Timing of Cesarean Wound Dressing Removal on Wound Healing in Women With BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²

Cesarean delivery is one of the most common surgical procedures in obstetric care. Women with obesity (body mass index \[BMI\] of 30 kg/m² or higher) are at increased risk for postoperative wound complications, including surgical site infections, fluid collections (seroma/hematoma), and wound separation. Postoperative wound dressings protect the surgical incision, but the optimal timing for dressing removal remains uncertain, particularly for high-risk patients. The purpose of this prospective cohort study is to compare wound healing and the occurrence of surgical site infections between two standard dressing removal schedules in women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² undergoing cesarean delivery. Participants are observed in one of two groups according to standard hospital practice: * Group 1: The sterile wound dressing is removed at approximately 48 hours after surgery. * Group 2: The sterile wound dressing is removed at approximately 5 days after surgery. Following dressing removal, incisions are assessed for signs of infection, drainage, swelling, and healing progress. The study aims to provide evidence on whether earlier dressing removal at 48 hours is safe and effective compared to delayed removal at 5 days in women with obesity.

Inclusion Criteria: * Women aged 18 to 35 years * Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m² measured before cesarean delivery or at admission * Undergoing cesarean delivery with a Pfannenstiel skin incision and primary skin closure Exclusion Criteria: * Pre-existing infection or inflammation at the planned incision site * Active systemic infection or fever prior to surgery * Clinical or subclinical chorioamnionitis * Major intraoperative contamination of the surgical field * Significant preoperative bleeding or anemia * Known bleeding or coagulation disorders that may significantly affect wound healing * Major postoperative complications requiring additional abdominal surgery * Inability or unwillingness to attend scheduled follow-up visits