Caesarean section wound management: shared care approaches for midwifery practice

Caesarean section rates in England continue to rise, accounting for 45% of the 542 235 births recorded in 2024–25. Surgical site infection represents a common and significant complication that carries a substantial burden for women and health services. National guidance on postoperative wound management is inconsistent, and evidence suggests that midwives often feel underprepared to provide adequate wound care education at discharge. This article examines the prevalence and impact of caesarean section wound infection, explores key inconsistencies in current national guidelines and presents a shared care approach to support women in recognising early signs of infection and managing their wounds at home. Practical approaches are presented to support midwives providing shared care, alongside a call for greater standardisation of guidance and investment in midwifery wound care education.