C-Section Recovery – Useful Tips For Cesarean Delivery & Recovery

C-Section adhesions are a common side effect of having a C-Section, but there are methods for preventing C-Section adhesions from forming in the first place.

Not all C-Section adhesions are problematic or cause problems, but for some women they can be painful and cause complications.

For these women there are adhesion treatments, however the best remedy is to prevent or reduce adhesion formation from the very start.

Preventing C-Section Adhesions with Peritoneal Closure

There was a piece posted on medbioworld from Reuters Health where it said that doing a Peritoneal closure helps in the prevention of  C-Section adhesions.

OK, What does that mean?

I encourage you to read the piece at medbiworld yourself as it goes into much greater detail about the study and the results, but in a nutshell the study showed that closing the peritoneal versus leaving it open can reduce c-section adhesions.

You may be asking,  “What is the Peritoneal?”

This is the tissue lining on the inside of the abdominal cavity.  Since your body does not have skin on the inside, think of it as kind of a saran wrap lining.

A study done by Dr. Zhongjie Shi from Temple University in Philadelphia compared results after doing 3 cesarean techniques which were called:

• Stark’s Cesarean section  (no peritoneal layer is closed)
• Modified Stark’s Cesarean section (both peritoneal layers are closed)
• Classic lower-segment cesarean section  (closes peritoneal layers but leaves more exposure of the uterine lower segment)

According to Dr. Shi closing both layers of peritoneum during the Modified Stark’s Cesarean section significantly reduces the risk of adhesion formation.

One thing to note is that not everyone in the medical community is in agreement, in fact some medical experts feel that closing the peritoneum is not needed.

So what does this mean for you?

Speak with your doctor if you have concerns about C-Section adhesions and pain.  Closing of the periotoneal layers may be something that can help reduce adhesions from forming and you should discuss this with your doctor to get his feeling and feedback.

At least you will be armed with some information if you are planning or considering a c-section.

It’s also worth noting that Dr. Shi’s group might also be doing future testing in how antiseptic fluids, antibiotics, or other substances might aid in preventing c-section adhesions as well.

Preventing C-Section Adhesions with Abdominal Massage

You can actually help prevent C-Section Adhesions with Abdominal self massage that you can do yourself.

This are gentle abdominal massage therapy techniques that you can do yourself at home that includes massage methods of compression, lifting, rolling and what is called cross fiber friction.

Doing this self massage shortly after having a C-section has been known to helps reduce the risk of  adhesion formation.

There’s an excellent C-Section Adhesions Abdominal self massage therapy DVD that walks you through the self-massage techniques.  If you expect to have a C-Section in the near future or you’ve had a C-Section recently this would be an excellent time to begin your abdominal self massage therapy to reduce the risk of adhesions and their complications.

Preventing C-Section Adhesions with Seprafilm

Adhesions are difficult to prevent completely but there is a product on the market today called Seprafilm® which is an adhesion barrier.

Seprafilm® is an FDA approved clear piece of film that the surgeon places inside your abdomen that sticks to your internal tissues and separates your organs to help prevent them from attaching to one another as they heal during your C-section recovery.

Once placed in your body Seprafilm® becomes a gel that contours internally to your anatomy so you won’t feel anything.  It stays in place up to seven days while you heal, then it gets absorbed and excreted by your body in less than 28 days after application.

Many surgeons are already using Seprafilm® on a regular basis so check with your doctor to see if s(he) uses it.  If your doctor hasn’t used it you may want to request that s(he) at least looks into it for you.

For more on preventing C-Section Adhesions, grab  the Worry Free C-Section.  It’s an excellent resource for advice, personal tips information on all things related to having a C-Section.

You May Also Find These Interesting...

1. C-Section Adhesions: Self Treatments You Can Do At Home
2. C-Section Adhesions & Treatment
3. Are Adhesions Causing Your C-Section Pain?
4. Can C-Section Adhesions Prevent Pregnancy?
5. Post C-Section Massage Could Help With Adhesion Pain