How long does bleeding last after a caesarean section? How long does lochia last after cesarean? Hygiene during the postpartum period

Regardless of whether the birth turned out to be natural or surgical, the inner lining of the reproductive organ needs time to recover. On average, it lasts 5-9 weeks, unless complications arise. Particular attention is paid to discharge after cesarean section. In obstetrics they are called lochia.

Lochia includes blood, rejected epithelial particles and mucus. There are no fundamental differences between the discharge that occurs after a physiological birth and those that appear after a cesarean section. Most women treat them like menstrual bleeding. By indicators such as the smell, color and volume of discharge after a cesarean section, you can judge whether everything is all right with the new mother.

Normal discharge after cesarean section - what does it look like and how long does it last?

In the early postoperative period, discharge after cesarean section can be easily compared with normal heavy menstruation - the lochia is colored red and contains individual clots.

In the first 7 days after surgery, their total volume can reach 500 ml; normally, a sanitary pad should be filled no faster than 2 hours. Every day the doctor checks with the woman the number of lochia and their color.

Discharge after cesarean section increases with physical activity, breastfeeding, and palpation of the abdomen. As a result of these actions, the natural contractile activity of the uterus is stimulated, due to which its contents are more effectively expelled.

From the 2nd week, the lochia begins to darken, acquiring a brownish tint. Their volume gradually decreases. By the end of the 5th week, blood discharge after a cesarean section should normally become spotty, weak and acquire a lighter shade.

At the 8th week, the process of restoration of the inner layer of the reproductive organ is almost completely completed. Thus, the discharge after a cesarean section becomes light after 2 months, just like before pregnancy. At this time, the woman is recommended to visit a gynecologist for an appropriate examination and selection of a contraceptive method.

The nature and intensity of lochia is influenced by contractions of the uterine myometrium. After a birth performed by cesarean section, this process is worse than after a natural birth, since part of the muscle fibers are damaged as a result of the surgical incision.

To improve the contractile activity of the uterus and prevent the development of postpartum hemorrhage, immediately after the operation the woman is started to be administered the drug Oxytocin according to the scheme, and it is also strongly recommended to establish natural feeding to enhance the synthesis of oxytocin by the body.

Personal hygiene after cesarean section

Personal hygiene after surgical delivery has its own nuances:

1. Sanitary pads are changed as needed, but at least every 3 hours.
2. The use of tampons during the postpartum period is strictly prohibited, since their use can cause the development of an infectious process.
3. After each visit to the toilet, a woman should wash her genitals with clean water.
4. You cannot douche or take a bath until the end of the recovery period, only take a shower.

In what cases should you consult a doctor?

Every woman who has become a mother through surgery should be informed about how long the discharge lasts after a cesarean section. The cessation of lochia too early, as well as prolonged cessation, can be a bad sign.

But doctors insist that it is not so much the time frame that is important, but the composition, color, smell and total number of lochia. If the nature of the discharge is normal, then there is nothing to worry about. And how long the discharge lasts after a cesarean section depends almost entirely on the specific characteristics of the body. But even in this situation, you should consult a doctor.

It is imperative to inform a specialist if the lochia ends too early - less than 5 weeks, or too late - continues 10 or more weeks after birth. Both of these conditions pose serious risks.

In the first situation, the uterus may not have been completely cleansed and blood, mucus and remnants of the epithelium remain in it, which often ends in a serious inflammatory process. This should be indicated by discharge after a caesarean section with an odor. Read more about why the uterus contracts poorly after childbirth→

Prolonged lochia is also the result of an infectious process - endometritis. There is also a danger when the discharge either ends or increases again: such a case also does not fit into the norm.

Yellow discharge after cesarean section without the presence of a foreign odor is normal only at the end of the first 3 weeks after birth. But if they continue after this time, they are considered a sign of pathology - an advanced form of endometritis, which must be treated under the supervision of a doctor.

Purulent discharge after cesarean section, colored green, indicates the presence of an acute infectious pathology in the uterus.

White discharge from the genital tract is not dangerous until it is accompanied by symptoms such as redness and itching in the intimate area, discharge with a sour odor and a cheesy consistency. Most likely, we are talking about vaginal candidiasis - a frequent companion to antibacterial therapy, which is necessarily prescribed after surgical delivery. But only a specialist can give an accurate diagnosis.

By observing how long the discharge is after a cesarean section, assessing its nature, the young mother will understand whether her postpartum recovery stage is being delayed or everything is fine. If deviations from the norm occur, do not hesitate to consult a doctor. The examination and course of treatment that you will have to undergo if necessary are trifles compared to the complications that can arise if you let the situation take its course.

What else should you pay attention to?

A woman should be concerned not only about the changed nature of postpartum discharge, but also about such alarming signs as abdominal pain and fever. But the last symptom may also be a variant of the norm if the young mother has not yet established lactation and the first pronounced flow of milk is observed.

Sometimes, due to insufficient care or infection, a woman in the postpartum period develops discharge from the suture after a cesarean section.

This pathology is characterized by the following symptoms: hyperemia, fever, swelling and sanguineous or purulent discharge from the suture after cesarean section. If you do not notice this complication in time or self-medicate, the suture will fester and the young mother will need surgical help.

Typically, every woman who has become a mother by cesarean section visits a specialist 2 months after the birth of the baby. During this time, it becomes known how the recovery process is proceeding and whether there are any complications. But the woman will have to monitor whether postpartum discharge is normal on her own in order to seek medical help in time.

Useful video about caesarean section

• Distinctive features
• Deadlines
• Lochia character
• Hue
• Quantity

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

Discharge from the genital tract after cesarean section deserves special attention. They are usually called lochia in gynecology. They include blood cells, plasma, mucus, and dead epithelium. Many women perceive them as a kind of menstruation. However, their color palette, smell, composition, volume change throughout the postpartum period and signal whether everything is fine with the young mother’s body.

Distinctive features

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

1. The wound surface is much more extensive after a cesarean section, so the risk of infection or inflammation of the genital organs is very high. So, during discharge after surgery, you need to especially carefully carry out all the prescribed hygiene procedures and not just once a day.
2. At the very beginning, just after a cesarean section, about 5-7 days, the discharge is not only bloody, but also contains a lot of mucus, which is not observed after natural delivery.
3. The normal color of the discharge after a cesarean section for several days is bright red, deep scarlet, and it is much juicier than during the natural process of childbirth.
4. Contraction of the uterus and its healing after cesarean section 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 or worry a young mother, perhaps not yet experienced in such matters, since this is the norm for discharge after a cesarean section, which indicates that everything is in order. But in order to see that something is wrong in time, you need to know about deviations, which will first of all have to be addressed to specialists. Usually they differ little from problematic lochia after natural childbirth.

Deadlines

One of the most exciting questions is how long does the discharge last after a cesarean section in order to know for sure whether the recovery period is prolonged or the process is progressing within the permitted limits. Information about normal periods will allow you to control your actual menstrual cycle, which should soon improve.

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

If after a cesarean delivery the discharge ends too quickly (within 6 weeks) or is very prolonged (up to 10 weeks), this is not yet a reason to panic. Yes, the norms are no longer met, but these indicators can only be determined by the individual characteristics of the body. If the composition, smell, thickness, color, and number of lochia do not indicate complications, there is no need to worry. Although even in this situation, it wouldn’t hurt to tell the doctor about it.

Seeing a doctor is mandatory if the duration of discharge in the postpartum period after cesarean section is beyond the normal range. This is either too quick 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 them festering. If lochia lasts too long, endometritis or an infectious process in the abdominal cavity or genitals can be diagnosed. A condition when the discharge after a cesarean section ends and starts again is also dangerous: this also indicates some deviations in the process of restoration of the uterus.

Knowing how long the discharge lasts after a cesarean section during the normal healing process, a woman does not have to worry that this period is very long or, on the contrary, has passed too quickly. After all, in both cases, you will have to take appropriate measures: go to see a doctor, undergo additional examinations and, if diseases or complications are detected, undergo a course of treatment, no matter how much you would like it.

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

Lochia character

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

This also needs to be monitored very carefully. If, for example, bleeding after a cesarean section does not end, this will be an alarming signal that the damaged tissues for some reason cannot regenerate. Such cases require medical intervention and treatment. Therefore, monitor the nature of your lochia and its duration.

1. Presence of blood

At first, the presence of blood in the lochia should not raise doubts among young mothers: this is the healing of broken blood vessels and damaged tissue. However, the important point here is precisely the timing, how many days does the bleeding last after a cesarean section: if more than 7-8, then this is already abnormal and you need to sound the alarm.

1. Presence of clots

This is also quite understandable during this period of time: they are cells of the already dead endometrium and placenta. After 7-8 days they will go away, so the discharge will become more liquid.

1. Mucus discharge

If in addition to the bloody discharge there is also mucous discharge in the first days after a cesarean section, this is also the norm: in this way the body is cleansed of the products of the baby’s intrauterine vital activity.

1. Pink discharge

If pink discharge begins a month after a cesarean section, it means that the healing process is not yet complete. Perhaps, under some mechanical influence, the wounded tissues were damaged again. Very often this happens if a couple is impatient and, without waiting for the end of the recovery period, they begin to have sex too early.

1. Brown shade

After 6-7 weeks, the nature of the lochia will resemble ordinary menstrual smears of a brownish color: the blood will coagulate and will no longer be so bright and scarlet.

1. Purulent discharge

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

1. Watery lochia

A young mother should also be alerted to watery lochia, devoid of any shade, almost transparent. This is how transudate, a fluid contained in blood or lymphatic vessels, can come out. This is bad, as it indicates poor circulation in this area. In addition, watery discharge after cesarean section with an unpleasant odor, reminiscent of rotten fish, is a symptom characteristic of vaginal dysbiosis (gardnerellosis).

If you had to give birth by cesarean section, you must definitely monitor the nature of the discharge that begins. 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 the hospital walls again - and this is precisely at the moment when the mother so needs her baby. It is much easier to prevent the problem and enjoy 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 a cesarean section should be red at first, followed by brown discharge (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 the restoration of her body.

Yellowness

If yellow discharge begins after a cesarean section, it may indicate the following postpartum processes:

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

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

Greenery

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

White lochia

By itself, without accompanying symptoms, white discharge, which may begin some time after a cesarean section, 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 discharge with a sour smell;
• cheesy consistency.

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

Black

If after a cesarean section there is black discharge without odor or pain, it should be taken as normal. They are dictated by hormonal changes in the blood after childbirth. A deviation occurs if they occur some time after the operation.

To avoid complications of the recovery period after cesarean section, you need to monitor the color of postpartum discharge. She can suggest a problem at the very beginning. This will make it easier to eliminate it and allow you to quickly return to normal after completing the necessary course of treatment.

Quantity

A young mother also needs to pay attention to how much lochia comes out of her in order to judge how the body’s recovery is proceeding. If after a cesarean section there is little discharge, especially in the very first days, this may be an alarming signal that the tubes, uterine ducts are clogged, a blood clot has formed, etc.

The opposite situation is no less dangerous: profuse lochia that does not stop for too long is an alarming signal about the impossibility of full restoration 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 to overshadow happy motherhood. However, there is no need to 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 some measures need to be taken to help it. You should especially be wary of discharge after a cesarean section with an odor and an unrealistically bright hue. This almost always ends with a course of antibiotic treatment, which is highly undesirable during lactation, or another surgical intervention.

Caesarean section is the most gentle method of delivery for a child. However, the operation does not exclude the possibility of developing certain pathological conditions in the postoperative period.

In addition, for a uterus with a scar, the processes of involution (return to the prenatal state) occur with some features than during delivery through the natural birth canal.

What should the discharge be like after a cesarean section: a little physiology

During surgical delivery, manual separation of the placenta occurs, which exposes the vessels of the placental site. Bloody discharge (lochia) in the first 3-4 days of the postpartum period is associated with gradual healing (epithelialization) of the wound surface.

The volume of discharge in the first 3 days is about 250-300 ml. This is the most dangerous period.

But nature has created a defense mechanism. Despite the exposed, “gaping” vessels, infection does not occur. This is due to the activation of granulocyte cells and macrophages at the site of the wound surface.

Like a barrier, these cells prevent the entry of infectious agents. This process is called “formation of granulation shaft.” Due to leukocyte cells, biologically active substances and proteolytic enzymes, the inner surface of the uterus remains sterile.

From the 4th day after the operation, the lochia becomes lighter in color, becomes serous-hemorrhagic, and becomes less abundant. Take on a brown tint. They contain significantly fewer red blood cells than in the first days.

From the 10th day after cesarean section there is a light discharge, containing only single red blood cells.

By day 21, the discharge becomes mucous and transparent.

How long does the discharge last?

6 weeks after surgery, the discharge becomes the same as before pregnancy. On average, during the entire postpartum period, the volume of lochia reaches 400-800 ml (with 80% of the discharge occurring in the first 3-4 days).

Pathological nature of discharge after cesarean section

A change in volume, color, or the appearance of discharge with an odor is an important sign in the diagnosis of postoperative complications.

Scanty discharge

A decrease in the volume of lochia (especially in the first days) may occur for the following reasons:

1. Premature narrowing of the cervical canal leads to disruption of the outflow of secretions from the uterine cavity.
2. Caesarean section as planned (no preparation of the birth canal, the cervix was completely closed at the time of the operation).
3. Violation of the contractile function of the uterus (uterus does not empty).
4. Refusal of breastfeeding (the feeding process contributes to the contraction of the muscle fibers of the uterus).

Clinical symptoms:

• scanty lochia in the first 3-4 days (less than 100 ml) is an unfavorable diagnostic sign;
• possible increase in temperature;
• pulling (even bursting pain in the lower abdomen is possible).

Diagnostic methods:

1. Examination on a gynecological chair to assess the patency of the cervical canal of the cervix.

Normally, in the postoperative period, the neck should allow one finger to pass through without difficulty. During a planned operation, there is a high probability of narrowing of the cervical canal and the development of true hematometra (accumulation of blood in the uterine cavity).

1. Monitor the dynamics of uterine contraction (normally, the height of the uterine fundus decreases by 2 cm every day; if the outflow of secretions is disrupted, the process of uterine contraction may be slowed down).
2. Ultrasound (it is necessary to evaluate the uterine cavity: is there any dilation due to accumulated blood).

Too much discharge

Conditions leading to an increase in the volume of lochia:

• remnants of decidual tissue in the uterine cavity.
• blood coagulation disorder.
• bleeding from an incompetent suture on the uterus after cesarean section.
• violation of contractile function of the uterus.

• the volume of discharge in the first days exceeds 300 ml;
• persistence of bloody discharge for a long time (for two weeks);
• pain not associated with uterine contractions.

• the size of the uterus does not correspond to the day of the postoperative period (the uterus is larger than normal);
• copious discharge;
• violation of the coagulation system when analyzing a coagulogram;
• Ultrasound reveals an expansion of the uterine cavity, clots in the cavity, and a heterogeneous echogenic signal from the suture area;
• the cervical canal is not narrowed, the outflow is not obstructed.

Discharge with clots

Reasons for such discharges:

• violation of uterine contractions (prolonged accumulation of blood in the uterus leads to the formation of clots);
• failure of the suture on the uterus;
• tissue defect in the area of ​​the postoperative suture.

Clinical picture:

• discharge with blood clots;
• the size of the uterus is larger than it should be;
• constant nagging pain not associated with uterine contractions is possible.

1. When palpating the contours of the uterus, a discrepancy between the height of the uterine fundus and the day of the postoperative period is determined.
2. Ultrasound: clots in the uterine cavity, expansion of the cavity, the scar niche on the uterus is heterogeneous.

Yellow discharge

1. Erased, abortive, mild form of endometritis.
2. Infection of a postoperative suture.
3. Metroendometritis.
4. The presence of a long anhydrous period (more than 12 hours) before cesarean section.
5. Pathological blood loss during surgery, or initial anemia.
6. Hematoma in the area of ​​the suture on the uterus.

• yellow or yellow-brown discharge;
• unpleasant smell of lochia (pungent);
• nagging pain in the lower abdomen;
• temperature rise is possible;
• weakness, dizziness.

1. The uterus is enlarged.
2. Increased heart rate.
3. Nagging pain in the lower abdomen.
4. Inflammatory changes in the blood (leukocytosis, acceleration of ESR, shift of the leukocyte formula to the left).
5. Ultrasound reveals echo-positive signals in the area of ​​the uterine walls (corresponding to the application of fibrin threads), a heterogeneous signal in the suture area, possible “niches”, a festering hematoma at the site of the scar.

Purulent discharge

Possible reasons:

• endometritis.
• metroendometritis.
• failure, suppuration of the suture.
• parametritis.
• postoperative adnexitis.
• obstetric peritonitis.
• sepsis.

Clinical manifestations:

• purulent or green discharge, with a sharp, unpleasant putrefactive odor, abundant;
• temperature rise to high numbers (39 and above);
• chills;
• weakness, dizziness;
• increased sweating;
• severe pain in the lower abdomen;
• cardiopalmus.

Diagnostic criteria:

1. Sharp pain on palpation of the uterus and appendages.
2. The size of the uterus does not correspond to the postoperative period.
3. Traction on the cervix is ​​painful.
4. Displacement of the pelvic organs relative to the midline (with parametritis).
5. Sharp pain in the appendage area (with adnexitis).
6. Pronounced inflammatory changes in the blood.
7. Tension of the abdominal muscles, positive peritoneal symptoms (with peritonitis).

According to ultrasound: the uterus is enlarged, the cavity is expanded, the structure of the myometrium is heterogeneous, a “niche in the scar area”, a suppurating hematoma or infiltrate in the pelvis can be visualized.

Hygiene measures after surgery

Compliance with hygiene rules is an important condition in the prevention of postoperative complications.

The following rules must be adhered to:

• mandatory washing in the first days up to 2-3 times a day.

It is necessary to use intimate hygiene gels or baby soap. It is advisable to use soap without aromatic additives or fragrances;

• change pads every 2-3 hours in the first days. Use pads with maximum absorbency;

You can buy special postpartum pads in pharmacies, but if they are not available, you can use others (the main thing is that they absorb discharge well).

• change your underwear frequently. You can use disposable panties.

Important conditions for the physiological course of the postpartum period are:

• in the first days, place a cold load on the uterus, which helps it contract and empty blood clots;
• Breastfeeding and expressing milk promotes the release of endogenous oxytocin. This hormone causes contraction of the smooth muscles of the uterus, which also contributes to the normal discharge of lochia;
• prevention of infectious complications after surgery (prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotics);
• From day 3, it is recommended to lie on your stomach more often. This position promotes deviation of the uterus, alignment of the cervical canal, which promotes the discharge of lochia.

Case from practice

A 28-year-old female patient was hospitalized at the 39th week of pregnancy. home for a planned cesarean section (for placenta previa). During the operation, after removing the child and removing the placenta, the patency of the cervical canal was checked (one finger can pass freely).

In the postoperative period, it was diagnosed: on the 3rd day there was extremely scanty bleeding, the patient complained of nagging pain, the size of the uterus exceeded normal.

When examined on a gynecological chair: palpation of the uterus reveals pain, the uterus is larger than normal, the cervical canal is closed and does not allow a finger to pass through, spasm at the level of the internal os.

Ultrasound: 100 ml of blood in the uterine cavity.

A diagnosis was made: hematometra (accumulation of blood in the uterine cavity).

It was decided to restore the patency of the cervical canal using bougienage (expansion) to ensure normal outflow of secretions.

The further postoperative period proceeded without complications. The patient was discharged on day 9 in satisfactory condition.

Surgical delivery creates additional risks in the development of postpartum complications. The suture on the uterus prevents the full contraction of the uterus; during inflammatory processes, infection spreads not only in the mucous membrane, but also in all layers of the uterus.

These factors complicate the normal outflow of lochia and create favorable conditions for the proliferation of microorganisms. It is for these reasons that it is very important to closely monitor discharge in the postoperative period, as well as observe the necessary hygiene rules.

Nowadays, caesarean section is a common “procedure”. Firstly, the number of women who voluntarily decide to give birth this way is growing. Secondly, the number of pregnancies without complications is decreasing, so caesarean sections are increasingly performed “according to indications”. It doesn’t matter exactly how your baby will be born, the main thing is that he is born healthy, and that the operation or natural birth takes place without complications.

A caesarean section is an operation in which the uterus is surgically cut and the baby is removed from it by cutting and tying the umbilical cord, and removing the amniotic sac and placenta. The incision is then sutured and a sterile dressing is applied to the wound. The woman gradually recovers from anesthesia and another difficult stage begins in her life - the recovery stage. A new mother is concerned about many questions. When can you get up after anesthesia? How to care for a seam? What to eat? And many others.

Both doctors and mothers themselves pay special attention to discharge after cesarean section. After each birth (both natural and by cesarean section), so-called lochia are released from the woman’s vagina (this is postpartum discharge). Many women call discharge after childbirth heavy periods. In fact, there are many similarities: the lower abdomen hurts, and there is red discharge with clots. But such “periods” last much longer, and the nature of the discharge tends to change.

“Normal” discharge after cesarean section

So, discharge after childbirth is already a normal process. The remains of the placenta and dead microparticles of the endometrium along with blood are excreted through the genital tract. In the first 2-3 days after the operation, the discharge is bright red and quite abundant. It is difficult to determine the “normal volume” of discharge, because much depends on how the operation went and what complications accompanied the woman during pregnancy and childbirth. Gradually, the nature of the discharge changes. At first they darken, acquiring a brown tint, and become serous-hysterical, then they become liquid and lighten. After about 6-8 weeks, the discharge should stop completely.

Discharge with clots and lumps is completely normal, especially after a cesarean section. Typically, after surgery, a woman moves little, so the blood collects in clots and then comes out. Do not be alarmed if during breastfeeding the discharge intensifies and pain appears in the lower abdomen - this is also normal, moreover, it is necessary for a speedy recovery. The discharge is “pushed out” by the uterus itself, contracting, and it contracts thanks to the hormone oxytocin, and oxytocin, in turn, is intensively released into the blood precisely when the baby is latched to the breast. This is how everything is interconnected and clearly thought out by Mother Nature.

When should you sound the alarm?

Unfortunately, the postpartum period does not always go smoothly, especially after a cesarean section. Serious complications occur very often, and postpartum discharge often helps to suspect them, which is why it is so important to know about the norms and “deviations.” So, you need to see a doctor immediately if:

• The discharge stopped too soon. As already mentioned, after a cesarean section they last from 5 to 8 weeks. If for some reason lochia lingers in the uterine cavity, then they become an excellent environment for pathogenic bacteria, which can provoke either hematomas or inflammation in the uterine cavity.
• The discharge lasts for more than 8 weeks, but does not become scarce and does not change color. If the uterus contracts poorly, bleeding can increase, and it is very dangerous for a woman’s life, so if after a week the bleeding has not changed at all, seek help immediately.
• The discharge has an unpleasant odor. In the first 2-3 days, the musty smell of lochia is normal, but if it continues to intensify, then this already indicates pathology.

To avoid all sorts of postpartum complications, after a caesarean section the woman is given antibacterial drugs, and, if necessary, oxytocin is administered, which promotes better contraction of the uterus and, of course, painkillers.

How to take care of yourself?

And the woman herself must take care of her health after a caesarean section. To avoid problems with discharge, you need to follow these instructions:

• To make the uterus contract better, lie on your stomach from time to time, wear a postpartum bandage, regularly empty your bladder and bowels, perform a light abdominal massage, apply ice to the lower abdomen (3 to 5 times a day for 5-10 minutes ).
• Carefully observe genital hygiene: after each trip to the toilet, wash the external genitalia with clean warm water; shower daily; in the first 2 weeks after childbirth, it is better to use diapers rather than pads to create a ventilation effect; change sanitary pads every 4 hours; Do not use sanitary tampons under any circumstances.

And most importantly: no “amateur activities”. At the first suspicion that something is “off”, contact a specialist.

We wish you an easy recovery and good health!

Especially for beremennost.net Tanya Kivezhdiy

Approximately one third of the total number of births occurs by caesarean section, which for many years has been the single safest method of surgical delivery. One of the important criteria for assessing a woman’s condition after this operation is how long the lochia lasts after a cesarean section.

Already in the early postpartum period, the uterus begins to actively contract in order to return to its original size over the next two months. Lochia is a postpartum bloody discharge from the genital tract, as a result of the natural involution of the uterus, reminiscent of heavy menstruation. Lochia is not only blood clots, but also cervical mucus and particles of the endometrium lining the uterine cavity.

How long does lochia last normally after a caesarean section?

Lochia after surgery lasts slightly longer than after a simple birth. So, if after a natural birth, discharge is observed for 4-6 weeks, then during a cesarean section, lochia can continue for 8 weeks (but not more than 56 days).

How long does it take for lochia to remain red and brown after a cesarean section?

Discharge after cesarean section is not the same and may differ in color, abundance and consistency. In the first few days after surgical delivery, a woman feels severe nagging pain in the lower abdomen, which is accompanied by copious discharge of blood clots from the genital tract. Over time, the number of lochia decreases, their color also changes - from bright red to more brownish, and soon they acquire a light brown tint, which occurs on average in the second week of the recovery period.

IMPORTANT! When a newborn is latched to the breast, the mother's body produces oxytocin, which increases the contractile activity of the uterus, as a result of which bloody discharge from the genital tract may increase.

How long does light lochia last after cesarean section?

Around the end of the second week after surgery, the woman notices that vaginal discharge becomes less intense and acquires a yellow-brown tint. Every day the volume of lochia decreases, and with a successful course, after 6-7 weeks they are replaced by whitish vaginal discharge - leucorrhoea.

How long does lochia last after cesarean section?

The greatest blood loss is observed within 2-3 days after cesarean section, and amounts to up to 1000 ml, while approximately half of this volume is released in the first day of the postpartum period. The amount of lochia after surgical delivery for the entire period does not exceed 1500 ml.

IMPORTANT! It is recommended to use disposable diapers rather than sanitary pads as a lining during your stay in the maternity hospital in order to adequately assess the volume of blood loss by the attending physician.

How long does lochia last after cesarean section, and what should you pay attention to?

The volume and nature of bloody discharge directly reflects the ability of the uterus to recover, and therefore requires close attention.

If the following symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor:

• Discharge from the genital tract has become more abundant, the lining needs to be changed every hour (hypotony of the uterus, bleeding);
• A few days after the cesarean section, the bleeding stopped, while pain in the lower abdomen appeared (the possibility of spasm of the cervical canal, as a result of which all the contents accumulate in its cavity);
• More than a week has passed, and lochia is still as abundant and bloody (weak uterine contractions);
• Lochia has acquired a putrid odor or changed color to greenish, gray-brown (layering of infection, development of endometritis);
• Against the background of heavy bleeding, severe pain in the uterine area, pallor and shortness of breath appeared (the risk of sutures on the uterus diverging);
• The state of health sharply deteriorated: the body temperature increased, chills appeared (infectious process);
• Lochia has cheesy inclusions, which is accompanied by burning, itching and redness in the labia and perineum (vaginal dysbiosis with the development of mucosal candidiasis).

It should be remembered that for at least two months after a cesarean section, it is highly recommended not to lift heavy objects, engage in serious sports, or resume sexual activity. In turn, moderate physical activity in the form of walking, starting from the first day after birth, breastfeeding on demand, strict adherence to personal hygiene rules significantly reduce the risk of developing terrible complications and reduce the duration of lochia after cesarean section.

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

Discharge from the genital tract after cesarean section deserves special attention. They are usually called lochia in gynecology. They include blood cells, plasma, mucus, and dead epithelium. Many women perceive them as a kind of menstruation. However, their color palette, smell, composition, volume change throughout the postpartum period and signal whether everything is fine with the young mother’s body.

Distinctive features

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

1. The wound surface is much more extensive after a cesarean section, so the risk of infection or inflammation of the genital organs is very high. So, during discharge after surgery, you need to especially carefully carry out all the prescribed hygiene procedures and not just once a day.
2. At the very beginning, just after a cesarean section, about 5-7 days, the discharge is not only bloody, but also contains a lot of mucus, which is not observed after natural delivery.
3. The normal color of the discharge after a cesarean section for several days is bright red, deep scarlet, and it is much juicier than during the natural process of childbirth.
4. Contraction of the uterus and its healing after cesarean section 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 or worry a young mother, perhaps not yet experienced in such matters, since this is the norm for discharge after a cesarean section, which indicates that everything is in order. But in order to see that something is wrong in time, you need to know about deviations, which will first of all have to be addressed to specialists. Usually they differ little from problematic lochia after natural childbirth.

Deadlines

One of the most exciting questions is how long does the discharge last after a cesarean section in order to know for sure whether the recovery period is prolonged or the process is progressing within the permitted limits. Information about normal periods will allow you to control your actual menstrual cycle, which should soon improve.

Norm

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

Deviations

If after a cesarean delivery the discharge ends too quickly (within 6 weeks) or is very prolonged (up to 10 weeks), this is not yet a reason to panic. Yes, the norms are no longer met, but these indicators can only be determined by the individual characteristics of the body. If the composition, smell, thickness, color, and number of lochia do not indicate complications, there is no need to worry. Although even in this situation, it wouldn’t hurt to tell the doctor about it.

Pathologies

Seeing a doctor is mandatory if the duration of discharge in the postpartum period after cesarean section is beyond the normal range. This is either too quick 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 them festering. If lochia lasts too long, endometritis or an infectious process in the abdominal cavity or genitals can be diagnosed. A condition when the discharge after a cesarean section ends and starts again is also dangerous: this also indicates some deviations in the process of restoration of the uterus.

Knowing how long the discharge lasts after a cesarean section during the normal healing process, a woman does not have to worry that this period is very long or, on the contrary, has passed too quickly. After all, in both cases, you will have to take appropriate measures: go to see a doctor, undergo additional examinations and, if diseases or complications are detected, undergo a course of treatment, no matter how much you would like it.

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

Lochia character

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

This also needs to be monitored very carefully. If, for example, bleeding after a cesarean section does not end, this will be an alarming signal that the damaged tissues for some reason cannot regenerate. Such cases require medical intervention and treatment. Therefore, monitor the nature of your lochia and its duration.

1. Presence of blood

At first, the presence of blood in the lochia should not raise doubts among young mothers: this is the healing of broken blood vessels and damaged tissue. However, the important point here is precisely the timing, how many days does the bleeding last after a cesarean section: if more than 7-8, then this is already abnormal and you need to sound the alarm.

1. Presence of clots

This is also quite understandable during this period of time: they are cells of the already dead endometrium and placenta. After 7-8 days they will go away, so the discharge will become more liquid.

1. Mucus discharge

If in addition to the bloody discharge there is also mucous discharge in the first days after a cesarean section, this is also the norm: in this way the body is cleansed of the products of the baby’s intrauterine vital activity.

1. Pink discharge

If pink discharge begins a month after a cesarean section, it means that the healing process is not yet complete. Perhaps, under some mechanical influence, the wounded tissues were damaged again. Very often this happens if a couple is impatient and, without waiting for the end of the recovery period, they begin to have sex too early.

1. Brown shade

After 6-7 weeks, the nature of the lochia will resemble ordinary menstrual smears of a brownish color: the blood will coagulate and will no longer be so bright and scarlet.

1. Purulent discharge

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

1. Watery lochia

A young mother should also be alerted to watery lochia, devoid of any shade, almost transparent. This is how transudate, a fluid contained in blood or lymphatic vessels, can come out. This is bad, as it indicates poor circulation in this area. In addition, watery discharge after cesarean section with an unpleasant odor, reminiscent of rotten fish, is a symptom characteristic of vaginal dysbiosis (gardnerellosis).

If you had to give birth by cesarean section, you must definitely monitor the nature of the discharge that begins. 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 the hospital walls again - and this is precisely at the moment when the mother so needs her baby. It is much easier to prevent the problem and enjoy 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 a cesarean section should be red at first, followed by brown discharge (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 the restoration of her body.

Yellowness

If yellow discharge begins after a cesarean section, it may indicate the following postpartum processes:

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

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

Greenery

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

White lochia

By itself, without accompanying symptoms, white discharge, which may begin some time after a cesarean section, 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 discharge with a sour smell;
• cheesy consistency.

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

Black

If after a cesarean section there is black discharge without odor or pain, it should be taken as normal. They are dictated by hormonal changes in the blood after childbirth. A deviation occurs if they occur some time after the operation.

To avoid complications of the recovery period after cesarean section, you need to monitor the color of postpartum discharge. She can suggest a problem at the very beginning. This will make it easier to eliminate it and allow you to quickly return to normal after completing the necessary course of treatment.

Quantity

A young mother also needs to pay attention to how much lochia comes out of her in order to judge how the body’s recovery is proceeding. If after a cesarean section there is little discharge, especially in the very first days, this may be an alarming signal that the tubes, uterine ducts are clogged, a blood clot has formed, etc.

The opposite situation is no less dangerous: profuse lochia that does not stop for too long is an alarming signal about the impossibility of full restoration 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 to overshadow happy motherhood. However, there is no need to 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 some measures need to be taken to help it. You should especially be wary of discharge after a cesarean section with an odor and an unrealistically bright hue. This almost always ends with a course of antibiotic treatment, which is highly undesirable during lactation, or another surgical intervention.

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

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

Causes of bleeding

After a cesarean section, as well as after a natural birth, a regeneration process begins in the mother’s body, 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 a cesarean section is a necessary process of the female body, which performs the function of removing specific mucus, medically called “lochia.”

Lochia after cesarean section consists of epithelium that has already died, plasma from the wounded surface of the uterus, platelets, leukocytes and red blood cells. The more often the uterus contracts, the faster the body is cleansed and the uterine lining is 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.

Natural process of postoperative discharge

Discharges occur in several periods:

1. Period one: two weeks after cesarean section. The discharge in the initial period can be voluminous, interspersed with a large number of blood clots. There may be a smell of rottenness, but not pus.
2. Period two: third to fourth weeks. Lochia becomes moderate, light mucus is added to the blood, as a result of which the color of the mucus gradually turns from brown-red to brown. There is a daily decrease in outflow.
3. Period three: fourth to fifth week. Lochia practically disappears, the scanty discharge is dark in color and has no particular odor.
4. The last period, occupying the sixth to eighth week after birth, marks the end of the restoration of the uterine environment. Renewal of the endometrium of the uterus is characterized by normal light discharge, similar to prenatal.

The suture and damaged muscle fibers on the uterus after surgery somewhat impede the regularity of uterine contractions, so the recovery process is slower than in women after normal childbirth. During regeneration, it is imperative to follow all the doctor’s recommendations and follow the rules to normalize the discharge.

Preventative tips for bleeding after surgery:

• Go to the toilet on time. A full bladder does not allow stable contractions of the uterus. After surgery, it must be emptied every 3 hours, even if there is no desire to urinate. Only under this condition will the discharge after a cesarean section drain well.
• After urinating, be sure to rinse your 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 sucking of the nipple causes the release of oxytocin. The hormone acts on the uterus, causing strong contractions, thereby increasing the outflow of mucus.
• Lie on your stomach whenever possible. The uterus after surgery may begin to deviate back due to weak tone of the abdominal wall, which becomes the main obstacle to the release of mucus. When a woman lies on her stomach, the uterus moves closer to the anterior wall, which promotes a faster outflow of lochia.
• Apply cold to the lower abdomen up to five times a day. A heating pad with ice placed on the stomach will improve the contraction of the uterine muscles and blood vessels and, accordingly, increase discharge.
• You should forget about tampons for 2-3 months. They promote the proliferation of microbes, trapping lochia in the uterine cavity. You should only use 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 section is a real storehouse for feeding 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 mucus accumulation is individual, but if it is not detected in a timely manner, the uterine mucosa can become inflamed - endometritis, which will require surgical intervention.

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

Signs that require urgent medical consultation:

• A sudden cessation of blood mucus excretion is a sign of uterine bending, causing disruption of the outflow of lochia and their subsequent stagnation.
• The outflow does not decrease, but sharply increases in volume - this confirms the development of hypotonic bleeding. Heavy bleeding using two pads in an hour already signals the need to urgently call an ambulance.
• A sharp purulent tint in the smell of the discharge indicates an inflammatory process of the inner surface of the uterus, which is accompanied by fever and requires immediate cleaning of the uterine cavity.
• Vaginal itching and thick mucus, similar to a 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 a minimum, requires adequate therapy or inpatient treatment. Discharge after a cesarean section will proceed safely only if you follow the rules of hygiene and pay attention to your body.

Regardless of how the child was born - naturally or with the help of surgery, the inner 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 from the female genital tract after a cesarean section. 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 young mother’s body.

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

Caesarean section is accompanied by discharge that changes color in stages:

• red-scarlet;
• red;
• serous-bloody;
• brown with a red tint;
• rich brown;
• intensely brown;
• shade of light brown;
• mucous membranes are 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, or has a scarlet tint for a long time, you should urgently consult your doctor.

Surgery: lochia

Immediately after a caesarean section, the woman in labor is placed in the intensive care unit under constant medical supervision. The resuscitator monitors the condition of the uterus and the performance of the heart. To prevent pathological bleeding, drugs are administered that promote contraction of muscle tissue - Methylergometrine, Oxytocin.

Lochia after cesarean section changes gradually:

The nature and intensity of discharge after a cesarean section during restoration of the reproductive system and genital area depends on how the muscles of the uterus work. The process slows down as many tissues have been injured. To stimulate muscle fibers and prevent hypotonic lochia, the drug “Oxytocin” is continued to be administered during the first 3 days.

Post-operative care

A young mother must take care of herself and her hygiene. To ensure that mucous discharge after a cesarean section does not acquire an unpleasant “aroma” and that its duration does not exceed acceptable limits, it is necessary to follow the basic rules:

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

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

You should be aware of how long the discharge lasts after a cesarean section, its nature, since at the first signs of abnormalities, urgent hospitalization is necessary. With intense exercise, the number of lochia increases, so it is not recommended to lift heavy objects.

Urgent medical help: when it is needed

Knowing information about what kind of discharge should be after a caesarean section, how many days it lasts and when it ends, will allow you to take timely emergency measures to provide qualified assistance.

You should consult a doctor in the following situations:

• Discharge after cesarean section with a smell, purulent. This is the first signal of the development of endometritis, accompanied by painful sensations in the lower abdomen and temperature.
• Copious mucus, after there is little discharge or it does not go away for a long time. Symptoms that particles of placenta remain in the uterine cavity, interfering with its contraction.
• Curdled lochia - thrush. Itching inside the vagina, redness on the labia. The risk of complications increases with the use of antibiotics.
• The discharge after childbirth suddenly disappeared. Complications occur more often with surgical intervention than with the natural process of giving birth to a child.
• If there is a strong discharge of blood, you need to call an ambulance team.

Discharge after a cesarean section, no matter how long it lasts, should not have a strong odor, contain pus, be abundant, and not change color to a bright red or intensely dark shade. The 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 surgical delivery, the patient has the right to contact the medical institution where she had a cesarean section (within 40 days).

Deviations may occur in the following situations:

• An unprofessional operation (leaving particles of the placenta or amniotic sac in the uterine cavity). Cleaning or re-intervention will be required.
• The inability of the female body to recover without the help of medications.
• Curvature of the uterus, cervical spasm.
• Inflammatory process.

Important! At the first signs 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 surgical birth

Regardless of how long the discharge lasts, a woman must support herself and follow all the doctor’s recommendations every day. In addition to hygiene procedures, the following actions must be performed:

• make dressings;
• take a bath, you cannot douche;
• do not allow moisture to get on the seam (refuse to shower, give preference to rubbing with a wet towel);
• performing gymnastic exercises aimed at strengthening the abs (after each feeding, then lie on your stomach);
• wearing a special bandage;
• if the seam diverges, exercises should be abandoned;
• if there is redness, you should consult a doctor;
• Apply a thick layer of Levomekol daily.

Advice! If you have the first signs of an inflammatory process (long-lasting discharge), you should seek medical help and do not self-medicate, otherwise repeat surgery cannot be avoided!

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

Restoring the cyclicity of menstruation

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

If the mother breastfeeds the baby, then the regular menstrual 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 formula, the cycle is restored by the third month after the birth of the child.

Advice! Paying close attention to postpartum symptoms and controlling the intensity of lochia will help a woman prevent numerous complications. It is important to follow all doctor’s recommendations and maintain hygiene.

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

Every woman who has given birth to a child artificially is interested in what the discharge should be like after a caesarean section, how long it lasts and in what cases you should be wary. Caesarean section is a serious surgical intervention, so the postoperative period is difficult for a woman. The recovery period, even for a healthy body, usually takes much longer than if the birth of a child occurred naturally. Caesarean section is considered a difficult birth. For this reason, the postpartum hospital period in this case should be extended. For a caesarean section it is 60 days, and for a normal birth – 40.

It is worth noting that the period of recovery of the body, regardless of what the birth was like, cannot take place without uterine discharge. In medicine they are called lochia. They represent separated endometrium, which comes out in the form of clots, as well as blood that appears from the wound caused by the separation of the placenta.

After childbirth, which required surgical intervention, there must be discharge. Here the situation is no different from natural childbirth. However, after surgery you need to pay closer attention to them. The fact is that surgery does not always go smoothly. It is possible that a woman who has had a caesarean section will develop inflammation or an infection. Considering that in the case of a cesarean section the situation is aggravated by an additional source of bleeding, namely a scar on the uterus, the postoperative period can be extremely difficult. By the nature of the discharge, you can understand whether pathological processes are occurring in the uterus or whether everything is normal. Therefore, a woman should carefully monitor herself during the postpartum period.

Normal discharge after birth

The first postpartum week is characterized by an abundance of lochia, which come out with bright red clots. In the second week after surgery, red-brown discharge may be noted. During this period, their number is noticeably reduced compared to the first postpartum days.

For the entire period after childbirth, which took place with surgical intervention, the amount of discharge a woman has on average is 1 liter. If lochia after a cesarean section comes out in a large volume at first, then with each subsequent day they should become significantly smaller, and then they disappear completely.

The woman also has mucous discharge after a cesarean section that is yellowish in color. This is normal after a natural birth or after a cesarean section. As a rule, discharge of this type occurs in the last 10 days of the postpartum period.

The smell of the discharge is of great importance. It can be used to determine the development of bacteria or infection in a woman’s body. In the first 4 days after the birth of a child, a woman may notice lochia with a spicy odor. From a medical point of view, this is quite normal. If after the operation the smell of the discharge becomes unpleasant, with a clear hint of rot, this in most cases means that an inflammatory process has begun in the body. Such a symptom should be a signal to seek help from specialists.

Women in the postpartum period should not worry about the appearance of discharge. Many young mothers believe that the consequences of a cesarean section end when the uterus and vagina are cleaned by the doctor. In fact, this is not so, because the obstetrician-gynecologist only helps the baby to be born and the placenta to appear. However, the uterus is not curettaged, so the endometrium is not removed. This procedure is not only pointless, but also extremely traumatic, so it will be unnecessary for a woman’s body that is tired after the birth of a baby.

At the same time, in the body of a young mother, everything is arranged in such a way that the excess epithelium is able to come out on its own. If this does not happen, the reproductive system will not be able to function normally. For this reason, you should not panic when discharge appears. If their number and duration are normal, there is no reason to worry.

Red discharge - good or bad?

As mentioned above, during any childbirth, a woman’s body initially leaves lochia. Clots of a rich red color are considered normal. If they are released in a fairly large volume in the first days and do not have a sharp unpleasant odor, then everything is in perfect order in the female body.

Bloody discharge after a cesarean section may increase if the woman breastfeeds the baby. The fact is that during this period oxytocin begins to be released. This hormone can cause uterine contractions. This causes pain in this area and, accordingly, increased bleeding. Moreover, when breastfeeding a baby, there is a significant increase in physical activity, since the mother needs to get up and take the baby in her arms. Because of this, lochia becomes abundant.

About a week after a cesarean section, the discharge becomes very scanty. After almost all of the endometrium has left the uterus, the lochia will become thick and then completely disappear.

A young mother should not worry if the discharge lasts up to several weeks. At the same time, the amount of discharge after a cesarean section is influenced by whether the woman will feed the baby with formula. In the first case, the discharge should completely disappear in the second postpartum week.

About a month after the baby is born, the discharge should become light and transparent. There is some semblance of mucus without blood impurities. Further, in a healthy woman, postpartum discharge turns into standard leucorrhoea.

If a young mother has no discharge after a cesarean section, this cannot be a reason for joy. Moreover, this is a clear signal that you cannot do without the help of a specialist.

After childbirth, the uterus must cleanse itself in order to continue functioning normally. If this does not happen, the reason may be a bend of the uterus or cervical spasm. In addition, the uterus could completely close, which is also bad, since blood begins to accumulate inside the organ.

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If the discharge after a cesarean section is bloody, very profuse, and continues for an excessively long time, this is also a reason to consult a doctor. Such alarming symptoms indicate that the uterus does not want to contract. Discharge with greenish or yellow clots and an unpleasant rotten odor are also causes for concern.

If, against the background of suspicious discharge, a woman experiences symptoms such as a strong heartbeat and high body temperature, this indicates that the inflammatory process is progressing in the body. This can happen if there are problems with the surgical suture and due to the negligence of doctors who may have forgotten some foreign object in the woman’s body.

Resumption of discharge

In medical practice, there are also cases when in the first postpartum days a woman has no discharge at all. However, on days 7-10 they suddenly appear. This is a reason to go for an ultrasound and examine the pelvic organs.

The fact is that for a young mother, the placenta can get stuck in the uterus. The remains of the placenta begin to rot, making it difficult for the endometrium to emerge. This may result in high body temperature, abnormal discharge, and severe pain in the lower abdomen. This problem is solved by surgical cleaning or curettage of the uterus. Drug treatment in this case brings only temporary results.

In the second week after a cesarean section, the color and consistency of the discharge changes; it should become light with a yellowish tint.

The yellow color comes from leukocytes, which are quite numerous in the liquid. This discharge after a cesarean section is also considered normal. In this way, the body protects itself from infections that can penetrate from the external environment.

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After a caesarean section, young mothers often develop thrush. This pathology is accompanied by itching in the vagina and burning in this area.

Menstruation after cesarean

It is considered normal for a woman to have postpartum discharge for two months. It is possible that after this blood will flow from the vagina again. In this case, there is no need to worry, as this is part of the recovery period for the body. Bloody discharge two months after childbirth indicates that the woman has started her period.

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For those mothers who feed their babies with formula, periods begin much earlier than for women who decide to breastfeed their children. In the latter case, menstruation may begin six months after childbirth.

As mentioned above, discharge during the postpartum period is the norm. During this period, a woman should use special hygiene products.

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It is recommended to use special diapers in the maternity hospital. They are very convenient in cases where there is a lot of discharge. In addition, it can be difficult to determine the nature of the discharge on pads, and therefore to identify the possible development of the disease.

As for tampons, using them during the postpartum period is strictly prohibited. Moreover, many gynecologists insist that a woman completely refuse to wear underwear in the first days after childbirth.

How long does discharge last after a caesarean section? What types of discharge are there?

A caesarean section is a major operation, and therefore a woman will have a longer recovery time than after a natural birth. But childbirth is not always easy, often with complications, and then you cannot do without surgery.

After childbirth, the uterus undergoes the greatest changes. During the postpartum period (about 2 months), the uterus shrinks 20 times.

Wounds heal inside the uterus, a new mucous membrane forms, but first the uterus must be cleansed of everything unnecessary that remains after the baby is removed. Therefore, a woman has discharge from the uterine cavity, it is also called lochia.

What is lochia? These are blood clots, dead small particles of the placenta.

Why is there discharge after a caesarean section?

After a cesarean section, there is just as much, and perhaps even more, discharge than after a normal birth, because the uterus must be completely cleared of the remnants of the placenta. And yet, after a cesarean section, a woman is exposed to even more danger, because during the operation some kind of infection can get inside, and then inflammation will occur.

In order for the postpartum period to pass without complications, a woman must adhere to the following rules:

1. Maintain personal hygiene: after visiting the toilet, wash the genitals and anus, preferably with a warm decoction of chamomile, or calendula, or warm water with baby soap, and take a shower every day.
2. Immediately after birth and for 2 weeks, use diapers as pads for better ventilation, rather than store-bought pads. Change them every 4 hours or more often.
3. To help the uterus contract better, lie on your stomach for a short time.
4. Wear a special postpartum bandage.
5. Visit the toilet regularly to prevent stool and urine from stagnating.
6. Massage the abdomen with light movements.
7. First days after surgery Apply a cold heating pad to the lower abdomen for 5-10 minutes, 3-5 times a day.

Note. While breastfeeding, the discharge is more abundant and the pain in the lower abdomen intensifies - this is not bad, and even good: oxytocin is produced in the uterus, and it contracts better and cleans itself faster.

What should the discharge be like after a caesarean section?

1. First week after surgery– the color of the discharge is bright red, it is abundant, with clots and lumps of blood.
2. Second week– discharge is reddish-brown, less abundant.
3. Subsequent weeks– mucous discharge streaked with blood, the brown color of the discharge gradually changes to yellow. Yellow color is normal and appears due to a large number of leukocytes - white blood cells that protect the body from infections.
4. Further allocations will be less and less, and they are slimy, light with a yellowish tint, and then transparent.

Restoring her health in the postpartum period, a woman loses about 1 liter of blood. After a cesarean section, the recovery period is about 2 months.

Discharge color after cesarean section

The color of discharge after cesarean section, if there are no complications, goes in the following sequence:

• Discharge bright red with clots and lumps of blood
• Red discharge with a dark tint
• The discharge is reddish-brown, gradually turning to dark brown and then brown
• Light brown discharge
• Yellowish discharge
• White discharge with a yellowish tint
• Colorless discharge

How long does the discharge last after a caesarean section?

Discharge after cesarean section usually lasts 5-6 weeks, up to 2 months. This is slightly longer than after childbirth without complications, and this is explained by the fact that the muscles of the uterus were injured during the operation, and now the uterus contracts more slowly.

Important. Discharge with blood that lasts more than 2 weeks should alert a woman - inflammation has begun inside the uterus, and she should immediately tell the doctor about it.

Important. Also abnormal is the rapid, less than a week, cessation of discharge with blood, or the discharge stopped, and a week later resumed again - this is a sign of weak uterine contractions. You need to tell the doctor, and he will prescribe oxytocin and massage on the lower back to stimulate the uterus.

Important. If there is no discharge after a cesarean section, this is a bad sign, you need to urgently tell your doctor about it. The reasons may be different: a bend or spasms of the cervix, and the discharge cannot come out, but accumulates inside the uterus.

What does purulent discharge after cesarean mean?

Purulent discharge with a foul odor indicates an inflammatory disease inside the uterus - endometritis.

Important. After cesarean section, inflammatory processes inside the uterus develop much more often than during childbirth in the usual way.

Why does brown discharge occur after cesarean section?

If the first week of bloody discharge has passed, and it has been replaced by scant brown discharge, this means that the recovery of the woman’s body is proceeding normally, and she will soon fully restore her health.

Green discharge after cesarean section, causes

1. Green discharge, unpleasant in smell, may appear a week or a month after the operation.
2. Such discharge is a clear sign of inflammation in the uterine mucosa ( endometritis). In addition to discharge during endometritis, body temperature rises and severe pain in the lower abdomen is observed.
3. Green discharge can also be caused by infectious diseases (trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, gonorrhea, colpitis) in the vagina, uterus and fallopian tubes:

• Bacterial vaginosis. The disease begins with grayish discharge with a foul odor, severe itching and redness of the genitals. Then the amount of discharge increases, and it becomes thick, green, and affects the entire vagina.
• Chlamydia and gonorrhea. These diseases are characterized by green discharge, the amount of which does not increase, painful urination and severe pain in the lower abdomen.
• Colpitis (inflammation of the vaginal mucosa) – green thick discharge, pus with blood, severe itching and burning in the genitals.

Treatment for infectious diseases is carried out antibiotics, multivitamins, and if the case is very advanced - curettage.

Bloody discharge after cesarean section, causes

• Bloody discharge after a cesarean operation they should be the same as after a normal birth. Many women have misconceptions about caesarean section. They think that during the operation the doctor will clean everything, and the woman will only have to make sure that the stitch heals, but this is not so.
• During the operation, the doctor removes only the baby and the placenta from the abdominal cavity, and does not scrape out the uterus so as not to injure her even more - the uterus will cleanse itself. Therefore, red bloody discharge with clots and lumps of blood for the first week is natural and normal.
• If after the first week the bleeding has not stopped, and even intensified - this is a sure sign that the woman’s health is not all right, and she should go to the doctor. The cause of bleeding may be clots and pieces of unseparated placenta. who don't go out on their own.

Discharge after cesarean section with odor

• Spicy-smelling discharge for the first days (3-4) after the operation - it's quite normal.
• But if the discharge has unpleasant musty smell- this is obvious a sign of inflammation and infection. You should urgently consult your doctor.
• And if in addition to the discharge with a nasty smell, there was pain in the lower abdomen, the temperature increased- it's possible endometritis (inflammation of the uterine lining), you need to urgently consult a doctor.

Why does the discharge not go away after a cesarean section?

If bleeding continues for more than 2 months, and an ultrasound showed that the uterus is clean, the cause of the bleeding may be very low hemoglobin. A sign of a decreased hemoglobin state is an unusual pale skin.

Important: If you pull back the lower eyelid of the eye, and the inside mucous membrane is not pink, but white, this means low blood hemoglobin.

Recovery of the body after childbirth lasts about 2 months. How can you understand that a woman’s reproductive system has been restored? The first sign is that the discharge became colorless and stopped.

Video: Recovery after childbirth, cesarean section in the maternity hospital