracking scar tissue formation;
• care of gynecological organs.

Antiseptic treatment at home should not be different from hospital cleansing. Patients ask how to treat a suture after a caesarean section at home. It is necessary to purchase chlorhexidine or a sterile solution of furatsilin. Both solutions can be applied to the wound with a cotton pad or using a special nozzle. You can also use a hydrogen peroxide solution. After cleaning, the edges of the seams are generously smeared with brilliant green. A bandage is glued to the seams or a sterile napkin is attached. The suture after a cesarean section needs to be treated daily.

Washing the skin is carried out during the process of washing the body. The postoperative area should not be rubbed with a washcloth or subjected to other physical influences. The surface can be covered with foam and washed off with running water. After the shower, it is necessary to thoroughly dry the seams and carry out the usual processing.

Also, a woman at home should not make sudden movements or carry heavy objects. High physical activity causes spasms of muscle tissue. Spasm can affect the condition of internal sutures after cesarean section. Muscle tissue separation may occur. Also, such a load is accompanied by a change in the position of internal organs. Such patients often experience the appearance of hernial orifices. The pathology is accompanied by prolapse of the intestine into the free cavity of the peritoneum. The problem can only be corrected surgically. For this purpose, the operated woman should ask household members for help.

It is also necessary to monitor the formation of scar tissue. It appears gradually. A thin film of young epidermal cells forms on the surface of the wound. Gradually the layer increases in thickness. For the first 4–5 months, the scar is red in color. Vessels are distinguished through the tissue. After 3 months the tissue becomes dense. The color becomes lighter. At this time, cosmetic treatments can be applied to reduce the external signs of the scar.

Sometimes the scar appears unevenly. A fistula forms in certain areas of the wound. Through it, necrotic fluid is brought to the surface. The surface of the fistula is an ideal environment for bacterial infection. If a woman notices the appearance of a small round wound in the suture area, she should consult a doctor. The fistula does not heal on its own. It requires additional tissue suturing.

At home, you should also monitor the condition of the gynecological system. The uterus also has sutures. They require careful treatment, as bacterial infection of the wound by the woman’s own microflora may occur. How to treat a suture after uterine surgery? To do this, special antiseptic solutions should be used. Organs should be washed with intimate hygiene gels. They have the acidity necessary to maintain the vaginal microflora. Washing is carried out twice a day. The patient should report the appearance of unpleasant discharge or odor to the attending physician.

It is recommended to do douching yourself. For treatment, you can use chlorhexidine or miramistin. You can also buy Bepanten foam. It contains dexpanthenol, which helps enhance metabolic processes in tissues. The scar will form faster under its influence.

Restoring the appearance of fabric

After the formation of a dense, light scar, you can resort to restoring the appearance of the skin. There are two methods to remove rough tissue:

• sand grinding;
• laser microdermoplasia.

Sanding is carried out in a beauty salon and allows you to gradually smooth out scar tissue. Several procedures may be required to achieve a noticeable effect. If this method is not suitable for a woman due to price, you can use homemade scrubs. Scrubbing should be done with coarse large particles. Sea salt is used for this purpose. It should be mixed with a spoon of honey. The resulting mixture is rubbed into the scar for at least 10 minutes. To get a good result, you need to carry out the procedure 3 times a week for a month.

There is a more effective method for removing scars after a caesarean section - laser microdermoplasia. This method allows you to completely eliminate scar tissue. The laser causes a pinpoint burn. The inner layers of the scar begin to disappear. Their place is taken by cells characteristic of the skin of the abdominal region. Additional treatment is also required after the procedure. The burn surface is treated with panthenol. It is not recommended to remove the crust manually. This can lead to the formation of new, rougher scar tissue.

Recovery after a cesarean section is long. Young mothers are especially worried about a scar on the lower abdomen. Proper care of the suture will minimize the pathological appearance of the scar. The doctor will tell you how to treat the suture. Failure to comply with the rules leads to various complications, the treatment of which is carried out only in a hospital setting.

Recovery after a cesarean section will take a woman quite a long time. But the period during which rehabilitation will take place can be divided into two segments.

Caesarean section: the first days

While the first period lasts, a woman who gave birth by cesarean section will have to lie in bed, because her task is to recover from the operation. And even the simplest actions will be difficult for her, for example, it will not be easy for her to clear her throat, but taking a deep breath will be difficult for her. During this time, the mother is usually forced to stay in the intensive care unit, where she is cared for by nurses who monitor her recovery from surgery.

The woman’s condition is monitored by a doctor who makes sure that all indicators (pressure, pulse, temperature) are normal. The doctor also monitors how quickly the recovery progresses, how the uterus contracts after a cesarean section, and how intense the vaginal discharge is. The woman's seam deserves special attention. In the postoperative period, it is necessary to regularly change the dressings on it.

What to do after the procedure?

During the caesarean section procedure, anesthesia is required. In this regard, a woman should under no circumstances sit on the bed for a long time after surgery - up to 12 hours. And you can get out of bed in the postoperative period only 3 days after a cesarean section. This will have to be done very carefully. In this case, sudden movements and haste are contraindicated; it is advisable for the mother to be helped up by relatives or medical staff.

But you can rise only after your doctor has given permission to do so. Don't be surprised if you feel dizzy after getting up - this is normal, although recovery is in full swing. And the feeling of weakness and slight malaise is associated with the fact that the woman underwent abdominal surgery under anesthesia. Even though it seems to many to be a fairly simple surgical intervention, this does not negate all the “charms” that accompany the procedure. Do not forget that in the process all layers of the abdominal wall are cut.

Learning to get up

It is important to remember that the doctor’s advice primarily determines how the recovery period after a cesarean section will go. And the doctor will give you the following recommendations regarding the first attempt to stand up:

• before sitting on the edge of the bed, you need to turn over to your side, after which you can hang your legs and sit down slowly
• Now you need to “work” with your legs - for this it is enough to do any light exercises. Avoid sudden movements; after all, you had a caesarean section a few days ago.
• then place your feet on the floor and ask someone to help you stand up. An important nuance is that you need to stand up with a straight back, and it is advisable to stand as well. Only in this case will your postoperative suture be safe, even if you feel a slight tension
• Don’t try to take a step right away - first, wait
• Once you feel ready to take a step, take a small step

These instructions must be followed during the postoperative period. After just a couple of days, you will notice that it is becoming increasingly easier for you to get out of bed. As soon as you stop experiencing discomfort during the climbs, know that you will soon have a full recovery. After this, it is advisable to gradually increase the time of “pacing”, but not sharply, so that the seam does not begin to separate - after this, the second period of rehabilitation of the woman begins after the cesarean section procedure.

Cough correctly

It is important for mothers who have undergone a cesarean section to learn how to cough correctly in order to recover faster. The fact is that the postoperative period in this case is different in that during the use of general anesthesia (if it was used), mucus has accumulated in the lungs, which will gradually drain away, so that a cough will appear in any case. At first it will cause pain - the area where the postoperative suture is located will ache.

To begin with, it is advisable to place your palms on your stomach, as if holding the stitch that appeared after the cesarean section procedure (you can tie it with a towel). Then draw air into your chest - now exhale sharply, trying to keep your stomach pulled in. A proper cough should ideally resemble a dog barking. You will need to exercise several times over an hour if you complain of mucus buildup in your chest during the postpartum period. If not, then the procedure can be done rarely. An important point is that if you know in advance that you will have a cesarean section, it is better to learn the technique before the procedure.

Dealing with sensitive issues

You should be prepared for the fact that after a cesarean section you will have several delicate problems - in particular, intestinal gases will make themselves felt. For abdominal operations, this is a typical consequence, since peristalsis slows down due to surgery and anesthesia. The problem can be dealt with using a number of methods. For example, learn to breathe deeply, try rocking while sitting in a chair, and avoid foods that can cause increased gas.

Another problem that you may encounter after a cesarean section is problems with urination. They can be triggered by the catheter used during surgery, as well as the anesthesia itself. If you are faced with this “trouble”, don’t worry. First of all, drink more to make you want to urinate. If you can't do this, try again in the shower with the sound of running water.

The main thing is to relax and not start to panic. However, remember that in cases where, after a cesarean section, you were unable to go to the toilet “in a small way,” you must definitely warn the doctor about this, because it is vital for you to empty the bladder of urine accumulated in it. Most likely, you will have to use the catheter again, and then undergo an additional examination by a nephrologist. This will somewhat complicate the woman’s recovery in the postoperative period.

Diet

In the first two days after a cesarean section, the woman is given all the nutrients intravenously. The reason is that food is prohibited due to abdominal surgery - the organs must have time to rest. This way they will be able to recover faster. These days you can only drink still water; if you wish, you can add lemon to it. On the third day, the woman already has the opportunity to eat on her own. To begin with, you are allowed to drink chicken broth - it is usually the first dish that is allowed to be consumed during the period when mommy’s recovery begins.

Gradually, those who have had a caesarean section are introduced to the diet of meat minced in a meat grinder, soufflé, porridge, and liquid curds. You need to eat little by little (100 ml at a time), and it is also advisable to drink a little. During this period, the abdominal organs should work so that they have to strain to a minimum in order to speed up recovery. It is advisable that the food is not too dense and heavy, because the first stool should “happen” on the 5th day after cesarean section. Then the diet should become less strict. Ideally, the diet that characterizes the postoperative period should gradually “degenerate” into a diet for nursing mothers.

Breastfeeding

But what about feeding if a woman had to go through a caesarean section? If recovery is progressing quickly, ask that the baby be brought to you as soon as possible. It is very important for you to establish breastfeeding now, but this will be very problematic if the baby is given to you three days after the caesarean section procedure. The fact is that the baby must constantly stimulate the mammary glands - only in this case the breasts will be filled with milk. If recovery after a cesarean section is delayed or the baby needs additional medical care, you will have to learn to express yourself.

Despite the fact that the caesarean section procedure is carried out under local anesthesia, if it is local, ask to put the baby to the breast immediately after his birth. Usually in hospitals for women in labor they use medications that are allowed during breastfeeding, so there is no need to be afraid that you will harm the baby. Even if the baby falls asleep, invite him to do the first test - reflexes can work even in this case. Remember that breast milk will also help the baby recover if he was born early. But if you still fail to feed the baby, just press him to your chest - he should feel that his mother is still nearby. And he recognizes you by the beating of your heart, which he listened to constantly while in the womb.

However, remember that in the first days after the cesarean section procedure, it is not advisable to pick up the baby very often while you are standing. In this way, you protect your seam, which may partially come apart under heavy load. You will have to limit yourself in this sense for quite a long time - up to six months, although it all depends on how the recovery goes. At home, you will have to ask your family for help more often, especially when you decide to go for a walk for the first time. Also, ideally, it is better not to do household chores for at least the first month - after a caesarean section, it is important for you to recover fully, as well as for your baby. Therefore, you need to devote this time to yourself and the baby.

Seam care

If you had a caesarean section, then the postoperative period is simply unthinkable without taking care of the stitches. It is clear that they require special care - during the first week after a cesarean section they are treated daily, changing the dressings each time. After the stitches are removed, you can safely take a shower, but it’s better not to use a washcloth for now, even though by this time the scar has already formed.

Obviously, the suture will hurt after the operation and during the recovery period; at first, painkillers help the young mother cope with the pain. Gradually, as the discomfort decreases, the woman stops giving them, and from now on she is recommended to wear special bandages. Remember that doctors do not allow new mothers to lift more than 2 kg for at least 60 days.

The postoperative period after cesarean section depends on the characteristics of the operation performed. It should be understood that surgery is accompanied by significant damage to several tissues. Negative effects of anesthesia are also observed. All these changes require the woman to comply with a number of special rules aimed at quickly restoring health.

Caesarean section is accompanied by consequences for the general well-being of the woman. It is necessary to consider such phenomena as:

• presence and treatment of the seam;
• the appearance of discharge from the uterus;
• removal of anesthesia;
• treatment of genitals;
• the appearance of lactation.

All these processes must be carefully controlled. If a woman does not know what to do after a cesarean section, she needs the help of a doctor. The attending physician will explain what to do and how to behave after surgery.

Discharge after surgery

Surgery is performed under anesthesia. Modern doctors use two types of anesthesia. For many patients, the operation is performed under general anesthesia. This allows you to eliminate the psychological trauma of the woman in labor. But this method has a negative impact on the patient’s condition in the postpartum period.

In the first days, care after a cesarean section is provided by medical personnel. The woman in labor is prohibited from getting up and walking for several days. This is due to the residual effect of anesthesia. Under the influence of the drug, various pathologies of the nervous system can occur. Most patients report dizziness and severe nausea. If in the first days a woman in labor tries to sit up or stand up, these phenomena intensify.

Anesthesia also affects the child’s well-being. A small amount of the drug enters the fetus during surgery. The substance causes a decrease in the baby’s motor activity. He becomes lethargic. The child sleeps for a long time. The sucking reflex may also be impaired. Such children may refuse to breastfeed. For this reason, a large number of babies born through surgery are fed artificial formula.

The drug used for anesthesia is completely washed out of the body on the fifth day. After this, the body begins to recover. The first sign of removal of the substance is severe pain in the area of ​​the sutures. To reduce pain, you need to use analgesic medications. A large number of analgesics excludes breastfeeding. The remedy should be selected only by a doctor. Self-administration of analgesics can lead to the development of problems for the mother or child.

The second sign of eliminating a substance from the body is a decrease in dizziness. The woman begins to feel better. Her condition is returning to normal.

Seam processing

The postpartum period after a cesarean section requires the woman to properly care for her stitches. The incision for this intervention can have a different shape. Often, to remove the fetus, doctors dissect the abdominal area along a physiological fold. In this area, the scar that forms at the site of the wound will not be noticeable. This incision also minimizes the risk of injury to the child.

If a woman has been subjected to emergency exposure, then the wound may be located longitudinally. This intervention allows the doctor to quickly give the child access to oxygen. But the wound will take a long time to heal. The scar after a longitudinal emergency section is rough.

The edges of the cut are fastened in various ways. Most doctors use silk and self-absorbable thread for this purpose. Silk fiber leaves no marks on the scar. This thread is applied only to the outer edges of the wound. The muscle tissue is held together with a self-dissolving thread. Complete disappearance of the nodes occurs after a few weeks. The uterus is stitched with the same material. Staples are sometimes used for emergency caesarean sections. They are made of medical metal, which does not undergo chemical reactions in the patient’s body.

After surgery, the sutures should be properly processed. In the hospital, the sutures are processed by a procedural nurse. The surface of the wound is washed with an antiseptic solution and generously lubricated with a drying agent. For this purpose, the hospital uses brilliant green. Fucorcin is used less frequently. After thorough cleansing, the sutures are covered with a postoperative napkin. The bandage is made from natural materials and has a special pad. It does not stick to the wound and is removed painlessly. The first week the seam is processed 2 times a day. In the second week, treatment can be reduced to once.

A woman should understand that improper and untimely cleaning of sutures can lead to the development of complications that are difficult to treat. If the patient takes proper care of the wound, the sutures will be removed 10 days after surgery.

During the first few days, you should learn to stand up correctly. This will help prevent the seams from coming apart. To do this, the patient lies on her side and lowers her legs from the bed. After this, a sitting position is assumed with a straight back. Only after this can you get up. All movements should be smooth and slow.

Complications

Not all women in labor have sutures that heal without complications. The first days after a cesarean section, the doctor monitors the condition of the wound. Improper care and contamination of the wound can lead to problems such as dehiscence. This problem occurs due to high physical activity. To understand what you can do if you have stitches, you should consult your doctor.

If wound treatment is carried out improperly, there is a risk of inflammation. It appears due to severe contamination of the wound. Pathogenic microorganisms settle on the wound surface and change the tissue. Heavy contamination is also fraught with suppuration. Pus in the incision may appear due to the accumulation of leukocytes, dead cells and microorganisms. To eliminate the cause of suppuration, the treatment process should be reconsidered.

After a caesarean section, a woman should monitor the discharge from the wound. During the first week, ichor should appear on its surface. This fluid is formed in damaged tissues and contains a large number of white blood cells. If it does not appear, you must inform your doctor. The probable cause is the formation of a cavity between the tissues. The risk of complications can be reduced by using drainage, which is installed in the suture after surgery.

Also, a lot of ichor can be released. If the suture bleeds for a long time, intracavitary bleeding is considered a possible cause. The patient undergoes an urgent ultrasound examination, which allows us to determine the cause of the disease. In order for healing to occur correctly, you must adhere to the prescribed treatment.

Rarely, a fistula canal appears at the suture. It is formed due to partial preservation of the threads after surgery. The tissues surrounding the thread become inflamed. Purulent fluid forms. Gradually, tissue cells die. Cell atrophy promotes channel formation. A tumor filled with pus forms on the surface of the suture. It can open up on its own. Healing of the fistula canal takes a long time. If during palpation the patient notices a painful lump, she must inform the doctor about it.

Discharge after surgery

After a cesarean section, a woman should closely monitor her discharge. The recommendations apply to the first 4 weeks of the postoperative period.

A woman's pregnancy begins with the attachment of the embryo to the wall of the uterus. For this purpose, the endometrium is formed in it. At the beginning of ovulation, this tissue consists of several layers and has a thickness of 12 mm. During pregnancy, the endometrium continues to stratify. Flakes are formed. After surgery, the flakes are mixed with blood and fluid. Doctors call this mixture lochia. They must be removed from the uterine cavity on their own. Lochia is abundant for several days. Due to this feature, it is recommended to use special postpartum pads that can absorb a large volume of liquid. For some time, the discharge is dark in color. From the second week there is a change in the quality of lochia. The discharge becomes lighter and the volume decreases. By the end of the first month of the postoperative period, the discharge stops.

Lochia is not always a sign of cleansing of the uterus. If there is an accumulation of blood in the discharge, a doctor's advice is needed. Prolonged bleeding can lead to a deterioration in a woman’s well-being. There is a risk of bleeding. You should urgently look for its cause. A woman can die from a large loss of blood.

Do not confuse lochia with regular menstruation. Menstruation after a cesarean section may begin six months or more later. If the discharge appears earlier, the help of a specialist is needed. An examination by a gynecologist will help rule out divergence of the internal seams.

Beginning of lactation

Restrictions after cesarean section also arise due to the onset of lactation. The ability to breastfeed occurs under the influence of prolactin. This hormone is formed in the female body under the influence of natural labor.

Before contractions begin, the pituitary gland produces oxytocin. It helps the uterus contract. Its activity also helps to increase prolactin levels. The hormone allows the mammary glands to produce fluid. In the first days, colostrum appears from the breast. This liquid contains a large amount of nutrients for the child. Gradually, colostrum is replaced by milk.

Surgical intervention is prescribed by the doctor at the end of the last trimester. Caesarean sections are often performed at 37 weeks. At this time, the body does not begin prenatal preparation. Oxytocin and prolactin are not formed.

An increase in prolactin may occur at the end of the first week of the postoperative period. To speed up the appearance of milk, you can use the following methods:

• frequent attachment of the baby to the breast;
• taking stimulant medications;
• taking mixtures to enhance lactation;
• following a nursing diet.

Many women ask what can be done to increase lactation in a hospital setting. Doctors advise putting the baby to the breast more often. The sucking reflex causes the baby to take the empty gland. Under the influence of massaging movements, milk begins to be produced more actively. If it is not possible to attach the baby, you can use a special device.

A breast pump can be purchased at any pharmacy store. There are two types of breast pumps: manual and electric. The hand-held device is applied to the breast and with the help of a special lever the woman can express. An electric device is more convenient to use. You don't need to hold it. Upon contact with the chest, a vacuum is created. This device allows you to increase blood circulation in the breast and increase milk flow.

During a caesarean section, the postoperative period takes place in the hospital. To increase your milk volume, you can consult with other women in labor. Many women know that they can take a special mixture that increases lactation. You can also use a special diet. You should increase your consumption of hard cheese and sour cream. Bee milk can also help. It comes in tablet form and is sold in pharmacies. Before taking this advice, you should consult your doctor. He will say that it cannot be used to increase lactation.

But lactation after surgery is not always possible. Many women do not produce milk. A doctor can also prohibit breastfeeding. The reasons for the ban are the use of antibiotic drugs, the negative effects of anesthesia, and antibacterial therapy.

Intimate problems

All patients are interested in when sexual activity is possible after cesarean section. Permission to begin sexual activity depends on the duration of the postoperative period. The doctor is interested in the condition of the suture on the uterine wall. Before starting sexual activity, the following phenomena should be established:

• completion of uterine cleansing;
• cessation of contractile activity;
• formation of a dense scar;
• no genital infection.

In the second month after surgery, the doctor conducts a control examination of the uterus. It is carried out using an ultrasonic device. On the screen, the doctor examines the presence of residual fluid in the cavity. If a collection of blood is detected, there is a risk of occult bleeding. The presence of fluid prevents a woman from having sexual intercourse.

An important point in the study is to study the thickness of the scar and the cessation of contractile activity of the smooth muscles of the uterus. The normal thickness of scar tissue should be 2 mm. If it is less, there is a risk of rupture of the uterine wall during sexual intercourse. Permission is given only when the fabric reaches the required thickness.

The state of the vaginal microflora should be examined. Caesarean section after surgery increases the chances of replacing healthy microflora with pathogenic ones. The risk occurs due to damage to the inner layer of the uterus. The body of every woman contains opportunistic microorganisms. Under the influence of surgical intervention, the flora may change. In this case, the doctor examines the smear for the composition of the microflora. If there are no pathogenic microorganisms in it, the doctor allows sexual activity.

The first contact after surgery can be unpleasant for a woman in labor. The muscles of the uterus are fully restored only by the end of the fifth month. The scar also causes pain. Gradually the uterus returns to normal size. Sex life is returning to normal.

Decreased libido

A woman’s sexual activity in the postoperative period is not always restored immediately. Sometimes problems arise. Decreased libido can occur for the following reasons:

• psychological state;
• excessive worries about the child;
• fatigue;
• feeling unwell.

During the first month at home, a woman may be stressed. It occurs due to hormonal changes. To prevent the patient from becoming depressed, loved ones should support and help. Gradually the woman will get used to the new status. Sexual activity will return to normal.

Libido also decreases due to the activity of prolactin. During lactation, a woman experiences constant anxiety about her baby. Only a psychologist can help reduce anxiety.

Fatigue also occurs. Staying in hospital conditions for a long time tires a woman in labor. After the operation she needs rest. Not everyone can relax at home. Cleaning, cooking, feeding and bathing the child does not allow you to rest. In this case, a change of environment can help.

Problems with intimate life also arise due to deterioration in appearance. Women in labor are embarrassed to be naked. It is impossible to lose weight in the postoperative period using conventional methods. Diets are prohibited due to lactation. Active physical activity is prohibited due to surgical intervention. It will take some time for the figure to return. To support the mother, the man must explain all the positive qualities of her new status.

A caesarean section avoids many of the problems that can cause natural childbirth. Recovery after surgery should be carried out according to the rules announced by the doctor. Correct actions by the patient will shorten the postoperative period.

Today, caesarean section is one of the simplest and safest abdominal operations. Many women ask to have it done only because of their fear of a normal birth. But we must not forget that this is still an operation and it can only be performed according to indications, when natural childbirth is contraindicated or completely impossible. In addition, as after any other surgical intervention, complications may arise after it, and a scar will remain on the abdomen forever. To minimize unpleasant consequences, it is necessary to behave correctly in the postoperative period and take care of the suture site.

What is a suture like after a caesarean section?

After the baby is removed from the mother’s body, layer-by-layer stitching of the peritoneum, muscles, aponeurosis, subcutaneous fat and skin begins. The uterus is sewn using self-absorbing material using a special double-row continuous suture. And the size and position of the suture on the skin depends on the obstetric situation.

Considering, for example, whether it is a planned cesarean section or whether there is a threat to the life and health of the patient and her child, different types of incisions are selected:

• A corporal cesarean section involves a vertical incision along the anterior abdominal wall from the pubic area to the navel. It is passed along the midline of the abdomen. This method is used only when there is a real threat to the life of the mother and/or child. This cut is made very quickly and saves precious seconds. But its size turns out to be very large. It is sewn up with separate knots and after a while it can become too rough and unaesthetic.
• Caesarean section according to Pfannenstiel is performed transversely in the suprapubic area. In this case, cosmetic intradermal suturing of the wound is usually used. The seam itself is located on the line of the natural skin fold, so it is much less noticeable.
• The Joel-Cohen incision is made between the suprapubic fold and the umbilicus, approximately three centimeters below the midpoint of the distance between them.

Immediately after the operation, the suture may be very painful - then the doctor prescribes painkillers. In addition, antibacterial drugs are used. At the same time, infusion therapy is carried out to replenish blood loss and medications are administered to contract the uterus.

Scar formation (Video)

Postoperative sutures require daily treatment with antiseptics. Before removing the threads, it is not recommended to wash with water or allow the incision site to get wet.

Within a day after the operation, the woman needs to begin to move a little, get out of bed and try to walk. Of course, at first it will be painful and difficult, so you can tie up your stomach with a diaper. But moderate physical activity will help improve intestinal motility and promote uterine contraction. In addition, it prevents the development of postpartum hemorrhage.

Caesarean section is one of the most ancient operations, but before the year 1500 there is no mention of women in labor who survived it. The first to avoid going to the forefathers was the wife of Jacob Nufer, who had the operation performed by her husband, who was engaged in castrating pigs. After that, she gave birth to two more children naturally.

If healing goes well, the sutures are removed on the sixth day after surgery. If the suturing was carried out with self-absorbing materials, such as catgut or vicryl, then after 70-120 days they disappear on their own.

Over time, if everything is done correctly, the scar becomes almost invisible

As a rule, at the end of the first week a skin scar forms. But on the uterus, healing occurs much more slowly. A full-fledged scar can finally form only two years after the operation, so you should not plan your next pregnancy before this period.

Possible complications

Sometimes wound healing after this operation does not occur as quickly and smoothly as everyone would like. Complications are common:

• Bleeding and hematomas that occur with insufficient suturing of blood vessels, both skin and subcutaneous fat. Such complications are noticed when treating sutures and/or changing dressings.
• Suppuration of the sutures, when discharge appears, oozing from the wound. In this case, the pain in the area of ​​the incision increases, the skin swells, and fever and headaches may occur.
• Seam separation sometimes occurs in the first days after removing the threads. To prevent this complication, young mothers are advised to rest more and not lift heavy objects during the postoperative period.

Keloid scar is a harmless but unpleasant complication after cesarean section

Late complications may appear within a year after a cesarean section. These include:

• Ligature fistulas, which occur due to rejection of suture material by the body.
• Postoperative hernias occur only after a vertical incision in the abdominal wall.
• Keloid scar or severe growth of connective tissue. It is usually explained by hereditary predisposition. It does not affect the general condition of the body and the woman’s well-being in any way and is exclusively a cosmetic defect. More often it develops with transverse incisions in the middle and lower abdomen.

Proper seam care

On the first day, a bandage is applied to the postoperative suture to promote rapid healing.. It cannot be removed or wet. If you want to take a shower, cover the incision area under the bandage with a towel. It is very important to keep the wound and surrounding skin clean. Any contamination can lead to infection, and then to inflammation and even discrepancy.

To reduce pain in the stitch, you can apply a special cool pillow to it - you can buy one at the pharmacy.

When doctors allow you to wash the incision site, you can do this with soap (preferably liquid), unscented.. After washing, the scar is carefully dried with a disposable towel. You shouldn't use regular cotton ones, as they have too many germs - even when washed. Then you need to treat the seam with an antiseptic, which should be recommended by the doctor upon discharge from the hospital.

It is very important after a cesarean section to wear special clothing and properly care for the scar.

Until the wound has healed completely, you need to avoid tight clothing that could injure it. It is necessary to choose light, breathable underwear made from natural material. Outerwear should be fairly loose - for example, wide, high-waisted cotton trousers.

It is very important to remember intimate hygiene and thorough hand washing after each visit to the toilet.. Fecal bacteria that accidentally gets on the seam can cause serious complications. With proper care, no additional measures are needed; the wound will gradually heal and turn into a neat scar.

How to recover faster after a cesarean section?

The period of healing of the suture and the woman’s return to her usual rhythm of life is quite long and difficult. In order for the scar to cause fewer problems, you need to behave correctly and follow the advice of doctors. At this stage, the woman will need the help and support of the whole family.

A healthy lifestyle and moderate activity are very important during the recovery period

It is very important to put your intestines in order in a timely manner. During the postoperative period, a woman should not push - this can have a negative effect on the suture, so it is necessary to ensure normal, timely passage of feces and eliminate the accumulation of gases. To do this, you need to try to move and, of course, eat right.

On the first day after surgery, you can only drink water. On the second day, you can expand the diet and introduce kefir or yogurt, chicken broth and rosehip decoction. And by the fourth day you can start eating boiled fiber-rich foods.

A tattoo applied to it allows you to completely camouflage a scar after a cesarean section. But you need to take a very responsible approach to choosing a specialist and a salon, and also wait until the scar is completely healed.

Breastfeeding should never be limited. Usually, women after a cesarean section are given medications that do not interfere with breastfeeding, and therefore the baby can be delivered without fear. During this time, he will receive valuable probiotics through colostrum. And oxytocin, produced by the mother’s body during feeding, will help speed up the contraction of the uterus and its normal healing.

How to get rid of an ugly scar?

Sometimes cesarean scars are too large and unattractive. This happens not only with a corporal incision, but also with others. Therefore, after some time, you can improve the condition of the skin in this area using modern procedures:

Tattoo allows you to hide a scar after surgery

• Microdermabrasion is a technique for resurfacing scar tissue using aluminum oxide. This helps eliminate old tissue and stimulate new growth. At the same time, oxygenation and metabolic processes in tissues improve. Just a few half-hour treatments a week apart can significantly improve the condition of the abdominal skin.
• Laser resurfacing involves layer-by-layer removal of scar tissue using a laser beam. This is a very painful and unpleasant procedure that allows you to get rid of a scar relatively quickly and effectively. To enhance the effect, you can use antiseptic drugs and ointments that accelerate regeneration.
• Chemical peeling is carried out using fruit acids. They help exfoliate the skin in the scar area. Then medications are used to smooth the skin and normalize its color.
• Surgical excision is used if the scar is relatively narrow and small. During the operation, it is cut open and excess ingrown vessels and collagen are removed.

All these procedures do not completely remove the scar, but make it much less noticeable.

A caesarean section is an obstetric operation performed when a woman is unable to give birth naturally. Women in labor need a little more time to recover after a cesarean section. In order for a woman to gain strength faster, she needs to follow some recommendations.

Postoperative period

If the operation went without complications and the child is healthy, after 2 hours the woman and baby are transferred to a shared ward. To prevent the development of complications, it is necessary to constantly monitor the condition of vital organs. To do this, medical personnel measure the mother's pulse, blood pressure, temperature, assess the tone of the uterus, and the nature of the discharge. The doctor also evaluates the state of urinary function and, if it is impossible for the woman to urinate, a urinary catheter is installed.

The first days after cesarean section require active drug treatment. The operation is inevitably associated with blood loss. To restore the volume of circulating blood and increase the rheological properties, the woman in labor is administered rheopolyglucin, solutions of sodium chloride and glucose. In case of massive blood loss, blood components are administered.

After surgery, the woman may be prescribed painkillers, which are administered over one to three days. When performing any surgical intervention on the abdominal organs, there is a risk of developing intestinal paresis. To prevent this from happening to a woman, she is prescribed prozerin. To prevent infectious complications, it is prescribed (in some cases, an antibiotic is administered intramuscularly or intravenously before surgery).

A woman stays in the hospital for 4–5 days or more if complications develop.

Nutrition for a woman in labor

On the first day after childbirth, a woman in labor should not eat anything, she can only drink still water. But don’t worry, the woman won’t go hungry. All necessary nutrients will be replenished with IVs.

On the second or fourth day, the woman in labor needs to follow a gentle diet, because her intestines are still not able to function fully. You can eat boiled, pureed food. It is allowed to add non-rich meat broth, steamed cutlets, low-fat cottage cheese and cheese, and mashed potatoes to the diet. Products that increase gas formation (legumes, flour products, grapes, etc.) are prohibited. If a woman is worried, she needs to stroke her stomach clockwise for a minute.

Already on the fifth day, the menu is gradually expanded. But this does not mean that you can eat absolutely everything. Now a woman needs to constantly remember that everything she eats can affect the baby’s condition. Therefore, during breastfeeding, you should not eat certain foods that can harm your baby.

The importance of movement after surgery

The first day after a cesarean section, a woman will feel weak and experience pain in the abdomen, which is why the woman in labor will not want to move again. In addition, with active movements, divergence of the seams may occur. However, already 6 hours after the operation, doctors advise starting to roll over from side to side, pulling your legs slightly towards your stomach, performing simple physical exercises right in bed (rotating your feet, hands, bending and straightening your legs at the knee joint, etc.), and then - and get up (strictly under the supervision of medical staff).

Important: You can sit down and stand up only after the woman puts on a special postpartum bandage (in many maternity hospitals, women in labor are first tightly wrapped in a folded sheet).

You need to get out of bed carefully, without straining your abdominal muscles. You need to slightly pull your knees towards you, turn over on your side, and then, leaning on your hands, take a sitting position. By the end of the first day, the woman can already get out of bed and walk a little.

Many mothers are concerned about excess weight and wonder when they can start exercising. During the postpartum period, only simple physical exercises are allowed. You can start more active loads after a month and a half. This could be fitness, yoga, bodyflex. It’s worth holding off on doing ab exercises for six months.

After being discharged from the maternity hospital, the woman in labor will be warned that in the near future she should not lift weights exceeding three to four kilograms, that is, no more than the weight of the child.

Healing of sutures after caesarean section

During the mother's stay in the maternity hospital, the nurse regularly treats the suture with antiseptics (diamond green, potassium permanganate solution) and changes the bandage. The sutures are removed approximately on the seventh to tenth day. Skin healing usually occurs quickly. The seam is initially very noticeable, red or purple. As time passes it will become less and less noticeable. To speed up the resorption of the scar, you can take special ointments, for example, Contractubex.

You should not shower completely until the stitches are removed. But you can wash your body parts separately. It will be possible to take a full shower only after the stitches are removed, but, of course, you should not actively rub the scar. But visiting the sauna and bathing should be postponed for two months until the suture on the uterus is completely healed.

Intimate life

The uterus after a cesarean section is a large wound surface. Therefore, until it heals, and this happens within one and a half to two months, you should refrain from sexual intercourse.

The uterine suture heals completely within two to three years. If a woman plans to become pregnant in the future, she should become pregnant no earlier than after the specified period. This is why you need to use . And, of course, you should not hope that it is impossible to get pregnant during lactation - this is a myth.

The restoration of menstruation depends on whether the mother is breastfeeding. So, if a woman does not breastfeed, the menstrual cycle resumes after two months, if she does, after six months or more.

Grigorova Valeria, medical observer