When you are planning or hoping for vaginal birth, there’s always the possibility of delivering via Caesarean or C-section. The birthing method could also be suggested by your healthcare provider when the risks are high for either you or your baby – or both.Â
Should you deal with the unexpected, C-section should not be looked at as a negative experience – especially when you come prepared! Here are some of the things you could take note of to have a smooth surgery and a speedy recovery:
Before the surgery
 1. Ask lots of questions.
Better safe than sorry! Be sure to express all your concerns and questions to your obstetrician about C-section whether it is planned or not. That way, you can ease off a little and prepare mentally and emotionally.
 2. Pay attention to your weight.
C-sections are avoidable and they can be uncomplicated when planned. Maintaining a healthy pregnancy weight can help you lower the risk of having an emergency C-section. At the same time, when you weigh just right, your planned C-section will be a tad easier. Studies show that overweight women or those at risk with obesity have longer labor hours.
 3. Mind your privates!
In a planned C-section, you might be asked to shower with an antiseptic soap the night before and the day of the surgery, so packing one might come in handy in case of emergency. To avoid the risk of infection in the surgical region, don’t shave your pubic hair 24 hours before the operation. The surgical staff usually attends to the bush before performing C-section anyway.
After the surgery
 1. Nourish your newborn – with care.
Nothing makes the pain go away than finally seeing your baby post-surgery! If you’re breastfeeding, ask your healthcare provider for the comfortable positions for you and your child.Â
 2. Get pain relief.
Once the anesthesia wears off, you might be advised to take pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Incision soreness is normal, and applying a heating pad on the surgical area may soothe you. Your doctor will also instruct you to wear an abdominal binder or girdle after C-section to apply pressure on the incision and help muscles become firmer.
 3. Listen to your body.
Fever, heavy bleeding, swollen incision, leaking discharge, and pain that doesn’t get better with meds – these could be signs of infection. If you experience any of these signs, do not hesitate to contact your doctor.
 4. Rest, rest, and rest.
It would be best to slow down after the operation. Getting lots of sleep will help your body recover faster. There’s nothing to be ashamed of in asking the help of your husband and loved ones to make sure that your baby is also taken cared for.
5. Mask your mark. 
Your C-section incision is your souvenir for the miracle of birth you have just experienced! As you would mask your face to make your skin smooth and supple, why not do the same to your mark? Some skin types scar easier than others, and if you’re one of those who do, there’s a scar prevention regimen that you can do!Â
Introducing Cica-Care, a self-adhesive silicone gel sheet that is medically proven to be up to 90% effective in flattening and fading red, dark, or raised scars2,3(hypertrophic & keloid scar) as well as C-section scar. Best of all, it can be used on both new and existing scars as Cica-Care has been proven effective in managing scars up to 20 years old!4
Given that silicone sheets are regarded as the “gold standard” for both prevention and treatment of hypertrophic and keloid scars,5 how do Cica-Care gel sheets work? Adhering directly to the surface of the skin, Cica-Care helps to lock moisture around the scar tissue, thus reducing blood supply and deposit of collagen, which is what the body uses to rebuild deeply wounded skin.1 By constantly hydrating the scar area, it will gradually transform the scar tissue into a softer, flatter, and faded appearance.2,3 With continuous proper use, you will be able to see results in as little as 2 to 4 months!2,3Â
How do you use Cica-Care?Â
It’s easy! Once the wound is fully healed, simply cover your C-section incision with Cica-Care. For added convenience, each piece of Cica-Care Gel Sheet can be cut and adjusted to fit the size of any scar. Cica-Care may be applied for 4 hours during the first two days of usage and gradually increased to 8 hours for the following two days for your skin to get used to the gel sheet. Increase usage time by 2 hours per day until the optimal 24 hours per day therapy time is obtained.Â
You may also remove the gel sheet during bath or light washing for your convenience, and regularly keep Cica-Care Gel Sheet clean with a mild soap solution and rinse with clean warm water as the cleaning process will remove normal oils and secretions of skin on the patch and restore the stickiness of the product.1Â The unused portion of the Cica-Care Gel Sheet can be kept in the original container and stored in a dry place for future use.Â
Cica-Care comes in a washable and reusable gel sheet that is designed to last up to 28 days.6,7Â An ideal cost-effective option for long-term use, it does not leave any greasy residue and can be applied for both day and night use.
For many of us, a scar isn’t just a little imperfection — it can be physically and emotionally upsetting.5 That’s why over 90% of people want improvements to scarring after surgery,5 and it’s completely understandable to do so for various reasons. With results in as little as 2 to 4 months,2,3 try Cica-Care today! Cica-Care Gel Sheet is available for purchase at all leading pharmacies nationwide. For more information on Cica-Care, visit www.smith-nephew.com/key-products/advanced-wound-management/cicacare.
Sources:
1Â http://www.smith-nephew.com/key-products/advanced-wound-management/cicacare/
2Â Carney SA, et al. Burns 1994;20:163-167
3Â Mercer NSG. Br J Plast Surg 1989;42:83-87
4Â Quinn KJ, Burns 1987;13:S33-S40. (Based on a case study of one patient)
5Â Monstrey S, et al. J Plastic, Recon & Aesth Surg 2014;67:1017-25
6Â Report No. PS/WR/00/01/001, 24/04/00
7Â Stability Study QA3324, 29 March 1994.
