Because a C Section is major surgery and requires a large incision in the abdomen and uterus, there is always a risk of infection. After a C Section, you may develop an external infection at the incision site or internally. Septicemia, a bacterial infection that goes into the bloodstream, is also possible. Here’s a look at the symptoms of a C Section infection you need to be aware of.
Symptoms of a C Section Infection: External Infections
The most common infection after a C Section is at the incision site. If your incision becomes infected it will become swollen, red and very tender and may even ooze pus. You may also experience a high fever and pain in your lower abdomen. Between 3-5% of women who have a cesarean delivery develop an infection at the incision. There are two types of cesarean incision infections: cellulitis and abscess. Cellulitis is caused by streptococcal and staphhylococcal and causes swollen tissue without pus present. An abscess is usually accompanied by pus.
Symptoms of a C Section Infection: Internal Infections
Internal tissues can also become infected and inflamed after a C Section. The main sign of an internal infection is a high fever, although you may also have foul-smelling discharge from your incision site. Internal infections usually cause flu-like symptoms and pain and, if your urinary tract and kidneys become infected, it will be painful to urinate and your urine will be cloudy and smell strange.
Symptoms of a C Section Infection: Septicemia
Septicemia is one of the more dangerous types of infection that’s possible after a C Section. It’s caused by a bacterial infection that has found its way into your blood stream and causes a sudden fever, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing and chills. If left untreated, septicemia will progress to septic shock, which causes hypothermia, confusion, low blood pressure and issues with blood clotting.
Symptoms of a C Section Infection
Linear Mode
