Your Incision (Cut)

Your Incision (Cut) 

Your caesarean wound will usually be along or just below your bikini line and will either have dissolvable stitches or staples covered with a dressing. 

Your first shower may feel intimidating, which is understandable. Take your time and be careful not to scrub your incision; simply let soapy water run over it. Bruising, numbness, or itching around your wound is common and it can take time for these sensations to ease. Try to keep comfortable by wearing loose cotton clothing that doesn’t press or irritate your incision space. Using a pillow to support your abdomen when coughing, sneezing, or laughing can help alleviate pain and protect the incision site. It is really important to monitor your incision for signs of an infection. 

With any surgery there is a risk of wound infection. If you notice any of the following you may have a wound infection: 

• an unpleasant smell from the wound 
• discharge or drainage from the wound (a little discharge at the beginning is normal) 
• feeling feverish or a temperature above 38°c 
• the incision progressively seems puffy, red and more painful to touch 
• your lower abdomen seems harder or more firm 
• you develop flu-like symptoms 

Some women choose to use specially designed silicone strips after 6 weeks (When the initial healing is completed) to help the appearance and continued healing of their incision. These strips reduce moisture loss from the scar and help prevent the outermost skin layer from getting dehydrated. They create conditions similar to normal healthy skin, which helps the scar recover quicker and reduces its appearance.