Instructions for cleaning the private area after cesarean section

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If you have had a cesarean section. During a cesarean section, your baby was born through an incision in the skin and uterus. Full recovery from a cesarean section can take a long time. It's important to take care of yourself - for your own good and because your new baby needs you. Here are some guidelines to follow at home.

1. Hygiene of the private area after caesarean section properly and safely

About 4 weeks after giving birth, the mother's genitals will return to their normal state. At this time, the uterus continues to contract to push the fluid (perspiration) out. Because of that, this is the time when external bacteria are easy to enter the uterus through the genital tract, along with the bacteria that are lurking in the vagina, creating a very favorable environment for the uterus to grow. cause vaginal infections. Therefore, women should not abstain from old beliefs, but should pay attention to hygiene of the private area more than ever (even for women who have had a caesarean section) by following these instructions:
Cleaning the area intimate area at least 3 times / day in the morning, afternoon and evening before going to bed. If you have a lot of discharge, you should clean more often. The bandages, toilet paper, towels, washing water must also be clean, it is best to use cooled boiled water or warm water. Diluted disinfectant cleaning solution can be used to wash. After washing, use a towel to dry the intimate area... During childbirth, the body produces a lot of sweat, so it is necessary to shower to clean. Especially in the hot summer, sweating a lot, abstaining from bathing, the body is more susceptible to infection, which is dangerous for both mother and baby. Pregnant women can wash their whole body about 3-4 days after giving birth, take a quick 5-10 minute shower with a shower (do not soak in a tub or basin). The bathroom must be airtight and take a warm bath, dry quickly after bathing and wear tight clothes. Washing your hair should also be done quickly and drying your hair, it's best to wash your hair at noon or late afternoon when the weather is warmest of the day and should not shower at the same time. For the case of caesarean section, if the stitches have not been removed, you can abstain from bathing for about 5-7 days (just wipe the body with a warm towel).

2. Some things to note when giving birth by caesarean section

After surgery, most women are afraid to take care of their bodies because they are still tired and in pain. However, it is still better for women to pay attention to bathing and cleaning the private area because external bacteria are easy to enter the uterus through the genital tract, along with bacteria hidden in the vagina, creating The uterus becomes a very favorable environment for vaginal infections. Therefore, you can carefully clean the body and clean the private area after surgery based on the following notes:
When you have just had a cesarean section, you should limit your movements or move very gently, as much as possible. going up and down stairs. At the same time, regularly use a clean cotton towel to absorb the discharge from the vagina to keep the private area dry. Absolutely do not use toilet paper, especially wet ones, to wipe.

Avoid contact with too much water in the process of bathing, washing, and cleaning the private area because it can easily lead to colds or infections. Better to wash with warm water. For the intimate area, wash 2/3 times a day with boiled water to cool down to a moderate temperature. Limit going out to ventilated places because the body after giving birth is often very sensitive, very easy to catch a cold. Not only in the postpartum period, but right from the time of pregnancy - the hygiene of the body, the hygiene of the private area needs to be paid attention to and properly communicated by the pregnant mother.

3. Care of the incision after cesarean section

Here's how to care for your incision:
Bathe as needed and let your incision dry. Monitor your incision for signs of infection, like redness or increased discharge. You can place a pillow over the incision when you laugh or cough and when you get up from a lying or sitting position. Remember that it can take up to 6 weeks for your incision to heal. Don't try to take care of anyone other than the baby and yourself. Remember that the more active you are, the more likely you are to bleed. You should take a nap in the afternoon. Increase your activities little by little. Plan your activities so you don't have to go up or down stairs more than necessary.
Perform deep breathing and coughing exercises after surgery. Ask your healthcare provider for instructions. Do not lift anything heavier than your baby until your healthcare provider tells you it is okay. Don't drive until your healthcare provider says it's okay. Do not have sex until you have checked with your healthcare provider and you have decided on a birth control method. Allow others to do things for you. Don't hesitate to ask for help.

4. Follow-up after cesarean section

Make an appointment for a follow-up examination as directed by the medical staff. When to call your healthcare provider. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:
Fever 100.4°F (38°C) or higher Redness, pain, or discharge at your incision you Bleeding that requires a new tampon every hour Severe pain in your abdomen Pain or urgency to urinate Bad odor from vaginal discharge Difficulty urinating or emptying your bladder No bowel movements within 1 week of your baby's birth Area swollen, red, painful feet Rash or rash sore, red, painful areas on the breast that may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms Feelings of anxiety, panic, and/or depression If there is a need for advice For consultation and examination at Vinmec Hospitals of the national health system, please book an appointment on the website (vinmec.com) for service.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.