Treating C-section Infections
After giving birth by cesarean section, it is possible that you could develop some sort of infection in your body. Treating c-section 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 you and decide on the best course of treatment.
After having your c-section procedure, it is recommended that six weeks be taken for recovery. Your lower abdomen will be tender and any heavy lifting could aggravate the incision.
If you encounter problems with the incision, the possibility of infections occurring is increased. An incision that reopens because of getting back to your routine too fast could mean prolonged recovery or another trip to the operating room. Either way, bacteria have a chance to enter your body.
Incision infections
It is important to note any changes in your c-section incision. Any swelling, redness, pus or dehiscence (the wound reopening), should be reported to your doctor immediately. If these signs are accompanied by fever, abdominal pain and/or chills, an infection is probably the likely cause.
Your doctor can culture the wound with a swab or needle aspiration of fluid to see what type of bacteria you have. To treat the infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics should take care of the bacterial infections.
Oral antibiotics will do the job but IV antibiotics may be needed in some cases. The doctor will decide what course to take. Be sure to mention that you are breastfeeding as this will affect the type of antibiotic given to you.
If the wound reopens and becomes infected you may need another surgical procedure as well as antibiotics. The doctor will wash out the wound with antibiotic solution and stitch the incision closed again or pack it with gauze and continue antiseptic washes until the infection is gone.
Bladder infections
A catheter is inserted in your bladder before the surgery. It is left in afterwards for up to 24 hours. Some women develop urinary tract infections from the catheter use.
If you have an infection in your bladder or anywhere in your urinary tract you might notice pain when urinating, bloody urine or even have difficulty using the bathroom. Contact your doctor immediately. Once he has diagnosed the problem, he can prescribe a course of treatment which will include some type of antibiotic.
The antibiotics used will target the specific infection organism. Special care needs to be taken in order for the infection to go away. Don’t stop taking your antibiotic just because you feel better. It is important to take the entire course of antibiotics to make sure that the infection is completely gone and doesn’t reoccur.
I had a C Section and 7 days later I was back in the hospital, my incision had come undone. To make matters worse, I had a staph infection and I tested positive for MRSA. Indeed, I was back on the operating table to irrigate the wound. I was on the road to recovery for 19 days when it was discovered that there was an abscess in the wound (which was full of a different bacteria), and once again, I was back on the operating table. In less than 7 weeks I had three operations (considering the C section as one of the three). This was my first baby and I did not even expect to end up in a C Section. My baby is now 10 weeks old, my wound is almost healed, it is just the surface of the skin at this point.
It has been a long road and I hit some very low and dark places. I am blessed with a wonderful husband and a beautiful baby. I did not have post partum depression, but I did (and still do experience post traumatic stress syndrome).
As a woman, I manage to find strength and keep going. Now that the wound is almost healed, I now start on the road to recovery via physical therapy. I never imagined this with motherhood, but it is what it is and I can not change what happened, but I only hope that other women do not have to go through this, as taking care of a newborn should be a joyous occasion.
I encourage all women who have a C section to take care, be vigilant, be your own advocate. If you have even a slight fever, do not brush it off as hormones. Get lots of rest, let others take care of you and your baby until you are strong again.
I encourage all women to stay strong and believe.
Hey Alison,
Thank you so much for sharing your story. Having been through so much, I admire you for your great attitude and strength.
Your story is not a usual one. Infection such as yours is unfortunate but it can happen, however your advice is priceless and it’s exactly what I promote in my Worry-free-C-Section guide.
I think it’s most difficult for women who don’t expect to have a c-section. For that reason they have no idea of what to expect so they aren’t vigilant and they aren’t their own advocate. Plus we feel as moms that we need to over-extend ourselves for our babies, neglecting our own personal needs. It’s our instincts as moms to be that way, but we can’t forget that if our health fails where does that leave our babies?
But you also mention a very good point. Don’t ever brush off a fever as hormones. A fever indicates your body is fighting off a problem, so always check with your doctor when you have a fever. Early detection of an infection is important.
I applaud your strength and courage. I can tell already that you’ve got the makings of a great mom. In spite of the problems you’ve had you still see the miracle in your baby and in motherhood and you’ve persevered.
May God Bless you and your little one