Discharge after caesarean section of the cause of the appearance. Varieties of discharge after caesarean section

Distinctive features
Timing
Lochia character
Hue
Quantity

Regardless of how the birth occurred (through surgery or naturally), the inner lining (lining) of the uterus needs to recovery period. It takes about 5-9 weeks if everything goes without complications.

Of particular note are the discharge after cesarean from the genital tract. They are usually called lochia in gynecology. They include blood cells, plasma, mucus, dead epithelium. For many women, they are perceived as a kind of menstruation. However, their color palette, smell, composition, volume change during the postpartum period and signal whether the young mother has everything in order with her body.

Distinctive features

Any operation, like the birth itself, is a serious stress for the body that is tired after pregnancy. Therefore, a woman needs to listen to him sensitively, feel the slightest deviations and know what the discharge should be after caesarean section and what is considered normal. This will allow her to notice alarming signals in a timely manner and be treated if necessary. Many sources indicate that lochia after CS is no different from those that come after natural childbirth. In fact, this is far from the case. Differences still exist.

The wound surface is much more extensive after cesarean, so the risk of infection or inflammation of the genital organs is very high. So during the discharge after the operation, it is necessary to carefully carry out all the prescribed hygiene procedures and not once a day.
At the very beginning, just after cesarean, about 5-7 days, the discharge is not only bloody in nature, but also contains a lot of mucus, which is not observed after natural delivery.
The normal color of the discharge after a caesarean section for several days is bright red, rich scarlet, and it is much juicier than during the natural process of childbirth.
The contraction of the uterus and its healing after cesarean is a longer and more protracted process, so the duration of the discharge is also different and is 1-2 weeks longer.

These differences should not frighten and disturb a young, perhaps not yet experienced mother in such matters, since this is the norm of discharge after a cesarean, which indicates that everything is in order. But in order to see something was wrong in time, you need to know about deviations, with which you will first have to contact specialists. Usually they differ little from problematic lochia after natural childbirth.

Timing

One of the most exciting questions is how long the discharge after a cesarean section lasts, in order to know for sure whether the recovery period has dragged on or the process is going within the allowed limits. Information about the terms that fit into the norm will allow you to control the real menstrual cycle, which should soon improve.

Norm

The discharge rate after caesarean section is from 7 to 9 weeks. So discharge 2 months after cesarean does not pose any danger to the health of a young mother.

Deviations

If after caesarean delivery ended too quickly (within 6 weeks) or too long (up to 10 weeks), this is not a reason to panic. Yes, the limits of the norm are no longer observed, but these indicators can be determined only by the individual characteristics of the organism. If at the same time the composition, smell, density, color, number of lochia do not indicate complications, you should not worry. Although even in this situation, it will not hurt to inform the doctor about this.

Pathologies

A visit to the doctor is mandatory if the duration of discharge in the postpartum period after cesarean has gone beyond the norm. This is either too fast an end (less than 5 weeks), or too long a process (over 10 weeks). Both are equally dangerous. In the first case, the remnants of the dead endometrium, for some reason, could not come out and there is a high probability of their suppuration. With too long lochia, endometritis or an infectious process in abdominal cavity or genitals. The condition is also dangerous when the discharge after cesarean ended and started again: this also indicates some deviations in the process of restoring the uterus.

Knowing how much discharge goes after a caesarean section with a normal healing process, a woman may not worry that this period has been very long for her or, on the contrary, has passed too quickly. After all, in both cases, you will have to take appropriate measures: go to the doctor, undergo additional examinations and, if diseases or complications are detected, undergo a course of treatment, no matter how much you want it.

be careful. You should not rejoice if your discharge has already stopped a month after cesarean. Such a rapid process very often ends in inflammation or infection, which require surgical cleaning of the uterus.

Lochia character

Throughout the recovery period after surgery, the nature of the lochia will change. Initially, blood clots will depart, since the uterus at this time is a vast, open, bleeding wound. But over time, in the process of healing, they will change into mucus, dead epithelial cells and other postpartum debris.

This also needs to be monitored very carefully. If, for example, bloody discharge after cesarean does not end in any way, this will be an alarming signal that damaged tissues cannot be regenerated for some reason. Such cases require medical intervention and treatment. Therefore, watch the nature of your lochia and their duration.

Presence of blood

The presence of blood in the lochia at first should not raise doubts among young mothers: it is the bursting of blood vessels and damaged tissues that heal. However, here important point are precisely the timing of how many days bloody discharge occurs after a cesarean: if more than 7-8, then this is already abnormal and you need to sound the alarm.

The presence of clots

It is also quite understandable in this period of time: they are cells of already dead endometrium and placenta. Already after 7-8 days they will leave, so that the discharge will become more liquid.

Mucous discharge

If mucous secretions have also been added to the bloody ones in the first days after cesarean, this is also the norm: in this way the body is cleansed of the products of intrauterine vital activity of the baby.

pink discharge

If pink discharge begins a month after cesarean, it means that the healing process has not yet been completed. Perhaps, under some mechanical influence, the injured tissues were again damaged. Very often this happens if a couple is impatient and, without waiting for the end of the recovery period, they start having sex too early.

brown shade

After 6-7 weeks, by their nature, lochia will resemble ordinary brownish menstrual smears: the blood will clot and will no longer be so bright and scarlet.

Purulent discharge

Danger after caesarean purulent discharge, which are the first symptom of the endometrium (inflammation of the uterine mucosa). They are usually yellowish-green in color, smell very bad, and are accompanied by fever (due to infection), pain in the abdomen and perineum.

watery lochia

Should alert the young mother and watery lochia, devoid of any shade, almost transparent. So a transudate can come out - a fluid contained in the blood or lymphatic vessels. This is bad, as it indicates a violation of blood circulation in this area. In addition, watery discharge after cesarean with an unpleasant odor reeking of rotten fish is a symptom characteristic of vaginal dysbacteriosis (gardnerellosis).

If you had to give birth by cesarean, you must definitely monitor the nature of the discharge that has begun. It is the impurities in their composition that may indicate a particular disease that will need to be identified and treated. Often, all this threatens again with hospital walls - and this is precisely at the moment when a mother needs her baby so much. It is much easier to prevent the problem and enjoy the unforgettable moments of communication with the baby. In addition to character, the color of the discharge can tell a lot.

Hue

Normally, the color of lochia after cesarean should be red at first, then there are already brown discharges (towards the end). The rest of the color palette should alert the young mother and force her to go to the hospital for an additional examination to find out if everything is in order with her body recovery.

Yellowness

If yellow discharge begins after cesarean, they may indicate the following postpartum processes:

pale yellow, meager lochia by the end of 2-3 weeks is the norm;
bright yellow, almost orange discharge with a greenish tint, putrid odor on days 4-6 - a symptom of a pronounced, but just beginning endometritis;
copious, mucous, yellow discharge after 2 weeks is a sign of an already hidden and, most likely, advanced endometritis.

Endometritis cannot be treated on its own: antibiotic therapy or even surgery will be required.

Greens

It is not difficult to guess that the green discharge that began after cesarean is explained by the presence of pus in them. It indicates the course of an infectious, inflammatory process in the uterus. Only medical examination will help to determine its cause and diagnose the disease.

white lochia

By themselves, without accompanying symptoms, white discharge, which may begin some time after a cesarean, does not pose a threat. But as soon as certain signs appear, you need to be alert. These include:

itching of the perineum;
redness in the intimate area;
if there is a discharge with a sour smell;
curdled texture.

In such cases, a bacterial culture or vaginal swab is required for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Black

If black discharge without odor or pain is observed after cesarean, they should be taken as the norm. They are dictated hormonal changes in the blood after childbirth. A deviation is if they go some time after the operation.

To avoid complications of the recovery period after cesarean section, you need to monitor the color of postpartum discharge. It can suggest the problem that has arisen at the very initial stage. This will facilitate its elimination and will allow you to return to normal very quickly, having undergone the necessary course of treatment.

Quantity

A young mother also needs to pay attention to how many lochias come out of her in order to judge how the body is recovering. If there is little discharge after cesarean, especially in the very first days, this can be an alarm signal that the tubes, uterine ducts are clogged, a blood clot has formed, etc.

The opposite situation is no less dangerous: abundant lochia that does not stop for too long is an alarming signal about the impossibility of a full recovery of the uterus after surgery. In both cases, you need to undergo a special examination and find out what is the reason for such deviations.

Any woman wants postpartum lochia to end as soon as possible and nothing overshadows happy motherhood. However, one should not be too hostile towards them. It is they that can serve as that alarming and sometimes the only signal that not everything is in order with the restoration of the body and that some measures need to be taken to help it. Particularly, discharge after a caesarean section with a smell and an unrealistically bright shade should be alerted. This almost always ends with a course of antibiotic treatment, which is highly undesirable during lactation, or another surgical intervention.

After a caesarean section, vaginal discharge in a woman is the norm. This is due to the fact that the microflora and the damaged mucous membrane must be restored. The duration of the discharge should last from one and a half to two months. However, the nature of the discharge is constantly changing due to the regenerative processes in the female genital organs.

During the first week, the discharge is red with a rotten smell. They are associated with the contractile activity of the uterus, in which the remnants of the placenta and blood are released from it. Number of withdrawals per day should not exceed 100 ml. Increased blood flow is facilitated by walking, physical exercise, breast-feeding. This is due to an increase in uterine contractility. Such discharge resembles abundant menstruation after a cesarean section.

After a week, the nature of the discharge changes, they become darker, brown. Their number decreases sharply due to the fact that the uterus has taken its original position and no contractions occur. However, they last much longer and end by the fourth week after caesarean section.

A month after the caesarean section, the discharge becomes spotting and lasts about a week. Then the microflora of the internal genital organs is completely restored, and the woman can note a transparent discharge, which is observed for no more than two weeks. After two months from the moment of caesarean section, all discharge should stop.

On the number and duration of discharges from healthy woman influenced by a number of factors:

The physical condition of the woman. If the mother plays sports regularly, the discharge from the vagina stops much faster.
The condition of the woman after the operation. Increased activity, constant walking help to reduce the duration of the discharge.
Breastfeeding. This act promotes the release of hormones that increase uterine contractions.
frequency of urination. Normal contraction of the uterus is possible only if bladder not crowded. If a woman rarely visits the toilet and holds back urine, the duration of the discharge increases.

How long the discharge lasts after a cesarean section depends only on the woman herself and her behavior after the operation.

Yellow discharge after caesarean section

A number of women who have had a caesarean section may have yellow vaginal discharge for two months. They are associated with a weak contractility of the uterus, but this condition is not pathological. Also, a yellow discharge may appear when the discharge after a caesarean section is red or brown. In some cases, yellow discharge indicates diseases that have arisen as a complication of the operation.

The main cause is endometritis (inflammation of the inner layer of the uterus). It occurs as a focal lesion, and spread to the entire mucous layer of the uterus. The disease occurs acutely and is accompanied by endometritis with characteristic symptoms:

Soreness in the lower abdomen and perineum;
Discharge after caesarean section with a putrid odor;
Increase in body temperature;
Deterioration general condition.

Also, during a caesarean section, the infection could penetrate into the large gland of the vestibule of the vagina. Yellow discharge is noted if you slightly press down on the excretory duct of the gland. Often the discharge appears while walking or after taking a shower. In such situations, a woman unconsciously presses on the excretory duct, as a result, a yellow mark remains on the linen. Distinctive feature disease is a slight deterioration in the general condition (weakness, drowsiness, fatigue).

On examination, the gynecologist detects an increase in the size of the uterus, a soft texture and pain on palpation, an open canal of the cervix. Endometritis is caused by infection during delivery.

Brown discharge after caesarean section

Normally, brown discharge can accompany the postpartum period and continue for the first month after a cesarean section. For uncomplicated course postoperative period over time, the amount of discharge decreases. If by the end of the month the amount of blood released has not decreased, this condition is considered a pathology and the woman is suspected of intrauterine bleeding.

The cause of bleeding after caesarean section is the divergence of the uterine suture. In addition to the duration of brown discharge, bleeding can be suspected by the general condition of the woman:

pale skin;
Lethargy, fatigue, drowsiness;
Heaviness while walking, especially on stairs;
Rapid pulse, decreased arterial pressure, increased respiratory rate.

If the doctor noticed the disturbed condition of the woman, he prescribes general analysis blood, which confirms the presence of bleeding (decrease in the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin). Ultrasound also helps to diagnose a complication, in which the location of the suture and its condition are determined. There is a divergence of seams for a number of reasons:

Increased contractile activity of the uterus, which is caused by constant breastfeeding or the introduction of drugs;
Physical activity of a woman in the first days after a cesarean section, weight lifting;
Non-observance by surgeons of the tactics of conducting the operation or the use of low-quality suture material.

Tactics of behavior in case of discharge after caesarean section

After a caesarean section, a woman needs to monitor her discharge. Doctors do not recommend the use of conventional pads, as it is difficult to track the amount of blood released with them, and they are not suitable due to increased bleeding. It is forbidden for a woman to use tampons in the postoperative period, since bleeding will continue much longer with them.

Be sure a woman must regularly observe the rules of personal hygiene:

Wash at least twice a day;
The frequency of visits to the shower may increase depending on the number of visits to the toilet, it is imperative to wash yourself after the act of defecation;
For washing, use warm water, to which decoctions of herbs (chamomile, calendula) are added;
Bathing in the bath is not recommended for prevention inflammatory diseases and reduce the duration and number spotting;
Do not use shower gels or soaps as they are irritating and cause allergies.

You should not be afraid of discharge after a cesarean section, as this is a normal condition. However, it is necessary to monitor them, their nature and quantity, and in case of an unpleasant odor or deterioration in general condition, immediately contact a gynecologist. In a woman, discharge after a cesarean section, how long it lasts, also depends on her fulfillment of all the recommendations of the obstetrician.

Important! If the suture is festering after the operation, look at this material!

Menstruation after caesarean section

Often a woman can confuse menstruation with pathological discharge after a cesarean section.

This is due to the fact that there are no clear terms for the resumption of the menstrual cycle after operative delivery. This process is purely individual and depends on the reaction of the woman's body to childbirth, as well as on external factors:

Breastfeeding or feeding the baby with artificial mixtures. When breastfeeding a child for a year, menstruation may be completely absent and recover only after the cessation of lactation.
Nutrition for women during and after pregnancy. Good nutrition will help speed up the process of restoring the menstrual cycle.
Emotional state, the presence of stressful situations in the postpartum period. Emotional overstrain contributes to the formation of hormones that constrict blood vessels and prevent the onset of menstruation.
Complications during pregnancy or after a caesarean section. The resumption of the cycle is also affected by common diseases that were present before the onset of pregnancy. All pathologies delay the onset of menstruation.
The lifestyle that a woman led throughout her life and after the operation. Bad habits lead to a late recovery of the cycle, while physical activity contributes to the early normalization of menstruation.

It is necessary to worry about menstruation if, after stopping breastfeeding, menstruation does not occur within three months, and also if the cycle has not recovered within six months after the first menstruation. It is recommended that a woman consult a doctor in case of an unpleasant smell of discharge or with spotting bruises before and after menstruation.

A woman after a cesarean section is recommended to do everything so that the menstrual cycle is restored as soon as possible, and the discharge does not last long. It is necessary to prevent the development of inflammatory diseases of the reproductive system, which consists in personal hygiene and abstinence from sexual intercourse.

If there are deviations from the norm in the discharge, you should immediately contact a gynecologist for advice.

27-06-2006, 08:16

I had a second c-section. The discharge after the operation ended after three weeks.
Now, at two months old, I suddenly began to sip my lower back, as during menstruation and for several days I already find that there are literally two drops a day of pink-bloody discharge.: 005:
It doesn’t look like menstruation, since the discharge is too scarce, and we are also on full breastfeeding, which also reduces the likelihood of such early periods, although it does not exclude.
It is clear that I need an ultrasound scan and a doctor ... For now, I want to ask: should I already be very afraid? Has anyone had a similar experience? What did the doctors say?

A caesarean section is an abdominal operation that is performed in the absence of the possibility of independent childbirth. Regardless of whether natural or operative childbirth, after the birth of a child, the mother begins to discharge - lochia. Why do they appear, how long do they last and how to take care of yourself during this period?

Why is there discharge after a caesarean section?

During the operation, the surgeon cuts not only the abdomen, but also the uterus. Therefore, the opinion that women who give birth by caesarean section should not have discharge is erroneous. The first day after birth, the mother is in intensive care, because she needs constant monitoring. Doctors monitor the state of the uterus, because with insufficient contraction there is a risk of developing pathological bleeding. Also rate cardiovascular system using indicators on the monitor.

After abdominal surgery, the uterus is damaged and it takes time to restore its internal mucosa. The healing process is accompanied by postpartum discharge (lochia), consisting of mucus, blood and dead epithelium. In the process of healing, the shade, structure and volume of secretions change. The same thing happens with natural childbirth, only the recovery period is faster.

Video - caesarean section. School of Dr. Komarovsky

Discharge after abdominal surgery

Postpartum discharge is a physiological phenomenon through which particles of the placenta and dead remains of the endometrium are removed from the body.

The most abundant vaginal discharge in the first week and have a rich red color. Reminiscent of normal menstruation, but in a much larger volume. Walking, breastfeeding, changing body position increase the outflow of blood. For the first five days after surgery, blood discharge of about 500 ml is considered normal.
Then the lochia darkens and acquires a brown tint. The appearance of clots is a normal phenomenon associated with the low mobility of the woman in labor. The discharge is characterized by a specific odor similar to iron.
By the fourth week, the discharge becomes dark brown, their volume is significantly reduced. They become sparse and smearing.
By 2.5 months, the discharge becomes transparent, mucous. Do not cause inconvenience, have no smell.

At what stage of the selection will change color, composition and volume depends on the individual characteristics of the woman who has given birth. But they should start with red, turn into brown, and end with mucous and transparent secretions.

Active contraction of the uterus affects the intensity of discharge in the initial days after the birth of the child. During abdominal surgery, muscle fibers are damaged, which significantly complicates its contraction. To stimulate uterine contractions, it is recommended to lie on the stomach as often as possible, empty the bladder regularly, and apply the baby to the breast on demand. Sucking milk increases uterine contractions, accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen.

In the first 6–8 days, the discharge is especially strong; this period accounts for most of the excreted fluid. In the second week, the amount of discharge begins to decrease, and by the end of the month it is significantly reduced. At week 5, lochia becomes spotting, and a week later it stops altogether.

Postpartum discharge can last up to 1.5 months, depending on the individual characteristics of the woman's body, pregnancy and the birth itself.

No doctor can tell the exact numbers for the beginning and end of postpartum discharge. But there is an average statistics, which must be equalized and, if deviations are found, immediately consult a doctor.

Pathological discharge

The reason for contacting a specialist can be: a sharp cessation of discharge within a few days after childbirth, the appearance of an unpleasant odor, a change in the composition of the discharge, the appearance of itching. The reasons for these or those changes are presented in the table.

Deviation Cause Change in the smell of secretions

Change in the smell of secretions

An unpleasant, purulent, pungent odor indicates inflammatory processes on the inner surface of the uterus or, in other words, endometritis. The disease is accompanied by an increase in body temperature, increased pain in the lower abdomen, and a deterioration in the woman's well-being.

A sharp increase in the volume of secretions

An increase in the number of lochia, their long-term non-decrease indicates the onset of late hypotonic bleeding. It is after abdominal surgery that this happens most often, since the uterus cannot contract normally due to the resulting suture.

Abrupt cessation of discharge

The instant end of postpartum lochia indicates a possible bending of the uterus. In this case, there is a violation of the outflow of secretions from the uterus, leading to their stagnation. With untimely treatment, this leads to inflammation or endometritis.

Curdled discharge and itching

Unpleasant sensations in the vagina, itching, burning, a change in the structure of the discharge signals a thrush. Its development may be associated with improper hygiene of the woman who has given birth or taking antibiotics.

Hygiene after caesarean section

In the maternity hospital, you need to wash yourself with warm water several times a day. laundry soap. The first days you need to use diapers, on the third day you can use large pads. It is recommended to change them as they are full, but at least once every three hours. For convenience, disposable shorts are used. The use of tampons is unacceptable, in order to avoid the multiplication of microbes. The suture is dressed daily, ice can be applied to increase uterine contractions. The state of the seam must be monitored very carefully so that it cannot and does not bleed. Otherwise, a medical examination is necessary.

At home, regular washing should be continued until the discharge becomes colorless for up to about 8 weeks. It is forbidden to take a bath, douche and lead sexual life before obtaining permission from the gynecologist. It is possible to resume the old life only after the final restoration of the uterus and the cessation of spotting.

Menstruation after caesarean section

After the birth of a child, the female body begins to produce the hormone prolactin, which blocks the development of follicles in the ovaries and stimulates the formation of milk. At breastfeeding menstruation usually occurs after 6-7 months, with active feeding they can come in a year. With artificial feeding, menstruation comes in 2-3 months. At first they are irregular, and then the cycle is restored.

Postpartum discharge for each woman lasts a different amount of time, but usually does not exceed 1.5 months. Compliance with the rules of personal hygiene, regular change of pads prevent infection. Feeding the baby on demand, lying on the stomach stimulate uterine contractions. Compliance with the prescriptions of doctors will help to easily overcome the recovery period.

It is important to carefully monitor the discharge and in case of an unpleasant odor, a sharp increase or cessation, consult a gynecologist for advice.

Discharge after a caesarean section appears in the same way as after a natural birth. A large number of women who have yet to undergo such a delivery mistakenly believe that the entire recovery period consists in completely tightening the sutures on the abdomen and cleaning out the uterine cavity and vagina. But, it's not! Indeed, during a caesarean section, an obstetrician-gynecologist helps the child to be born, as well as the placenta. But, the doctor does not scrape the uterus in order to remove the endometrium. Since in itself it is a very traumatic procedure and rather meaningless. This is because a woman's body is physiologically designed to get rid of excess epithelium, which will further interfere with the functioning of the reproductive system. The only thing a woman should know is the amount of normal discharge and the number of days they go (again, normal).

Bleeding - the norm or pathology

So, in the first week after delivery by caesarean section, lochia is released from the woman's uterus. That is, these are blood clots of a rather saturated red color. It is these discharges that fit the description of healthy and normal. When a woman starts breastfeeding, she releases oxytocin. This is a hormone that provokes an active contraction of the uterus, which leads to increased pain and consequently leads to increased bleeding. And during the period of active physical activity, you only need to take the baby in your arms, spotting will become quite plentiful.

Gradually, on the fifth or seventh day after cesarean section, vaginal discharge becomes quite scarce. At the end of the separation of the endometrium from the uterus, the discharge will be spotting and thick. Do not worry if the discharge lasts several weeks. If a young mother feeds her baby with a mixture, then the uterus will contract even more intensively and as a result will fully recover in a week or two. At the end of the month after the caesarean section, the discharge will become transparent and fairly light. That is, on the gasket, a woman can see some kind of mucus, but without splashes of blood. Normally, in a healthy woman, the discharge will turn into ordinary leucorrhoea.

If a woman does not have any discharge at all after a cesarean section, then this is by no means a reason for joy. On the contrary, it is urgent to apply for medical care, as this is abnormal and unnatural, because the uterus must be cleansed. The cause of this phenomenon may be the bending of the uterus, as well as spasm of the cervix or its complete closure. As a result, under the influence of these factors, the accumulation of blood inside the uterus begins.

Also, if a woman has profuse spotting that lasts for a long period of time, then this is an alarming symptom. This means that the uterus does not contract at all. And if you see green, yellow clots in the discharge, then urgently contact medical institution. This should also be done if a woman felt a putrid, disgusting smell from the discharge, she had a fever against the background of abundant discharge, and an increase in heart rate began. In this case, it can be assumed that inflammatory process endometrium, surgical suture, or doctors who performed the operation inaccurately and forgot a cotton swab or any other foreign object inside the abdominal cavity. It is also worth noting that with significant physical exertion, the seams in a woman can disperse and, as a result, quite heavy bleeding can begin.

Discharge one week after caesarean section

In medical practice, there are cases when a woman's discharge abruptly stops after childbirth, and then resumes again. In this case, the woman needs to do an ultrasound of the pelvic organs. Cases are not excluded when the placenta can linger in the uterus of a woman. And if pieces of the placenta remain in the woman's uterus, they begin to rot and eventually block the natural process of detaching the endometrium from the uterus. In this case, a woman may notice an increase in body temperature, yellow or greenish uterine discharge, a significant increase in bleeding, as well as severe pain both in the lower abdomen and in the ovarian region. The only solution to this problem is surgical cleaning or curettage of the uterus. Any anti-inflammatory drug measures can only give a temporary effect.

Only on the 12th day of the onset of discharge after cesarean section does their consistency change. Normally, the discharge should brighten, acquire a yellowish tint (since the discharge contains a large number of leukocytes). And this is not a pathology, but the norm, because the woman's body, thus, prevents infection of the body. Also, in the period after delivery by caesarean section, a woman may notice the appearance of thrush. This minor pathology is manifested by burning, itching in the vaginal area.

Menstruation after caesarean section

So, normally, a woman's discharge should last more than 2 months. And after this time, bleeding from the vagina may begin. Again, no need to worry. Since in this case, this indicates a completely normal development of the recovery period, that is, menstruation has begun.

If a woman is breastfeeding, then her first period can begin in the interval from 6 weeks to 6 or more months. And this is considered the norm! If, after a cesarean section, 4 weeks have passed and menstruation has begun, then the whole problem is in the poor contractility of the uterus.

Bloody discharge after cesarean section should completely stop after 2 months. If there are no remains of the placenta inside, then this indicates a decrease in hemoglobin. That is, oxygen is poorly supplied to internal organs and body tissues.

Regardless of how the birth occurred (with the help of surgery or naturally), the inner lining (lining) of the uterus needs a recovery period. It takes about 5-9 weeks if everything goes without complications.

Distinctive features

Any operation, like the birth itself, is a serious stress for the body that is tired after pregnancy. Therefore, a woman needs to listen to him sensitively, feel the slightest deviations and know what the discharge after a cesarean section should be and what is considered the norm. This will allow her to notice alarming signals in a timely manner and be treated if necessary. Many sources indicate that lochia after CS is no different from those that come after natural childbirth. In fact, this is far from the case. Differences still exist.

The wound surface is much more extensive after cesarean, so the risk of infection or inflammation of the genital organs is very high. So during the discharge after the operation, it is necessary to carefully carry out all the prescribed hygiene procedures and not once a day.
At the very beginning, just after cesarean, about 5-7 days, the discharge is not only bloody in nature, but also contains a lot of mucus, which is not observed after natural delivery.
The normal color of the discharge after a caesarean section for several days is bright red, rich scarlet, and it is much juicier than during the natural process of childbirth.
The contraction of the uterus and its healing after cesarean is a longer and more protracted process, so the duration of the discharge is also different and is 1-2 weeks longer.

Timing

Norm

The discharge rate after caesarean section is from 7 to 9 weeks. So discharge 2 months after cesarean does not pose any danger to the health of a young mother.

Deviations

If after a cesarean the discharge ended too quickly (within 6 weeks) or was very long (up to 10 weeks), this is not a reason to panic. Yes, the limits of the norm are no longer observed, but these indicators can be determined only by the individual characteristics of the organism. If at the same time the composition, smell, density, color, number of lochia do not indicate complications, you should not worry. Although even in this situation, it will not hurt to inform the doctor about this.

Pathologies

A visit to the doctor is mandatory if the duration of discharge in the postpartum period after cesarean has gone beyond the norm. This is either too fast an end (less than 5 weeks), or too long a process (over 10 weeks). Both are equally dangerous. In the first case, the remnants of the dead endometrium, for some reason, could not come out and there is a high probability of their suppuration. With too long lochia, endometritis or an infectious process in the abdominal cavity or genitals can be diagnosed. The condition is also dangerous when the discharge after cesarean ended and started again: this also indicates some deviations in the process of restoring the uterus.

be careful. You should not rejoice if your discharge has already stopped a month after cesarean. Such a rapid process very often ends in inflammation or infection, which require surgical cleaning of the uterus.

Lochia character

Presence of blood

The presence of blood in the lochia at first should not raise doubts among young mothers: it is the bursting of blood vessels and damaged tissues that heal. However, the important point here is precisely the timing of how many days bloody discharge occurs after a cesarean: if more than 7-8, then this is already abnormal and you need to sound the alarm.

The presence of clots

It is also quite understandable in this period of time: they are cells of already dead endometrium and placenta. Already after 7-8 days they will leave, so that the discharge will become more liquid.

Mucous discharge

pink discharge

brown shade

After 6-7 weeks, by their nature, lochia will resemble ordinary brownish menstrual smears: the blood will clot and will no longer be so bright and scarlet.

Purulent discharge

The danger after cesarean is purulent discharge, which is the first symptom of the endometrium (inflammation of the uterine mucosa). They are usually yellowish-green in color, smell very bad, and are accompanied by fever (due to infection), pain in the abdomen and perineum.

watery lochia

Hue

Yellowness

If yellow discharge begins after cesarean, they may indicate the following postpartum processes:

pale yellow, meager lochia by the end of 2-3 weeks is the norm;
bright yellow, almost orange discharge with a greenish tint, putrid odor on days 4-6 - a symptom of a pronounced, but just beginning endometritis;
copious, mucous, yellow discharge after 2 weeks is a sign of an already hidden and, most likely, advanced endometritis.

Endometritis cannot be treated on its own: antibiotic therapy or even surgery will be required.

Greens

It is not difficult to guess that the green discharge that began after cesarean is explained by the presence of pus in them. It indicates the course of an infectious, inflammatory process in the uterus. Only a medical examination will help determine its cause and diagnose the disease.

white lochia

itching of the perineum;
redness in the intimate area;
if there is a discharge with a sour smell;
curdled texture.

In such cases, a bacterial culture or vaginal swab is required for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Black

If black discharge without odor or pain is observed after cesarean, they should be taken as the norm. They are dictated by hormonal changes in the blood after childbirth. A deviation is if they go some time after the operation.

Quantity

Operative delivery, otherwise called a caesarean section, is one of the safest options for having a baby if a woman is unable to give birth naturally.

In the postoperative period, the woman in labor, as a rule, observes the discharge and asks quite reasonable questions: how correct, safe and long is the process of natural discharge.

Causes of bleeding

After caesarean, however, as after natural childbirth, the process of regeneration begins in the body of the woman in labor, during which the mucous part of the uterus is restored. But for this, the uterine cavity needs to get rid of the remaining mucous bodies, which it does with the help of secretions.

In principle, discharge after caesarean section is a necessary process of the female body, which performs the function of removing specific mucus, which is called “lochia” in medicine.

Lochia after caesarean section consists of the epithelium, already dead, plasma from the wounded surface of the uterus, platelets, leukocytes and erythrocytes. The more often the uterus contracts, the faster the body will be cleansed and the uterine membrane will be renewed. The duration of the recovery process is usually 6-8 weeks. At this time, you need to carefully monitor that the discharge does not deviate from the norm.

The natural process of postoperative discharge

Allocations take place in several periods:

Period one: two weeks after cesarean. Allocations in the initial period can be voluminous, interspersed with a large number of blood clots. The smell of charm is possible, but not pus.
Period two: third-fourth weeks. Lochia becomes moderate, light mucus is added to the blood, as a result of which the color of the mucus from brown-red gradually turns into brown. There is a daily decrease in outflow.
Period three: fourth-fifth week. Lochia almost disappear, scanty discharge is different dark color, do not have a special smell.
The last period, which takes the sixth to eighth week after birth, means the end of the restoration of the uterine environment. The renewal of the endometrium of the uterus is characterized by the usual light discharge, similar to prenatal.

The suture and damaged muscle fibers on the uterus after surgery somewhat hinder the regularity of uterine contractions, so the recovery process is slower than in women after normal childbirth. At the time of regeneration, it is imperative to follow all the recommendations of the doctor and follow the rules for the normalization of discharge.

Preventive tips for bleeding after surgery:

Go to the toilet on time. A full bladder prevents stable uterine contractions. After surgery, it must be emptied every 3 hours, even if there is no desire to urinate. Only under this condition, the discharge after cesarean section will depart well.
After urination, be sure to rinse the genitals with warm water in a front-to-back motion. Douching and bathing should be avoided to avoid infection.
Breastfeed your baby as often as possible. Constant resorption of the nipple causes the release of oxytocin. The hormone acts on the uterus, causing strong contractions, thereby increasing the outflow of mucus.
Lie down on your stomach at every opportunity. The uterus after surgery may begin to deviate backward due to weak tone abdominal wall, which becomes the main obstacle to the exit of mucus. When a woman lies on her stomach, the uterus approaches the anterior wall, which contributes to a faster outflow of lochia.
Apply cold to the lower abdomen up to five times a day. An ice pack placed on the stomach will improve the contraction of the uterine muscles and blood vessels and, accordingly, increase the discharge.
It is worth forgetting about tampons for 2-3 months. They contribute to the reproduction of microbes, delaying lochia in the uterine cavity. Use only unscented pads with a soft top coating, which should be changed every 2-3 hours. If pads are used more often, this is already a reason to visit the hospital.

When to see a doctor

Discharge after cesarean is a real pantry for the nutrition of pathogens. The worst thing that can happen as a result of non-standard discharge is an excessive accumulation of lochia in the uterus itself. This complication is called "lochiometer".

The duration of accumulation of mucus is individual, but if it is not detected in time, the mucous membrane of the uterus - endometritis, which will already require surgical intervention, may become inflamed.

To prevent such a sad event from happening, it is important to see and feel the violations in time, with which the newly-made mother cannot cope without the help of specialists.

Signs that require urgent medical advice:

A sudden cessation of the output of blood mucus is a sign of a bend in the uterus, causing a violation of the outflow of lochia and their subsequent stagnation.
The outflow does not decrease, but sharply increases in volume - this is a confirmation of the development of hypotonic bleeding. Abundant bleeding with the use of two pads per hour is already signaling the need to urgently call an ambulance.
A sharp purulent shade in the smell of secretions indicates an inflammatory process of the inner surface of the uterus, which is accompanied by temperature and requires immediate cleaning of the uterine cavity.
Vaginal itching and thick mucus, similar to curd mass, are a signal of the development of infectious candidiasis or thrush.

You should not rely on your own strength if at least one of the listed complications occurs - each of them at least requires adequate therapy or inpatient treatment. Allocations after cesarean section will proceed safely only if the rules of hygiene and attentive attitude to your body are observed.

Whether the baby was born naturally or through surgery, the lining of the uterus needs time to recover. How long the discharge lasts after a cesarean section depends on the course of labor and the presence of complications. Recovery in the absence of pathologies takes from 5 to 9 weeks.

Surgery: types of clots

Lochia is an intense discharge after a caesarean section from the female genital tract. They contain cells of plasma, blood, old epithelium and mucus. Most women perceive them as menstruation. But their characteristic smell, color, volume, composition is the main indicator of the state of the body of a young mother.

After some time, bleeding stops, the number of lochia decreases significantly, they acquire a dense structure. The color of the lochia gradually changes as the injured surface heals.

A caesarean section is accompanied by a discharge that changes the shade in stages:

red-scarlet;
red;
serous-bloody;
brown with a red tint;
rich brown;
intensely brown;
shade of light brown;
mucous yellow;
yellow discharge with flashes of white;
unpleasant serous lochia with ichor;
completely colorless mucous membranes.

Important! If the blood discharge contains intense green clots, pus, has a scarlet tint for a long time, you should urgently consult with your doctor.

Surgical intervention: lochia

Immediately after caesarean section, the woman in labor is placed in the department intensive care under constant medical supervision. The resuscitator monitors the state of the uterus, the performance of the heart. To prevent pathological bleeding, drugs are introduced that help reduce muscle tissue - Methylergometrine, Oxytocin.

Lochia after caesarean section changes gradually:

Period of time	Description, characteristic
First 7 days	Discharge of intense scarlet color with large clots - by type menstrual bleeding but abundant with an unpleasant odor. Volume - up to 0.5 liters. The lining material is filled in 2 hours. Every day, the gynecologist examines the patient and lochia, specifies their number. Bleeding intensifies during movement, palpation of the abdomen, breastfeeding - the uterus begins to contract more intensely, expelling accumulated mucus, blood clots out.
Third, fourth week	After a cesarean operation, the discharge begins to turn into an intense brown-red color. Their volume begins to decrease.
After 30 days	Norm - bloody compartments are meager, dark.
At 6-8 weeks	The lining of the uterus is almost restored. Mucus becomes light in color.

The nature, intensity of discharge after cesarean section during the restoration of the reproductive system, the genital area depends on how the muscles of the uterus work. The process slows down as many tissues have been injured. For stimulation of muscle fibers, prevention of hypotonic lochia during the first 3 days continue to inject the drug "Oxytocin".

Care after surgery

A young mother should take care of herself, her hygiene. So that the mucous discharge after cesarean does not acquire an unpleasant "aroma", their duration does not exceed the permissible limits, it is necessary to follow the basic rules:

to reduce the muscles of the inner shell - lie on the stomach, put on a bandage, control urination, bowel movements, do a light massage, apply ice (3 times / day for 10 minutes);
observe hygiene: rinse the genitals with warm clean water, especially after the toilet;
every day to carry out water procedures;
the first 14 days to use diapers - creates the effect of ventilation;
change hygiene products every 4 hours, tampons should be discarded.

Important! A change in the smell, color of lochia, along with a deterioration in general well-being, signals the presence of endometritis - inflammation in the uterus, dangerous to the health of the mother.

You should be aware of how much discharge goes after a cesarean section, their nature, since at the first signs of deviations, urgent hospitalization is necessary. With intense loads, the number of lochia increases, so it is not recommended to lift heavy objects.

Urgent care of a doctor: when it is needed

Knowing the information about what should be the discharge after a cesarean section, how many days they go and when they end, will allow you to take emergency measures in a timely manner to provide qualified assistance.

You should consult a doctor in the following situations:

Discharge after caesarean section with smell, purulent. This is the first signal of the development of endometritis, accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, temperature.
Copious mucus, after the discharge has become little or does not pass for a long time. Symptoms that particles of the placenta remain in the uterine cavity, preventing its contraction.
Curdled lochia - thrush. Itching inside the vagina, redness on the labia. The risk of complications increases with the use of antibiotics.
Discharge after childbirth suddenly disappeared. With surgery, complications occur more often than the natural process of the birth of a child.
With a strong discharge of blood, you need to call the SMP team.

Allocations after a caesarean section, no matter how much they go, should not have a pungent odor, contain pus, be plentiful, not change color to a bright red or intensely dark shade. Complications will not go away on their own. Competent treatment is necessary, which is carried out only in a hospital setting.

Causes of unpleasant symptoms

In case of complications after operative delivery, the patient has the right to contact the medical facility where she had a caesarean section (for 40 days).

Deviations may occur in the following situations:

An unprofessionally performed operation (leaving particles of the placenta in the uterine cavity, amniotic sac). Will need cleaning or re-intervention.
The inability of the female body to recover without the help of medicines.
Curvature of the uterus, spasm of the cervix.
Inflammatory process.

Important! At the first sign of complications, all measures must be taken to eliminate them. Otherwise, hospitalization will be required, and the newborn will be left without maternal care for a long time.

Care after operative childbirth

No matter how long the discharge goes, a woman must support herself, follow all the doctor's recommendations every day. In addition to hygiene procedures, you must perform the following steps:

make dressings;
take a bath, you can not douche;
prevent moisture from entering the seam (refuse to shower, give preference to rubbing with a wet towel);
performing gymnastic exercises aimed at strengthening the press (after each feeding, then lie on your stomach);
wearing a special bandage;
if the seam diverges, the exercises should be abandoned;
in the presence of redness, you must consult a doctor;
daily apply a thick layer of "Levomekol".

Advice! In the presence of the first signs of an inflammatory process (long-term discharge), you should seek medical help, do not self-medicate, otherwise a second operation cannot be avoided!

The disappearance of lochia that stands out after childbirth is a sign that intimacy between spouses can be renewed, since pathological changes in the uterus was avoided. And when the newborn is 2 months old, you can safely move on to water procedures - taking a bath, visiting the pool.

Restoring the cycle of menstruation

The menstrual cycle for each representative of the weaker sex has its own individual characteristics. After the birth of a baby, prolactin is produced in the female body, which stimulates lactation. It interferes with the synthesis of hormones in the ovaries, thereby preventing the ovulation process from taking place.

If the mother breastfeeds the baby, then the menstrual regular cycle is restored after six months or when lactation stops. Until this time, spotting after cesarean section - menstruation may be absent or appear suddenly. When feeding with a mixture, the cycle is restored by the third month after the birth of the child.

Advice! Close attention to postpartum symptoms, control of the intensity of lochia will help a woman prevent numerous complications. It is important to follow all the recommendations of the doctor, to observe hygiene.

In the absence of contraindications, it is better to give birth naturally, since the operation is unreasonable, despite the fact that many women believe that it is completely safe not only for her, but also for the child. Surgery will never help a healthy patient to prevent possible complications.

Not all women know how long bloody discharge lasts after a cesarean section. Some mistakenly confuse them with menstruation, others naively believe that there should not be any special daub in the postpartum period. Doctors are in a hurry to dispel the myths and explain that caesarean complex operation when surgeons have to cut not only the peritoneal cavity, but also the uterus in order to extract the child.

Discharge after surgery is inevitable, but nothing to do with uterine bleeding or menstruation they do not have. These are lochia, consisting of blood, mucus, particles of dead epithelium. Their departure is inevitable, since the uterus is badly injured and needs healing and restoration for some period of time. Nevertheless, women should know the permissible norms for the volume, color, consistency, composition, smell of secretions.

Discharge after caesarean section - how long will it take

Each female body is purely individual, but nevertheless, doctors have established certain standards for how much discharge after a cesarean section should normally go. The structure, shade, volume, character, intensity will gradually change, taking into account the contractile activity of the myometrium in the uterine cavity.

Caesarean section, unlike natural childbirth, leads to excessive trauma to the muscle fibers in the uterine cavity, so the healing process often becomes protracted. On average, the duration of the discharge is 1.5 months and this is not a pathology. The normal recovery process occurs roughly in the following order:

The first week (7-9 days) after the operation is the peak of blood discharge activity. The allowable dose is 500 ml per day, and women have to change pads every 2-3 hours. In addition, the application of the baby to the chest, physical overstrain, weight lifting, stress, and anxiety can affect the increased stimulation of the contractility of the uterus and the active expulsion of the accumulated contents to the outside. The process of breastfeeding itself leads to an increase in the production of oxytocin and activation of uterine contractions. This is the norm.
The second week - a gradual decrease in the volume of secretions, a change in color to a browner shade.
Week 6 - the discharge of weak ointments is already a light shade.
Week 8 - slight light and even colorless ointments, very similar in appearance with discharge associated with pregnancy. At this stage, the recovery period after the operation is considered completed. The inner epithelial layer of the uterus is regenerated and restored by the cavity, and the discharge stops.

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Women should not be happy if the lochia stopped earlier than the due date with a duration of less than 1 month. If the discharge lasts no more than 5 weeks, then there is a high probability of developing an inflammatory process in the uterine cavity due to the accumulation of mucus and blood clots, and their impossibility to go outside for some reason. If the discharge lasts longer than 10 weeks, then this is a sign of endometritis with an infectious course. The protracted nature of the discharge (over 2 months) is not considered the norm. Especially if the ointments that stand out abruptly stop, then they begin to depart again with a suspicious shade and an unpleasant odor. This may indicate a pathology, so it is advisable for women to consult a doctor in a timely manner.

If a woman is breastfeeding the baby, then the first normal menstruation will come no earlier than after 8-9 months. But there are exceptions when the first menstruation comes 2 months after birth.

The reason may be:

low hemoglobin level;
poor uterine contractility.

This does not indicate the development of pathology or the presence of residual placental phenomena in the uterus. However, women will not be superfluous to consult with their doctor on time.

What are the types of discharge after caesarean section

Discharge after caesarean is different. But do they all testify to the successful passage of the recovery period? Consider lochia by volume, color, smell. Knowing the standards, it will not be difficult for young mothers to navigate on their own and understand when it is possible to calmly survive such a phenomenon, and in what cases it is necessary to sound the alarm and turn to specialists.

Volume

Normally, during the first 7 days, the discharge is abundant, rich red in color. The presence of clots in the composition is acceptable, but in a small amount.

Further, the quantity, the density of the content begins to decline. Lochia become more mucous, transparent, and after 2.5 weeks acquire a light, whitish hue like ordinary whites. A partial presence of yellowness is acceptable due to an increased number of leukocytes in the blood. This is a natural process when the body fights infection, but there should be no other side effects (itching, burning) in the genital area.

Compound

The composition may contain mucus and discharge after cesarean may depart in large pieces,. It's not scary. So the uterus is released from the products of intrauterine development of the fetus, the residual effects of the damaged endometrium due to bursting blood vessels and wounded tissues after the operation. The main thing is that the duration of the discharge of clots is no more than 1 week, and there are no particles of pus in the composition.

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Pus is a clear sign of the development of an infection, an inflammatory course in the uterine mucosa. This is endometriosis when additionally present fever, the lower abdomen hurts with a return in the perineum, a fetid discharge of a greenish color departs.

Completely colorless, watery lochia with discharge in the form of a liquid transudate can indicate pathologies. This is a sign of circulatory disorders in the area of blood vessels. If the smell of rotten fish joins, then bacterial vaginosis or vaginal dysbacteriosis can be suspected. Required drug treatment underlying disease.

Color

It is the color that can indicate the norm or pathology of the allocated lochia. Normally, when they first go red, and then gradually acquire a more brown tone. It is permissible to discharge pink discharge and even with a slight yellowness. But other colors should alert and force a woman to see a doctor:

a pale yellow tint is acceptable with meager lochia at 3 weeks after cesarean;
a bright yellow tint with a putrid odor is a sign of endometritis, and when a rich yellow color appears, we can talk about an advanced stage of the disease;
a green tint is a sign of the development of an inflammatory course in the uterine cavity. The accession of pus should be the reason for immediate medical attention and examination. Common cause- infection of surgical sutures or the uterine cavity, when medical treatment or repeated curettage is required;
a white, almost transparent shade is the norm that does not threaten the health of a woman, but if there are no other unpleasant symptoms: a sour putrid smell, a curdled consistency, itching and burning in the perineum. This speaks of infectious course in the uterine cavity, when it is necessary to pass an analysis for bacterial culture, identify the pathogen and undergo a course of treatment;
h - the norm, if, again, there is no putrid smell and pus in the composition of the discharge. The reason may be in the hormonal changes in the body and the composition of the blood in the postpartum period in women.

When is it necessary to see a doctor?

It is extremely important for young mothers who have survived a caesarean section to monitor their health. In particular, take a closer look at the secretions, understand if there is a danger of developing pathology. After all, any, even minor deviations of the allocated lochia should be the reason for an immediate appeal to the doctors.

It is bad when the discharge is long and lasts more than 2 weeks. Also, their rapid termination becomes extremely suspicious. For some reason, the accumulated particles of blood and endometrium cannot come out naturally. Pathology can be provoked by spasms or bending of the cervix.

Both after natural childbirth and after caesarean section, the mucous membranes of the uterus need time to recover. If the woman who has given birth does not have any complications, then the reproductive system returns to normal 6 to 9 weeks after the operation. Especially carefully, a young mother should monitor the discharge after cesarean from the vagina. Gynecologists call the discharge, consisting of blood clots, mucus and dead epithelial cells, lochia. Usually women who have given birth to a child do not pay special attention on the blood flowing from the genital tract, they consider it something like menstruation. But in reality, by how long the discharge after a cesarean section lasts, how it looks and smells, you can find out about the state of the body.

What is the difference between discharge after caesarean section and after childbirth

Some people think that the discharge after a caesarean section is no different from the lochia that appears during natural childbirth, but this is not so.

Let us consider in detail how the discharge after cesarean section differs from the discharge after natural childbirth:

After a caesarean section, the genitals are at great risk, since there is a possibility of infection or inflammation. To avoid this, with lochia after surgery, be sure to follow all hygiene procedures, washing the perineum several times a day.
Immediately after caesarean section (for 5-7 days) there is bloody discharge with a high content of mucus, after natural childbirth this is not noticed.
When performing a cesarean section, the natural color of the discharge is bright red or deep scarlet, these colors are much brighter than during natural childbirth.
After a caesarean section, the process of healing and normalization of uterine contraction lasts quite a long time, and the duration of lochia lasts several weeks longer, approximately 1-2 weeks.

What lochia after caesarean section are considered safe?

Discharge after caesarean section is incorrectly considered a pathology. Dead particles of the endometrium, swollen with blood, pieces of placental tissue come out of the vagina. The body simply gets rid of the waste material. The first two or three days of lochia after caesarean section have a thick scarlet color, are abundant. How much blood will flow after the operation is difficult to say. It all depends on how long the caesarean section lasts, whether the woman in labor has complications during the surgical intervention. Gradually, the blood darkens, turns from red to brown, after a few weeks, the ichor comes out of the genital tract. After about six weeks, the discharge after a caesarean section thins, brightens, and then disappears.

Do not worry if the discharge after a caesarean section looks like lumps. Women who have undergone surgery lead a sedentary lifestyle, so the blood in the uterus thickens. For some mothers, when breastfeeding, the amount of discharge increases, and pain occurs in the lower abdomen. This is a natural phenomenon, indicating a quick recovery. It's just that the uterus, trying to get rid of dead tissues as soon as possible, is actively contracting, pushing out blood and mucus. And the hormone oxytocin contributes to the intensive reduction of the mucous walls of the uterus. Its concentration in the blood increases precisely at the moment the baby sucks the breast.

How long is the discharge after a cesarean section normal?

Most of all, women who have given birth are interested in how much discharge goes after a cesarean section, how to understand that the restoration of the uterus has been too long. The sooner the reproductive system returns to normal, the sooner the menstrual cycle will be in order. If everything is fine with the health of the young mother, then the discharge lasts 6 to 9 weeks, that is, about two months. There is no need to worry if bleeding after a caesarean section ends as early as the fifth week or continues into the tenth week. The body of each woman is individual, so short-term and prolonged discharge does not necessarily indicate pathologies.

If neither mucus nor blood clots acquire a strange color and bad smell, do not change their consistency, then there is no need to worry, although it is still worth going to a gynecologist for a consultation.

How much is the discharge after caesarean section in pathologies?

Unfortunately, childbirth is often accompanied by complications. Every woman who has given birth should know how much blood flows after a cesarean, how vaginal discharge looks and smells in order to identify pathologies in a timely manner and begin treatment. It is imperative to contact a gynecologist if nothing flows out of the vagina already in the fourth week after the operation, and also if the uterus recovers for too long, more than ten weeks. Rapidly stopping discharge means that dead endometrial particles and blood clots are simply different reasons cannot go outside. They get stuck in the uterus, rot, provoke inflammation.

If the discharge after cesarean section, on the contrary, lasts suspiciously long, then endometritis may develop or infection in the abdominal cavity or pelvic tissues. It is especially dangerous when blood flows profusely from the vagina for more than eight weeks, without changing color and consistency at all. This is a sure sign that the uterus is weakly contracting. In order not to suffer from blood loss, a woman should immediately go to the doctor. It is also an unfavorable symptom if the discharge stops and then suddenly starts again. So, the uterus is restored incorrectly. It is necessary to undergo a medical examination to find the cause of the deviation. In the first days after the operation, a young mother should monitor the abundance of lochia. Very scanty discharge is a sign of blood clots or clogging of the uterine appendages.

Change in color and smell of lochia after cesarean

The occurrence of complications after surgery depends on how long the cesarean section lasts, whether the woman in labor has chronic diseases. A change in the color and smell of vaginal discharge can tell about pathological formations in the body. Lochia after caesarean section have an unpleasant, but not strong smell, reminiscent of the stench of a rotting body. But if, two or three days after the caesarean section, the smell intensifies, so much so that it begins to cause disgust, then in the reproductive organs, most likely, develops infectious disease. Usually, after surgery, a woman is prescribed antibiotics, analgesics, and injections of the hormone oxytocin to improve the contractile function of the uterus.

Normal discharge after a caesarean section is first red and then brown. Any other shade of lochia should cause anxiety in a young mother, because this is a sign of pathology.

If a woman develops white, yellow or greenish discharge from the vagina, she should immediately consult a doctor and undergo a medical examination. Pus of a saturated yellow or greenish color with a disgusting odor is a symptom of endometritis, that is, an infectious inflammation of the mucous membrane of the uterine wall. With this disease, body temperature often rises, pain in the abdomen and genitals occurs. When the yellow discharge becomes abundant and acquires a mucous consistency, the endometritis flows into chronic form. In no case can the disease be treated independently at home. Most likely, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics or even send you for surgery.

Green discharge after caesarean section is pus. It signals an infection of the uterus and the beginning of an inflammatory reaction. A woman needs to undergo a medical examination to determine the causative agent of the disease.

An unfavorable and dangerous sign is the outflow of a clear, like water, liquid from the genital tract, which has neither color nor smell. Probably, this is a fluid leaving the body that fills the blood or lymphatic vessels, which indicates circulatory disorders in reproductive system. If the liquid discharge has the smell of rotten fish, then there is no doubt that dysbacteriosis develops in the vagina.

White curdled discharge after caesarean section with a sour smell, accompanied by itching and redness of the external genitalia, is a symptom of the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms. A woman should definitely contact a gynecologist. The doctor will take a vaginal swab for analysis to determine the causative agent of the disease and prescribe the optimal therapy.

Discharge after caesarean section, which are black and odorless, is also considered the norm. These discharges after caesarean section are caused by changes in the hormonal background. A deviation will be considered if black discharge begins to go after a long period after the operation.

Keep track of the color of the discharge during the postoperative period and during the recovery period after cesarean, this will help you avoid possible complications. In the event of complications that may be indicated by changes in the discharge, after undergoing a course of treatment, it is possible to normalize the course of the postoperative period and bring the state of the body back to normal at the very initial stage.

The amount and volume of discharge after caesarean section

During the recovery process, the amount of discharge should be monitored, since their volume will indicate how quickly the body recovers after childbirth. Abundant discharge in the first days after labor is considered the norm, which means that the tubes and uterine ducts function well, there is no clogging, blood clots, and if the discharge is minimal, then you should seek help, as this can cause problems with the work of the reproductive organs.

It is important to be able to determine the rate of the amount of discharge, since the incessant heavy discharge after labor is also dangerous. Several cases should be considered that may indicate deviations:

The volume of secretions has changed dramatically and has become excessively abundant, or the amount of secretions does not decrease for a long time. In the early days, heavy discharge after a caesarean is the norm, however, if you change the pad every hour, with heavy bleeding, urgent help is needed.
The volume of allocations became scarce or stopped altogether. This indicates a violation of the outflow of lochia from the uterine cavity, which may be caused by the bending of the uterus or endometritis.

Hygiene after caesarean section

In order not to face complications after the operation, it is necessary to take the cleanliness of the body seriously. A woman who has undergone a cesarean should wash herself until the discharge stops at least twice a day. To care for the genitals, it is advisable to use special gels for intimate places and soap without aromatic components. During the first days of the recovery period, a new mother should change pads every three hours. Gaskets should not be taken daily, but those used during menstruation have a high absorbency. Even a woman who has given birth needs to change her underwear regularly.

To rehabilitation period proceeded without complications, experts advise in the first week after the operation to often lie on the stomach or put some cold object on it. Such measures contribute to the improvement of the contractile function of the uterus, the alignment of the genital tract, the intensive discharge of mucus and blood clots. It is good if the woman who gave birth is breastfeeding the child. This means that a large amount of oxytocin is released into the blood, causing a contraction of the mucous membrane of the uterine wall.

Allocations after caesarean section will be required. Postpartum discharge - lochia - does not stop throughout the entire period of recovery of the uterus.

What are the discharge after caesarean section

After childbirth, the uterus is damaged and takes some time to heal. Surgical childbirth significantly prolongs the rehabilitation time compared to natural. In the postpartum period, women are allocated lochia, which consist of:

blood;
dead particles of the mucous membrane of the genital organs;
mucus from the cervical canal.

Over time, bleeding stops, the volume of lochia decreases, they become thicker. The color of the discharge gradually changes because the wound surface is tightened. Lochia change color in stages:

bright red;
red;
bloody-serous;
red-brown;
dark brown;
brown;
light brown;
yellow;
yellowish white;
serosanguineous;
colorless.

If the discharge contains pus, green clots, remains bright red for too long, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Yellow discharge after caesarean section

There is more and more mucus in these lochia, but sometimes streaks of blood may appear. The yellow hue is associated with a large number of leukocytes in the secretions. Leukocytes - white blood cells - protect a person from infections. The female body during the recovery period is weakened, the protective environment of the genital organs is not restored, therefore additional measures against infection are needed.

Allocations are becoming poorer, "smearing", serosanguineous and, finally, colorless. This means that the lochia has stopped, and the woman's reproductive system has recovered after childbirth. In operated puerperas, this moment comes later, because. their muscle fibers are so damaged that they prevent the uterus from recovering faster.

Bleeding after caesarean section

At first, the lochia is bright red in color with clots, because they have a lot of red blood cells. In fact, at this time, the most intense blood loss occurs, a woman's hemoglobin drops sharply. Gradually, the color turns into bloody-serous. This means that there are fewer red blood cells, plasma, serum and leukocytes ooze from the healing walls of the organ. Then the color will darken, become red-brown, brown.

Some women are surprised that after the operation, blood comes out of the vagina, because the suture is on the stomach. They do not take into account that the wall of the uterus was also cut, and when the child was removed, the mucous membranes of the organ were damaged. The uterine scar prolongs lochia by an average of 20 days (compared to women who gave birth naturally). Surgical intervention significantly complicates the process of contraction of the uterus, which in a short period should restore its previous size, shrinking by almost 20 times.

Mucous discharge after caesarean section

Colorless transparent mucus comes out of the cervical canal. These are the usual discharge, the so-called, which every healthy woman has every day. The cells of the mucous membranes of the genital organs are constantly updated, dead particles of the epithelium are excreted with the help of a mucous secretion. Normally, there may not be any discharge at all, they may be whitish.

At the moment when the lochia lose their color, the postpartum period is over, the uterine mucosa has regenerated, and the puerperal can completely surrender to the role of the mother.

Brown discharge after caesarean section

Lochia becomes brown when the volume of secretions decreases significantly. The color then begins to lighten to light brown and yellow.

To quickly get rid of secretions, you need to move a lot and monitor regular bowel cleansing, which sometimes has to be stimulated with glycerin suppositories or enemas.

How long is the discharge after a caesarean section?

The maximum duration is 56 days. When discharged from the maternity hospital, the doctor on duty conducts an examination on a gynecological chair, takes a smear for the microflora, and conducts a conversation. It is better to think over the questions in advance, the answers to which excite. The main one should be: “When to start worrying about prolonged bleeding?”.

Sometimes a few days after the cessation of spotting, bleeding resumes. This may begin menstruation, which for the first time after childbirth takes longer than a woman is used to. Another reason for "intermittent" lochia may be that the contractility of the uterus is impaired.

If the woman in labor feels great, but the discharge does not stop in any way, it is better to seek the advice of a doctor. The check will not take much time, but it will be possible to avoid hospitalization in case of complications. It is better to contact the antenatal clinic in a timely manner.

Women with prolonged bleeding after a caesarean section are taken immediately, without waiting, even if she feels well. More often this is done by the doctor on duty in a separate office. First, an examination is carried out on a chair, then an ultrasound is done (immediately, out of turn). If the results of the examinations are satisfactory, hemostatic agents, antispasmodics are prescribed. For example, an infusion of water pepper and No-shpa.

The uterus takes on its former size much faster in those women in labor who often put babies to their breasts, lie on their stomachs, and also move a lot. During feeding, a woman feels that the uterus begins to contract more intensely. Allocations at this moment are amplified. They are also stimulated by walks and small physical activities. The cessation of secretions is a sign of involution, i.e. complete recovery of the uterus.

When should you worry?

After 8 weeks of continuous bleeding.
If the amount of discharge has changed dramatically. When the bleeding intensifies so much that no hygiene products can save, or, conversely, it stops abruptly (lochiometer - delay, accumulation of lochia in the uterus), you need to sound the alarm. If the contractility of the uterus is reduced, it must be stimulated. Sometimes doctors recommend taking No-shpu for several days in case of sudden disappearance of lochia. This drug reopens the cervix, which closed prematurely, blocking the flow of secretions. They are locked inside, accumulate, which leads to internal inflammation.
With daily increasing pain in the lower abdomen.
With the occurrence of itching in the genital area. This is a symptom of thrush - vaginal candidiasis.
High temperature, low blood pressure, increased heart rate, cold skin are clear signs of an inflammatory process. By the way, we must not forget that during lactation it is better to measure the temperature in the bend of the elbow.

Possible causes of unpleasant symptoms:

An unprofessional operation (for example, leaving parts of the fetal bladder or placenta in the uterus). If after the birth there are some extraneous pieces left inside that even an ultrasound scan did not find before being discharged from the hospital, then they will begin to decompose, and the inflammatory process will begin. Antibiotics will not help a woman in this situation, these particles (or a tampon forgotten by surgeons) will have to be removed. In the "best" case, a "cleansing" of the uterus is carried out, in the worst - a second operation.
The inability of the body to recover on its own after childbirth (for example, poor contractility).
Curvature of the uterus.
Spasm of the neck.
Infection.

It is important to take timely measures and stop the development of complications after surgery. Otherwise, a young mother runs the risk of being hospitalized for a long time, leaving her newborn baby at home.

Care after caesarean section

In addition to the mandatory hygiene procedures, dressings are made daily. You can not douche and take a bath, so as not to infect the infection. For a while, the seam cannot be wetted. Rubbing with a damp terry towel can help out.

The rule should also remain special gymnastics, which strengthens the muscles of the abdominal press, which they begin to do back in maternity hospital. It is recommended to perform exercises after each feeding, ending with the most difficult one, when you need to lie on your stomach for some time.

You can not immediately abandon the postpartum bandage. It is necessary for the wound to heal faster, because the “sagging” stomach stretches the skin and prevents the edges of the wound from quickly growing together.

If during dressing it was noticed that the seam began to diverge, classes should be stopped. Signs of inflammation, "swelling" of the seam should also cause concern. You need to immediately contact the gynecologist so that he prescribes new drugs for dressings. Usually, in addition to the seam, Levomekol ointment is applied in a thick layer. The main thing is to immediately seek medical help, otherwise you can end up in the operating room again.

The cessation of discharge indicates that intimate relationships can be resumed, and pathological changes in the uterus have been avoided. And when the baby is 2 months old, you can pamper yourself by taking a bath.

Now some pregnant women seriously believe that a caesarean section is best method childbearing and insist on an operation. If there is no indication for surgical intervention, then it is unreasonable to require it. For a healthy woman in labor, an operation will never be better than natural childbirth. Any operated mother will confirm this.