A C-section, while a common and generally safe surgical procedure, represents a significant event for the body, requiring a period of careful recovery. Healing from any major surgery takes time, and during this process, the body is susceptible to various complications, including infection. Understanding the potential signs of an infection is an important step in managing your recovery effectively, allowing for timely intervention if needed.
Incision Site Infection Symptoms
The surgical incision, typically a horizontal line across the lower abdomen, is the most visible area to monitor for signs of infection. Increasing pain at the incision site, especially if it worsens instead of gradually improving, can indicate an issue. You might observe redness or discoloration that spreads beyond the immediate edges of the wound, or red streaks extending from the incision. Skin discoloration can appear darker or more intensely red depending on your skin tone.
Swelling or firmness around the incision that increases or feels unusually hard, rather than diminishing, also suggests a problem. The skin around the wound may feel notably warm to the touch. Any type of drainage or pus from the incision is a sign of infection; this discharge might be thick, cloudy, or discolored, such as yellow, green, or brown, and could have an unpleasant odor.
Internal Infection Symptoms
Infections can also develop internally, affecting areas beyond the visible incision, such as the uterus or urinary tract. A fever is a common indicator of an internal infection, typically defined as a temperature at or above 100.4°F (38°C). This might be accompanied by chills or body aches, similar to flu-like symptoms.
Uterine infections, known as endometritis, can cause severe or worsening abdominal pain that feels distinct from the typical incisional discomfort. This pain might be deep within the pelvis. Another sign of a uterine infection is foul-smelling vaginal discharge, also known as lochia, which may also change in color or become heavier. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can also present with symptoms like a burning sensation or pain during urination, an increased urge to urinate frequently, or cloudy urine.
Distinguishing Normal Healing from Infection
Understanding the difference between expected recovery sensations and signs of infection is helpful. Normal healing typically involves symptoms that gradually improve over time. For instance, some tenderness at the incision site is normal, gradually lessening over the first few weeks. A slight pinkness or discoloration around the incision is also part of the healing process and should fade over time.
Normal vaginal discharge, or lochia, is initially bright or dark red, gradually transitioning to pinkish-brown, then yellowish-white over several weeks, with a typically mild, metallic scent. Minor swelling and puffiness around the incision are common, and clear or slightly pinkish fluid from the incision site is usually normal. These normal signs should gradually improve, while infection symptoms tend to worsen or appear suddenly.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Prompt medical attention is advised for any concerning changes during C-section recovery. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop a fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C). Seek medical advice if you observe any pus or foul-smelling fluid draining from your incision site. Worsening incision pain, or new, severe abdominal pain unrelated to the incision, warrants a call to your healthcare provider.
Contact your doctor if you experience heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking more than one sanitary pad per hour) or pass large blood clots. Painful urination, persistent urgency, or cloudy urine also require medical evaluation. For difficulty breathing, chest pain, or significant pain and swelling in one leg (which could indicate a blood clot), seek emergency medical care without delay.