Do Elastic Abdominal Binders Reduce Post Operative Pain and Blood Loss?

Do Elastic Abdominal Binders Reduce Post Operative Pain and Blood Loss?

This is a pilot study investigating the use of abdominal binders after cesarean sections. The researchers are testing whether elastic abdominal binders improve postoperative pain control and reduce postoperative blood loss. Blood loss and pain control are both concerns after giving birth. It is hoped that the use of an abdominal binder after giving birth will provide a non-pharmacologic way to to reduce blood loss and manage pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Cesarean section at term (at least 39 weeks gestation) scheduled in advance

• Singleton gestation confirmed by ultrasound in the current pregnancy

• Body mass index 20-40 kg/m2 (at first prenatal visit or pre-pregnancy)

• None of these pregnancy complications in the current pregnancy:

  1. bleeding disorder or use of anticoagulants other than low-dose heparin
  2. abnormal placenta (placenta previa or accrete)
  3. Preoperative hemoglobin less than 10 mg/dL
  4. Chorioamnionitis (intrauterine infection)

• No chronic pain syndrome (defined as participating in formal chronic pain management within the past year)

• Able to read English and understand spoken English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Onset of labor prior to time when the cesarean was scheduled

• Complications during performance of cesarean or discovered during cesarean:

  1. placenta accreta, increta, or percreta
  2. vasa previa
  3. cesarean hysterectomy required for severe hemorrhage
  4. organ damage during cesarean (cystotomy, enterotomy, ureteral injury)