A C-section is a major abdominal surgery, and the recovery period makes the body vulnerable to complications. Though modern care has made infections relatively uncommon, they remain a serious concern requiring careful monitoring. Recognizing infection signs early is important for a swift recovery and to prevent the infection from spreading. Vigilance is necessary because infections can manifest at the surgical site or internally, sometimes weeks after delivery.
Localized Incision Site Symptoms
The most immediate signs of a problem appear directly at the surgical wound, often due to a bacterial surgical site infection. Daily inspection helps distinguish between normal healing and infection. While mild redness, bruising, and tenderness are expected as tissues mend, an infection causes these symptoms to intensify instead of gradually improving.
Signs of an infected incision include increasing redness (erythema) that spreads outward from the wound edges. The area may feel noticeably warmer, and the tissue beneath the skin can become firm or hardened (induration). Pain that suddenly worsens or does not decrease with time or medication is another warning sign.
The type of fluid draining from the incision indicates the wound’s status. Normal drainage (serosanguineous discharge) is thin, watery, and may be clear, pink, or slightly blood-tinged. Infection is marked by purulent discharge, which is thick, opaque, and may appear yellow, green, or gray, often accompanied by a foul odor.
Systemic Indicators of Infection
Infections starting at the incision site or internally can cause a body-wide response known as systemic infection. These signs affect the entire body, indicating a general inflammatory reaction. A sustained fever, defined as 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher, is a primary systemic indicator.
The elevated temperature is often accompanied by uncontrollable shivering (rigors) and persistent chills. A general feeling of being unwell (malaise) and profound fatigue can indicate a spreading infection. The body may also compensate for the infection with an increased heart rate (tachycardia).
Internal and Pelvic Warning Signs
Infections can occur internally, away from the visible incision; postpartum endometritis is the most common internal infection after a C-section. Endometritis is an infection of the uterine lining, characterized by fever and persistent, severe lower abdominal pain distinct from incision discomfort.
The normal postpartum vaginal bleeding (lochia) changes significantly if an infection is present. An abnormal, foul-smelling vaginal discharge is a frequent sign of endometritis. The lochia may also suddenly become heavier or more prolonged, sometimes including large blood clots.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is another common post-surgical complication, sometimes related to the temporary use of a catheter. Signs of a UTI include pain or a burning sensation during urination (dysuria), and a frequent or urgent need to urinate. Deep pelvic tenderness, especially when the uterus is examined, warrants medical evaluation.
Immediate Action and Medical Protocol
If any signs suggest an infection, contact a healthcare provider immediately, such as the obstetrician or midwife. Do not wait for symptoms to progress or attempt to self-treat the wound with topical creams or home remedies. Treatment for most postpartum infections involves prescription antibiotics, and sometimes the surgical wound needs professional cleaning and drainage.
Seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience a high or rapidly rising fever, especially if accompanied by confusion or a rapid heart rate. Other emergency signs include uncontrolled vaginal bleeding that soaks through more than one sanitary pad per hour, or if the incision itself splits open.
A C-section is a major abdominal surgery, and the recovery period makes the body vulnerable to complications. Infections remain a serious concern that requires careful monitoring, despite modern surgical care. Recognizing the signs of infection early is important for a swift recovery. Infections can manifest at the surgical site or internally, sometimes weeks after the delivery.
Localized Incision Site Symptoms
The most immediate signs of a problem appear directly at the surgical wound, often due to a bacterial surgical site infection. Daily inspection helps distinguish between normal healing and infection. While mild redness, bruising, and tenderness are expected, infection causes these symptoms to intensify instead of gradually improving.
Infected incisions show increasing redness (erythema) that spreads outward. The area may feel noticeably warmer, and the tissue beneath the skin can become firm or hardened (induration). Worsening pain that does not decrease with time or medication is another warning sign.
The type of fluid draining from the incision indicates the wound’s status. Normal drainage (serosanguineous discharge) is thin, watery, and may be clear, pink, or slightly blood-tinged. Infection is marked by purulent discharge, which is thick, opaque, and may appear yellow, green, or gray, often accompanied by a foul odor.
Systemic Indicators of Infection
Infections starting at the incision site or internally can cause a body-wide response known as systemic infection. These signs affect the entire body, indicating a general inflammatory reaction. A sustained fever, defined as 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher, is a primary systemic indicator.
The elevated temperature is often accompanied by uncontrollable shivering (rigors) and persistent chills. A general feeling of being unwell (malaise) and profound fatigue can indicate a spreading infection. The body may also compensate for the infection with an increased heart rate (tachycardia).
Internal and Pelvic Warning Signs
Infections can occur internally, away from the visible incision; postpartum endometritis is the most common internal infection after a C-section. Endometritis is an infection of the uterine lining, characterized by fever and persistent, severe lower abdominal pain distinct from incision discomfort.
The normal postpartum vaginal bleeding (lochia) changes significantly if an infection is present. An abnormal, foul-smelling vaginal discharge is a frequent sign of endometritis. The lochia may also suddenly become heavier or more prolonged, sometimes including large blood clots.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is another common post-surgical complication, sometimes related to the temporary use of a catheter. Signs of a UTI include pain or a burning sensation during urination (dysuria), and a frequent or urgent need to urinate. Deep pelvic tenderness, especially when the uterus is examined, warrants medical evaluation.
Immediate Action and Medical Protocol
If any signs suggest an infection, contact a healthcare provider immediately, such as the obstetrician or midwife. Do not wait for symptoms to progress or attempt to self-treat the wound with topical creams or home remedies. Treatment for most postpartum infections involves prescription antibiotics, and sometimes the surgical wound needs professional cleaning and drainage.
Seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience a high or rapidly rising fever, especially if accompanied by confusion or a rapid heart rate. Other emergency signs include uncontrolled vaginal bleeding that soaks through more than one sanitary pad per hour, or if the incision itself splits open.