Symptoms of Infection After Cesarean Section

As with any surgical operation, there is a risk of infection after cesarean section. This infection can occur in the cesarean section scar or in the uterus. Infection is encountered in approximately 5% of cesarean deliveries, but the risk of infection can be minimized with proper wound care. In this article; You can find all you want to know about the symptoms of infection after cesarean section, inflammation in the cesarean section and discharge in the stitches.

Post Cesarean Infection - Inflammation in Cesarean Sutures

Although infection may develop due to various reasons after cesarean delivery, the most common reason is poor hygiene. In addition, it is known that conditions such as the mother's being overweight, the presence of diabetes or high blood pressure, the presence of autoimmune disease or prolonged delivery increase the risk of infection after cesarean section.

Symptoms of Infection After Cesarean Section

You can easily detect the presence of infection by observing your body after birth. E.g;

• Swelling / redness in the incision area,
• bleeding or discharge at the wound site,
• foul-smelling vaginal discharge,
• Pain/burning when urinating
• Coming of particles in the form of clots from the vagina,
• Fever

If you have symptoms such as:

As with all surgical incisions, there is a possibility of infection in a normal birth incision (episiotomy). In the first week after birth, the risk of infection at the wound site is higher. Infection after the stitches dissolve is very rare. Wound site infection should be followed carefully in the postpartum period, as in some cases the sutures may open completely.

Most Common Postpartum Infections

Knowing the infections you may encounter after cesarean section is important for early diagnosis and treatment. Now, let's take a look at the most common infections and their symptoms after birth;

Wound Infection

Wound infection, as we mentioned above, is bacterial infections in the area where the cesarean section was made. If there is a bad smell, discharge, redness, swelling or excessive sensitivity in the area where the incision was made, you should be examined by your obstetrician.

Intrauterine Inflammation

After the membrane ruptures, the uterus becomes much more sensitive. Bacteria living in the vagina, which are actually harmless, can spread rapidly in the uterus, and thus intrauterine inflammation can develop. The most important symptoms are feeling pain in the lower abdomen. Pain is often accompanied by foul-smelling discharge and fever. When statistical data are examined; Intrauterine inflammation is more common in women who have had a cesarean section compared to women who have had a normal delivery.

Septisemia

Septicemia, which develops as a result of a bacterial infection spreading in the blood, can be seen after both normal and cesarean deliveries. The most important symptoms are; fever, increased heart rate, and rapid breathing.

Urinary tract infection

If you feel pain and burning when urinating, if your urine is cloudy in color or if you have a foul-smelling discharge, you should be examined. This may be a sign of a urinary tract infection. Antibiotics prescribed by your doctor and plenty of fluid intake are sufficient for treatment.

Stitch Care After Cesarean Section

The most basic rule of wound care is to keep the area clean and dry. It is recommended that you take your first shower standing up. You can take a shower easily if you bought the apparatus that covers the wound area and prevents the area from getting wet while in the shower. Otherwise, it is not recommended to take a shower for the first 3-4 days. Before leaving the hospital, you should not neglect to make dressing 1-2 times a day with the solution prescribed by your doctor, and you should avoid heavy work that will force your stitches.