How to Identify C-Section Infections
Because a C-Section is abdominal surgery, there is the risk of infection, so knowing how to identify c-section infections you can prevent delays in your recovery and also avoid additional hospital stays.
Here is a run down of the c-section infections that can occur and how you might avoid them.
External C-Section Infections
The site of your C-Section incision is vulnerable to bacterial infections. In the hospital, the nurses will show you how to properly care for your incision site but when you get home it will be extremely important for you to keep a close eye on your incision daily so that any changes that occur will be easily noticed.
An incision infection will produce swelling, redness and/or fluid oozing from the incision. The fluid could be blood if you have reopened your incision in some way. Fluid that looks more like pus generally means there is an infection.
If the area is infected it could be warm and/or very tender to the touch. You might also experience some abdominal pain. If you suspect an infection, call your doctor right away. He can tell you what is likely going on and if you have to be seen.
Internal C-Section Infections
An infection can also occur inside your body after a c-section. Remember that it was not only your skin that was cut open during the c-section procedure, your uterus was also cut which mean you also have internal uterine stitches. These stitches also must heal in order for your uterus to return to normal.
Unfortunately, you won’t see the same outward signs of infection as you would with your external stitches, but you might have the abdominal pain. As the body’s white cells rush to fight the infection, you could also develop a fever and chills as a result.
If your fever is over 100 degrees and there are no signs of problems at the incision site, something is probably going on inside your body.
An infection in the bladder can also occur. Sometimes this happens after having had a catheter. You’ll know something is wrong if you have painful urination or blood in your urine.
Foul-smelling vaginal discharge could also indicate a uterine infection. Both of these types of infections will require contacting your doctor.
Another type and more serious infection that can occur is something known as Septicemia which is a bacterial infection that spreads to the bloodstream. This is the most dangerous type of infection following a C-section and if detected requires immediate medical attention.
Septicemia is identified by a sudden spiking fever as well as rapid heart rate, rapid breathing and chills. If untreated this can lead to septic shock which is identified by low blood pressure, hypothermia, confusion and problems with blood clotting.
If you sense or recognize that you may have an infection, contact your doctor immediately. The quicker an infection can be treated, the faster you’ll heal.
Prolonged infections can lead to more dangerous complications and seriously delay your c-section recovery.
For more the C-Section procedure, risks and recovery, The Worry Free C-Section is an excellent resource for advice, personal tips information on all aspects of having a C-Section.
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[...] infections isn’t something that you want to ignore, therefore it’s important you learn how to identify c-section infections and contact your doctor as soon as possible if you suspect an infection is present. He will examine [...]
i had a c-section july 9 2009. i went back for a check up and got an IUD…about 2 days after the IUD i started to bleed so much it didnt seem normal to me at all. i also started to get a numbing feel in my legs and my legs would just go out… it would give me a painful sting or shock just on my legs… i went to the doctor and she said i was fine that it wasnt the IUD causing that, that its just my nerves.. but it only does that when i bleed a lot… my daughter is now 5 months and i still have been bleeding…its less but still there and my scar from my c-section feels like its half numb… and a few weeks ago i noticed a bump in the middle of my scar…it was inside my skin but slightly sticking out… i did nothing because it wasnt painful and it went away then 2 days ago it appeared again but more to the left and im worried it could be something bad but i dont have money to spend on just anything and i would like to know if theres a big chance it could be dangerous and spend my money on it???
I had a c-section 11yrs ago and now my insision is red, there is a small amount of blood coming out, I am keeping it clean. it has a hole and is starting to break open? 11 yrs later Today is Friday I cant go to the Dr til Monday ?
11 years later, I wouldn’t have thought that would happen
Put some bacitracin or neosporin on it, you can get these over the counter, they are antibacterial ointments, completely save. Wash you hands really well before putting on the ointment and keep it covered. Also don’t do any heavy lifting or stretching until you can get to the doctor. Good luck 
I had a c-section 7 years ago and starting to think I may have an INTERNAL infection. It is hard, firm and painful exactly where the c-section incision was, but there is no sign of any problem on the outside. (in fct can’t even see the incision). I’ve had a CT scan with contrast, endometrial biopsiy, colonoscopy, and upper GI endoscopy all within past 2-3 months and all came out ok. I thought it was stress from loosing my father, father in law and good friend all to cancer within two months this year (problem starting happening just after that). GI specialist thinks (since cancer ruled out) it could be IBS. But I have no bowel problems and its constant, not just during stress. I don’t know…just wondering if could have something to do with my uterus, or other female parts since the c-section. Called my OB-Gyn to see if I should have another visit there….Its a constant burning sensation across my lower addominal area, extending to right side of back. Especially kind of throbs where c-section was. Any clues out there? Not knowing what it is is the worst.
You may be experiencing problems with adhesions. Adhesions could be pulling causing the burning sensation. The thing about adhesions is they don’t show up on xrays or scans. Of course I can’t say for sure but try asking your doctor about it.
It will be three weeks on 10/12,since my csection surgery,due to ovarian cysts and endometrios.
I have been experiencing chills, clear drainage at the incision site, due to skin overlapping and sometimes a very low grade fever. Is this normal? When will these side effects go away?
My incision site is not red or swollen and the drainage is clear.
Thank you,
Doreen
I had a C-section one month ago. The incision site seemed to be healing well. I noticed a pimple like bump right under the site and it stayed there for about a week or so. I would pop it when a whitehead developed. Last weekend, my husband and I both went to the doctor and was diagnosed with staph infections. The one that I had that made me go to the doctor was on my bottom. It was completely red, swollen, hard, and obviously infected. I showed the doctor the pimple, which had started healing, and he said the infection could have started from my C-Section. I have a new pimple that has developed right under the first one. I’m also concerned because now I’m getting pains in the creases of where my upper leg and midsection meet. I’m on two antibiotics and probiotics for the infection but I’m worried about what this new pain is. Thanks.
Hi Dee, it’s hard to know where the pain is actually coming from, however infections can be painful and I’d suspect that’s where the pain is originating from but since you’re on antibiotics for the infection that makes me think the pain is not infection related, however that may not necessarily be true. I’d give the antibiotics time to thoroughly work and see if the pain doesn’t subside. If it continues or gets worse you should see your doctor about it right away. I hope it gets better for you *** hugs***.
I had my C Section 5 weeks ago.. I thought it was infected because Ive had constant drainage. Not a lot however it hasnt stopped draining.. Its a bloodish color and the incision is pink around it and feels warm.. Thought it felt warm because of the fat flap i have so it get warm there. Had it checked at the hospital by 4 drs and they stuck a q tip in the hole of the incision and said it wasnt infected however Im still worried that its still draining.. How long does it take for the draining and the hole to close/heal… Sometimes where the hole is it hurts like a fresh cut.. Thats the only spot that hurts.. Any information would be appreciated..
ty…
Hi Renee, I’m not sure why you have drainage, however that should subside soon. If your doctor says you don’t have an infection I wouldn’t worry about it. Just keep an eye on it and make sure it doesn’t look like it’s getting worse.
hello my name is aub and i had a csection three weeks ago and everything is going really good. but woke up this morning with my left hand numb and my right inner thigh hurting me to were it feels that my leg gives out on me when i walk but before that i was havin pain in my foot before that i am so worried about blood clots what do you think and what r the sighns of them
Hi Aub, I really don’t know, this is something you should call your doctor about. If it is blood clots you need to see your doctor right away.
I had a c sec 7 months ago and haven’t completely healed. I bruised where the incision was at the time of delivery. I’m concernerd that I have maybe an inch that has completely closed. The site is red. Also I don’t have feeling on my lower abdomin.
I had a c-sec 5 weeks ago and am just now experiencing burning in my lower left abdomen…not near my incision site, more muscle pain? It’s seemed to get worse over the last two days, stopped bleeding a couple weeks ago but now have a dark brownish red discharge. Is this normal or could I have an infection? Scheduled to see a dr next week not sure if I should call and try and get an earlier appt
A friend of mine had a C-Cection two months ago and is developing a high fever. She went back to the hospital and was given some antibotics. She started taking the antibiotics and started vomiting and lots of pain. She went back to the hospital and was told she has a kidney infection and urinary track infection she was sent home with more antibiotics. Aweek later she is back in the hospital with high fever and still alot of pain. The Dr. are now telling her she has a blood infection. Is this normal after surgery.
I had a c section 3 months ago and it bleed like a month ago my dr said to go in but i had no chance to but i went to the er and they said it looked ok. Now I have some bleeding and some sticky stuff coming out its clear and a little white is this bad ? And is it normal to be happening now after almost 4 months?
I had a C-section 3 weeks ago, my name is Nereha and the incision looks fine, is closed but i have two red bumps like half of inch down! they look like a spider bite looks like, their a little bit shine and they don’t hurt at all!!! i was just wondering if any body else had the same bumps????
I had c section 11weeks ago.i have loosemotions coming and going from last week,had fever 38.5 last week on thursday,took paracetamol…fever was gone .but today have bad pain in sides if stomach and blood coming from rectum after loose stools.sometimes very bad pain in both legs and lower back.I dont feel hungry.My periods did not come this time.sometimes my whole body pains badly.dont know what to do.called doctor she said it can be viral infection as the weather is too bad these days and just asked me to drink lots of fluids.
Please let me know.its difficult with the small baby.
Hi i had my baby 5 mos ago and healed fine but just recently noticed redness right in the middle … Im a lil worried . What do i do ?
Hi Letty, is the redness around your incision? Pain and oozing around the incision is an indication of infection. If you don’t have that then you may want to just wait a few days to see how it looks. If you do have pain or oozing, contact your doctor. You may have an infection or there might be something else going on.
I had a c section 10 days ago and I noticed a smell down there when im bleeding but it smells like from what i remember is a period smell and is there if I keep a pad on for a long time when I don’t have access to a bathroom so it’s full of blood could that be why it is smelling? My scar looks fine.
I had a c section 3 yrs ago and feel numb I cant feel when I have to urinate
Hi Dina, I have no idea what that could be. But I think something is going on. All I can suggest is that you check with your doctor.
Hi Eli, blood sitting on a pad for a long time isn’t going to smell very good. As long as you don’t have pain, fever or discharge and your scar looks good chances are there’s nothing wrong, but I’d suggest keeping an eye on the smell and if it doesn’t go away or gets worse, check with your doctor.
hi i had a c section on jhan 4th 2012 my scar heeled pretty good the doc say…but the bottom of my stomach is sore, my lower back and blood clots everytime i use the restroom. what should i do.
Hi Lisa, Check with your doctor. Just give him a call and tell him what’s happening. They may have a good explanation or they may want to see you. But check with your doctor first.
Hi, my name is kellie, I just had a c section 12 days ago. I keep sweating like crazy. My temp is 99.5.I keep feeling like I’m breaking fever firming the day. My eyes feel heavy n weak. I don’t feel like getting out of bed at all because when I stand up I completely feel weak. My scar looks like its healing. It don’t hurt or have oozing stuff. Idk what’s wrong should I make a app?
Hi Kellie, It sounds like you may have the start of an infection of some sort. The infection could be internal. I’d make an appointment to see your doctor or at least call and talk to someone.
I had my c section three months ago and it heeled just fine, but a couple of days ago i noticed my incision swollen and red, what does this mean?
Bea, it could be infected. Does it hurt? Does it have pus oozing out? Those are indications that it’s infected. If it’s just red and swollen, that can also be part of the healing process. To really find out what’s going on, it’s best to check with your doctor. Hope that helps, Elizabeth
I had my c section 5 weeks ago. I was healing great but last week lower abdomen began to hurt. I sneezed one morning and the pain got worse. Now it is horrible to stand and makes me hunch over… Could this be an infection? The incision looks great.
Cassie, actually this could be any number of things. I could be something as simple as built up gas or a stretched muscle or it could be the start of an infection, however since it’s impossible to know what the problem is, I’d check with your doctor to see what s(he) has to say. Watch for a fever or discharge and make sure the pain isn’t getting worse.
hi there I had my 4th c section 3.5 weeks ago, I have 3 four boys now so little time for rest. I have been bleeding the last 2 weeks off and on after stopping for a bit. also cleaning and the next day (today) I’m bleeding pretty good and watching for clots well when (tmi) looking at toilet paper I notice a string with the knot in it from internal stitches, is, this normal???? I’ve been hurting a lil more then normal the last few days but thought because I haven’t taken pain meds in over a week and cleaning and taking care of 4 kids 3 of them under 3.
Hi Patricia, You need to call your doctor for that. I don’t think a string with a knot in it is normal to be passing through your system. The stitches may have broken loose causing bleeding. Your doctor needs to know about that.
Hi i had a csection 5 weeks ago and the incision looks great and I was feeling great untill 2 days ago I haven’t dtopped bleeding since my csection and this week it got worse it felt like my period and im taking birth control pills . I have a burning sensation on the inside of my incision more towards the right side and numbness on my lower abdomen is this normal or should I go see the doctor
Hi Maria, How bad is the bleeding? If you’re soaking a pad every few hours you should call your doctor. The numbness around the incision is normal but I can’t verify what is happening with the burning. I would suggest calling your doctor. Keep in touch and let me know what you find out
Hi E
I had my c-section 11 weeks ago. I Had mastitis at 2 weeks and 4 weeks postpartum.
The fevers were bad. At the same time (2 weeks pp), my csection wound also got infected.
As I was on broad spectrum antibiotics twice for the mastitis, the doc said it would also
Heal the wound infection. I also applied antibiotic ointment for at least 10 days, and after that tried honey and clendula powder But my wound is still not healed.
It doesnt ooze pus anymore, but now rather looks like pimples under the scar.
As there is still pus, could it be infected still? Would u suggest another course of Ab?
Or just AB topical ointment? I would really appreciate your thoughts.
Hi Elsabe, I’m afraid that’s a question for your doctor. It sounds to me that it still may be a bit infected but whether another course of antibiotics is the right thing for you is up to your doctor.
i had a c section 12/26/2011 the day of surgery a bruise started to form the told me that it could possibly be a blood clot. two weeks went by and i decided to get a second opinion, that doc said the same thing… thats night my stomach rupturd open with nasty brownish blood that soaked my clothes. went to er they gave me 2 different antibiotics and sent me home waiting for my docs office to open… when i got there they took a q tip and stuck it inside to incision site. and it continued to drain. three days later they sent me to a wound clinic….. they ended up having to cut me back open and letting it heal from the inside out.. on march 23 it was closed, march 30 it was back open….. went back down and they seem to think everything is fine…. just wanted to share what happened with mine, maybe that will give you some ideas on what yours could be…
Hi Tera,
That’s not something you want to happen and I thank you so much for sharing your story. For others reading, this is definitely something to watch out for.
I trust that things are better for you now
I just had a c section 2 Weeks ago am just borry that maybe is infected because every time I clean it and put a new pad it has this bad smell and at the middle is a lil open and it hurts not much do this us my fist c section so dont now if this normal dont have a doctor appointment until Monday
Blanca, it sounds to me like you have an incision infection. I’d call your doctor and see what they have to say, they may be able to schedule you for an earlier appointment.
Elizabeth thank you well call my doctor and they dont have nothing sooner then Monday and they also told me that it dont sound like is infected plus I dont have a fever