Symptoms of a C Section Infection
 

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.