Preparing for your Caesarean birth

Childbirth should be positive, not uncertain

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+ A mother's journey: overcoming surgical site infection

Meet Tessa, a mother who experienced the challenges of a surgical site infection (SSI) after her first caesarean section. Her profound story sheds light on the impact an SSI can have on a mother's bonding experience, highlighting the importance of prevention and care.

Tessa’s inspiring journey showcases the real power of single-use NPWT in supporting a positive birth experience. Watch the video below to follow her story.

Understanding caesarean births and their risks

Planned C-sections are sometimes the preferred option for childbirth, whereas, in certain situations during labour, C-sections become necessary due to unexpected complications.1,2 Knowing more about C-sections and what factors could increase the chances of wound issues after the surgery is important. Our educational content is here to help you understand about C-section and post-surgery wound care. It is recommended to have discussions with your birth partner and clinical team about your birth experience.

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What does the procedure entail?

A horizontal incision is made just above the pubic bone, in the lower abdomen.3 This is commonly known as a "bikini cut” C-section. In some cases, a vertical incision (from the navel down to the pubic bone) may be necessary, but it's less common.

There are a number of factors associated with an increased risk of surgical site complications (SSC), including:

  • Age
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes.4

Several surgical situations can also increase your risk, such as repeat operations and the need for emergency surgery.4

 

Want to know more about caesarean births?

Explore Emma’s Diary to learn more about caesarean births and how to prepare for a safe and positive experience.

Please note that S+N is not affiliated with or manages Emma’s Diary and is not responsible for the information, statements, and/or contents on that website. Click the button to leave our website and access a site not affiliated with S+N.

Visit Emma's Diary

Recovery after caesarean section

Recovery after a caesarean birth is a critical phase in your journey to motherhood. To ensure the best care and recovery, healthcare professionals (HCP) often refer to guidelines set by NICE, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

NICE guidance provides evidence-based recommendations that can help your care team. 5

If you think you could be at-risk of developing a surgical wound infection or complication, consult your HCP to discuss your treatment options. For detailed guidance, please visit the NICE website by clicking the button below.

Access the NICE guidelines
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Caring for your wound

Your caesarean birth incision requires special attention to ensure it heals well and help minimise the risk of complications. We know how important it is for you to feel confident and empowered to care for your wound during your recovery journey.

Always follow the advice of your healthcare professional (HCP), and contact your HCP if you believe your wound is showing signs of infection, which may include;6

  • Swelling or redness of the incision site
  • Intense abdominal pain
  • Oozing from the incision site
  • Incision pain that doesn’t go away or gets worse
  • Body chills
  • Fever higher than 38ºc
  • Painful urination
  • Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
  • Bleeding that contains large clots
  • Leg pain or swelling

What is the PICO◊ 7 system?

The PICO 7 device is an active therapy which operates with simplicity7,8; applying suction known as negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) to your surgical wound to help promote healing. The PICO system protects the injured area from getting dirty9, while reducing the risk of surgical wound complications compared to care with standard dressings.10-16

The PICO system consists of an NPWT pump connected to an absorbent, gentle, adhesive dressing.17-20 The front of the pump has a single push button and four LED’s, to provide you with the visual indications on the status of your system. Please refer to the ‘Living with the PICO 7 sNPWT pump’ section for descriptions on the specific visual indicators.

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Why your healthcare professional may recommend PICO 7 sNPWT

The role of your healthcare professional (HCP), whether that’s a midwife or obstetrician, is to help you understand whether you are at increased risk of developing a surgical wound complication and identify whether you could benefit from additional preventative interventions, such as PICO 7 sNPWT.

  • After your c-section, PICO 7 sNPWT may be applied to help protect your incision.9
  • The dressing is attached to a small device that can help you heal compared to standard of care.22
  • You wear it continuously for up to seven days, unless your HCP advises otherwise.19,23
  • A healthcare professional may remove it at a follow-up appointment if therapy is no longer required.

Living with the PICO 7 sNPWT pump

Your path to empowered recovery with PICO sNPWT

Your recovery journey after a caesarean birth is a vital part of your postpartum experience; taking around 6 weeks to recover in most cases.24

In this section, you'll find valuable tools and information which may help to support your recovery.

Disclaimer and citations

Disclaimers:

Not all patients are candidates for the Smith+Nephew products. The information presented is for educational, informational and illustrative purposes only. It does not constitute and is not a substitute for medical advice.

 

If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your healthcare professional. Only your healthcare professional can advise whether any treatments referred to may be suitable for you and your condition, and of the associated risks, benefits and possible outcomes.

 

You should consult your healthcare professional about whether PICO sNPWT constitutes an appropriate treatment option for you. You should always read the packaging and packaging inserts prior to use for detailed product information including regarding the indications for use, contraindications, precautions and warnings.

 

References:

1. Emma’s diary, 2022. CAESAREAN BIRTH EXPLAINED. [Online] Available from: https://www.emmasdiary.co.uk/pregnancy-and-birth/labour/caesarean-birth [Last accessed: Sept 2023]2. NHS, 2023. Overview - Caesarean section. [Online] Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/caesarean-section/ [Last accessed: Sept 2023]3. Pampers, 2023. All About C-Section Scars. [Online] Available from: https://www.pampers.co.uk/newborn-baby/tips/article/c-section-scar [Last accessed: Sept 2023]4. NICE, 2019. PICO negative pressure wound dressings for closed surgical incisions [online] accessible from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/mtg43. [Last accessed: Sept 2023]5. NICE, 2023. NICE guidelines. [Online] Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/about/whatwe- do/our-programmes/nice-guidance/nice-guidelines. [Last accessed: Sept 2023]6.Lola&Lykke, 2023. Everything You Want (And Didn’t Know You Need) to Know About CSection Recovery. [Online] Available at: https://lolalykke.com/blogs/mamahoodmanuals/ everything-you-want-and-didn-t-know-you-need-to-know-about-c-sectionrecovery [Last accessed: Sept 2023].7. Tanaydin V, Beugels J, Andriessen A, Sawor JH, Van Der Hulst R. Randomized Controlled Study Comparing Disposable Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy with Standard Care in Bilateral Breast Reduction Mammoplasty Evaluating Surgical Site Complications and Scar Quality. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2018;42(4):927-935.8. Hurd T, Trueman P, Rossington A. Use of a Portable, Single-use Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Device in Home Care Patients with Low to Moderately Exuding Wounds: A Case Series. Ostomy Wound Manage. 2014;60(3):30-36.9. Smith+Nephew 2020.Bacterial barrier testing of the PICO dressing. Internal Report. 2001002.10. Galiano RD, Hudson D, Shin J, et al. Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Prevention of Wound Healing Complications Following Reduction Mammaplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2018;6(1):e1560.11. Pellino G, Sciaudone G, Candilio G, et al. Effects of a new pocket device for negative pressure wound therapy on surgical wounds of patients affected with Crohn's disease: a pilot trial. Surg Innov. 2014;21(2):204-212.12. Matsumoto T, Parekh SG. Use of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy on Closed Surgical Incision After Total Ankle Arthroplasty. Foot Ankle Int. 2015;36(7):787- 794.13. O'leary DP, Peirce C, Anglim B, et al. Prophylactic Negative Pressure Dressing Use in Closed Laparotomy Wounds Following Abdominal Operations: A Randomized, Controlled, Openlabel Trial: The P.I.C.O. Trial. Ann Surg. 2017;265(6):1082-1086.14. Helito CP, Sobrado MF, Giglio PN, et al. The use of negative-pressure wound therapy after total knee arthroplasty is effective for reducing complications and the need for reintervention. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2020;21(490):1 - 8.15. Witt-Majchrzak A, Żelazny P, Snarska J. Preliminary Outcome Of Treatment Of Postoperative Primarily Closed Sternotomy Wounds Treated Using Negative Pressure Wound Therapy. Przeglad Chirugiczny. 2014;86(10):456-465.16. Adogwa O, Fatemi P, Perez E, et al. Negative pressure wound therapy reduces incidence of postoperative wound infection and dehiscence after long-segment thoracolumbar spinal fusion: a single institutional experience. The Spine Journal. 2014;14(12):2911 - 2917.17. 1. Hudson DA, Adams KG, Van Huyssteen A, Martin R, Huddleston EM. Simplified negative pressure wound therapy: clinical evaluation of an ultraportable, nocanister system. Int Wound J. 2015;12(2):195-201.18. Payne C, Edwards D. Application of the Single Use Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Device (PICO) on a Heterogeneous Group of Surgical and Traumatic Wounds. ePlasty. 2014:152-166.19. Smith+Nephew July 2018.PICO 7Y Non-NPWT Wound Model Summary. Internal Report. DS.18.260.R.20. Stryja J, Staffa R, Říha D, Stryjová K, Nicielniková K. Cost-effectiveness of negative pressure wound therapy in outpatient setting. Prolekare. 2015;94(8):322 – 32821. Gilchrist B, Robinson M, Jaimes H. Performance, safety, and efficacy of a single use negative pressure wound therapy system for surgically closed incision sites and skin grafts: A prospective multi-centre follow-up study. Paper presented at: SAWC; 2020; Virtual.22. Hyldig N, Vinter CA, Kruse M, et al. Prophylactic incisional negative pressure wound therapy reduces the risk of surgical site infection after caesarean section in obese women: a pragmatic randomised clinical trial. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 2018;0(0).23. Kirsner R, Dove C, Reyzelman A, Vayser D, Jaimes H. A Prospective, Randomised, Controlled Clinical Trial on the Efficacy of a single-use Negative Pressure Wound Therapy System, compared to Traditional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Ulcers of the Lower Extremities. Wound Repair Regen. 2019;27(5):519 - 529.24. Tommy’s, 2023. How to recover from a c-section at home. [Online] Available from: https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/giving-birth/caesareansection/ recovering-home-after-c-section [Last accessed: Sept 2023].

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