Maternity Services
This leaflet will help you look after your caesarean section wound after having your baby.
Leaflet
This leaflet will help you know if you need your dressing changed.
Green flag
It will help you know if your wound is healing
Red flag
It will help you know if your wound is not healing.
Advice
It will tell you who to contact if you are worried about your wound.
7 Days
Most dressings will stay on for 5 to 7 days.
Remember
Try to avoid getting the dressing wet.
Midwife
Your midwife will arrange to visit on day 5 or day 7.
Routine dressing
5 Days
This dressing will be removed on day 5.
Does my dressing need changing?
No need to change
You do not need to change your dressing.
No need to change
You do not need to change your dressing.
Change dressing
You will need your dressing changed.
PICO dressing
Body mass index – BMI
This dressing is used if you have a BMI over 40.
Diabetes
This dressing is used if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
7 Days
This dressing will be removed on day 7.
Does my dressing need changing?
No need to change
You do not need to change your dressing.
No need to change
You do not need to change your dressing.
Change dressing
You will need your dressing changed.
Caring for your wound after the dressing is removed
Shower
Have a shower rather than a bath.
Soaps
Avoid using soaps or shower gel on the wound.
Avoid
Avoid rubbing the wound.
Clean towel
Pat the wound dry with a clean towel.
Underwear
Wear underwear and clothes that sit above the wound.
Signs your wound is healing
- Any swelling or redness is reducing
- Leaking from the wound is small
- Leaking should stop after a few days
- Your scar should start to flatten
- The stitches do not need to be taken out
- Any pain around the wound should reduce.
Signs your wound is NOT healing
Increased swelling
You notice increased swelling, redness, or leaking from the wound.
Skin tones
Increased redness may look different on darker skin tones – it may look purple or brown.
Some pain
You have increased pain.
Increased bleeding
You have new or increased bleeding.
Started to open
Your scar has started to open.
Unusual smell
You notice an unusual smell from your scar.
High temperature
You have a raised temperature.
Feel unwell
You start to feel unwell.
Contact details
If you are worried, telephone: 01609 763093 or NHS 111
Who should I contact if I am worried?
Information
If you have any concerns about your caesarean section wound, ring the advice line on 01609 763093.
Midwife
If you need a new dressing – speak to your midwife.
Contact
- Maternity Advice Line: 01609 763093
- Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]