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Preventing Surgical Site Infection Post-Caesarean Birth

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Surgical site infection is a common complication of caesarean birth, occurring in up to 12% of all caesarean births globally. SSI typically presents between four and seven days post-delivery with erythema, discharge and induration of the surgical incision.

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Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common complication of caesarean birth, occurring in up to 12% of all caesarean births globally. SSI typically presents between four and seven days post-delivery with erythema, discharge and induration of the surgical incision. The main causative organisms for SSI are Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci and Enterococcus spp. When wound infection develops within the first 48 hours, the causative microorganisms are usually groups A or B-haemolytic Streptococcus. Not only does SSI cause distress for the mother and prolonged postnatal recovery, but it can also cause significant additional strains on staff time and hospital resources.

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Meet the educator

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Anne Watkins
Anne is a freelance lecturer and medical writer at Mind Body Ink. She is a former midwife and nurse teacher with over 25 years’ experience working in the fields of healthcare, stress management and medical hypnosis. Her background includes working as a hospital midwife, Critical Care nurse, lecturer in Neonatal Intensive Care, and as a Clinical Nurse Specialist for a company making life support equipment. Anne has also studied many forms of complementary medicine and has extensive experience in the field of clinical hypnosis. She has a special interest in integrating complementary medicine into conventional healthcare settings and is currently an Associate Tutor, lecturing in Health Coaching and Medical Hypnosis at Exeter University in the UK. As a former Midwife, Anne has a natural passion for writing about fertility, pregnancy, birthing and baby care. Her recent publications include The Health Factor, Coach Yourself To Better Health and Positive Thinking For Kids. You can read more about her work at www.MindBodyInk.com.
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359 reviews by Ausmed Learners
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Portrait of Tracey Edwards
Tracey Edwards
28 Sep 2021
A brief update with current guidelines and references.
H
Hilda
09 Sep 2021
Interesting and relevant when dealing with women who have had a recent Caesarian.
Portrait of Patricia Rennie
Patricia Rennie
08 Sep 2021
Good read. Informative. Up to date. Relevant to my practice
MN
Melissa Neville
13 Sep 2021
Was very quick, easy and informative to read.
AO
ANNIE O'SHEA
14 Sep 2021
A
NF
Nadia Franich
05 Dec 2021
Good article, easy to read & understand, relevant points around wound care for C-Section & Risk Factors outlined clearly.
KB
Kathryn BRENNAN
08 Sep 2021
Good
MA
Mercy Andrews
09 Oct 2021
Very informative
FC
Fiona Currie
16 Sep 2021
Great reflection of current wound care and the prevention of infections post Caesarean births.
DC
Donna Cook
07 May 2022
Good information
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