How to Identify C-section Infections
A cesarean section is a surgical procedure for removing your baby from your womb. It is an alternative to vaginal delivery when the health of the mother and/or baby warrants a different approach. Like any other surgical procedure, there can be a risk of c-section infections.
Whenever bacteria have a way to enter the body, there is a risk of getting an infection. When you cut your finger outside or scrape your knee, you wash the wound out immediately so that none of those bugs can cause problems. It’s the same with your c-section incision. Keeping bacteria out of the wound is the primary concern so that no other problems can result.
External infections
The most noticeable infections are those that you can see. With a c-section, the site of your incision is vulnerable to bacterial infections. In the hospital, the nurses will show you how to properly care for your incision site. It is important to pay attention to how it looks and feels so changes are easily noticed.
With an infection at the surgical site, you may notice swelling, redness or fluid coming from the incision. The fluid could be blood if you have reopened your incision in some way. Fluid that looks more like pus signals that there could be an infection in progress.
The area could be warm and/or tender to the touch. If you have staples in your skin, the area will be tender but that will go away as it heals. This tenderness is a result of the infection process. You might also complain of abdominal pain.
If your c-section incision is red and irriatated there are things that you can do to help reduce the infection, however when in doubt you should always contact your doctor immediately. He can tell you what is likely going on and have you come in to be seen.
Internal infections
Some infections can occur inside your body after a c-section. Remember that it was not only your skin that was incised during the procedure but also your uterus. Those stitches have to heal in order for your uterus to return to normal. You won’t see the same signs such as redness if an infection occurs in your uterus but you might still have the abdominal pain. As the body’s white cells rush to fight the infection, you’ll 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 going on inside your body.
An infection in the bladder can occur as a result of catheterization. You’ll know something is up if you have painful urination or blood in the urine. Foul-smelling vaginal discharge also indicates that an infection is lurking somewhere such as the uterus.
C-sections carry with them the same risks and complications as any surgical procedure. You can acquire an infection from incision sites both internal and external. The above information will give some things to look for in identifying c-section infections, however also use your instincts, if you sense or recognize that something is not right, 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 delay your c-section recovery.
[...] 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.