Nowadays, caesarean section is a common “procedure”. Firstly, there is a growing number of women who at will decide to give birth this way. Secondly, the number of pregnancies without complications is decreasing, so cesarean sections are increasingly performed “according to indications.” It doesn’t matter exactly how your baby will see the world, the main thing is that he is born healthy, and surgery or natural childbirth passed without complications.
Nowadays it 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 cesarean 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.
Caesarean section is an operation in which surgically cut the uterus and remove the baby from it, cutting and tying the umbilical cord, and also removing amniotic sac and the 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 caesarean 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.
So, they are 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. First they darken, acquiring brown tint, and become serous-sanguineous, then 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 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.
Unfortunately, not always postpartum period goes smoothly, especially after a caesarean section. Happens quite often serious complications, 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:
To avoid all sorts of postpartum complications, after a caesarean section, a woman is given antibacterial drugs, and if necessary, oxytocin is administered, which promotes better uterine contractions and, naturally, painkillers.
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:
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 forTanya Kivezhdiy
Caesarean section is a serious abdominal operations, therefore, the recovery period for a woman after such a birth takes longer than after a natural one. Caesarean section is classified as a difficult birth, and therefore the postpartum period in this case is calculated at 60 days. This is 20 days more than in a natural birth situation.
The recovery period, regardless of how the birth took place, is associated with uterine discharge, which are called lochia. These secretions represent endometrial clots, as well as blood from the wound formed after the separation of the placenta.
Discharge after a cesarean section is no different from that after physiological birth, but require closer attention. Since surgery was performed, there is a high risk of developing inflammation and infection. And in the case of a cesarean section, the presence of an additional source of bleeding, a scar on the uterus, only aggravates the situation. Any pathological process in the uterine cavity inevitably affects the nature and quantity of discharge.
In the first week after birth, lochia should be red with clots and quite abundant. In the second week after cesarean section, the discharge becomes red-brown and is no longer as abundant as in the first days. In general, during the entire recovery period, blood loss due to postpartum discharge is 1000 ml. As a rule, with each subsequent day they gradually brighten and become scarcer until they stop completely. Yellow mucous discharge after cesarean section, as in the case of spontaneous childbirth, is considered a normal manifestation last weeks postpartum period.
The smell of the discharge is also significant diagnostic value. If in the first 3-4 days after birth, lochia has a spicy smell, then this is normal. However, discharge after cesarean section with putrefactive, sharp and unpleasant smell may be a sign of inflammation and infection. If you notice these symptoms, it is better to immediately seek medical help.
To know which cases are a reason to immediately consult a doctor, a woman needs to be aware of what is normal in the manifestation of lochia, and when exactly the discharge should end after a cesarean section.
Discharge after cesarean section can normally last up to 5-6 weeks. This is somewhat longer than in the case of physiological childbirth. Bound this fact with what I mean 
damage to muscle fibers during the operation, the contractility of the uterus is reduced, since its full ability to do so is impaired. Therefore, the healing of the wound at the site of the former attachment of the “baby spot” to the wall of the uterus, as well as the separation of the endometrium, occurs a little slower.
Bloody discharge after cesarean section for more than 2 weeks may indicate abnormal bleeding, which is a serious reason to see a doctor and hospitalization.
The rapid and unexpected end of discharge after cesarean section is a sign of insufficient contractility uterus. In this case, the doctor prescribes drugs that stimulate uterine activity and massage of the lumbosacral region.
The unexpected end of postpartum discharge, as well as its subsequent sudden resumption after 1-2 weeks, can also indicate poor contractile function of the uterus and stagnation in its cavity, which increases the risk of infection.
Delivery by caesarean section is considered difficult. The recovery period in this case lasts somewhat longer than after a natural birth, and requires compliance with a special regime.
To begin with, it is worth saying that this procedure can be planned or emergency. In any case, the methodology is the same. So how is a caesarean section performed?
The woman is under anesthesia during the procedure. IN lately There is a choice of pain relief techniques. Expectant mother may be conscious or asleep. Before a caesarean section is performed, the woman is thoroughly examined.
During the operation, the surgeon cuts through the abdominal cavity, muscles and uterus. After this, the baby and the placenta are removed, and the tissues are stitched together layer by layer in the reverse order.
Women are often interested in how long it takes. Experts note that after the procedure they are exactly the same as after a natural birth.
The discharge that a woman observes is called “lochia.” It is worth noting that after surgery it is necessary to especially carefully monitor their consistency, smell and intensity.
So, how long does discharge last after a cesarean section or natural birth? On average, this time period is equal to one calendar month. In some cases they may end a little earlier or later. It is worth describing what the discharge may be like and how long it lasts after a caesarean section.
The first days after the procedure
During this period, the woman observes intense bleeding. Along with the discharge, fluid comes out, which is formed when the uterine wall is injured during the separation of the placenta. Endometrial clots that were not removed immediately after the baby was born may also be observed. Such discharge may have a strange odor and mucous consistency.
Week two after birth
At this time, bleeding becomes less intense, and the discharge becomes dark brown. The unpleasant odor disappears, and the woman feels much better.
Third week
At this stage, rather scanty pinkish discharge is observed. They can last from several days to one week.
Final stage
The woman notices a yellowish-transparent appearance. They can last quite a long time and are normal. The only exceptions are those cases when the mucus acquires a green tint and an unpleasant odor.
You now know how long discharge lasts after a caesarean section. They need to be closely monitored as there is a fresh wound in the uterus. When an infection gets into it, the intensity and consistency of the discharge changes, and the bleeding period also increases. In this condition, it is necessary to urgently see a specialist.
The rehabilitation period after natural childbirth is on average one month. During surgery, this time doubles. on average it takes 60 days. This is how long sick leave lasts for a new mother. During this period, some rules must be followed.
Limit physical activity
The disadvantages of a cesarean section are that, due to the incisions, the woman cannot carry heavy weights or play sports. For several days, the new mother is not allowed to lift her newborn.
Refusal breastfeeding
Sometimes, due to surgery, a woman is not allowed to feed her baby. After any surgical intervention, including cesarean section, it is necessary to take a course of antibacterial drugs. These medications can negatively affect the health of the baby. That is why for some time the baby is fed with an artificial formula, and the mother must express herself if she wants to maintain lactation.
Maintaining hygiene
Every woman in labor should thoroughly wash the external genitalia several times a day. Otherwise, an infection may occur. As long as the discharge lasts after a caesarean section, you need to maintain careful special hygiene.
It is also necessary to treat the scar on the skin. Everyone in the maternity ward monitors this medical staff. Nurses They make a round every day and treat the scar twice a day. When the woman in labor is discharged, she will have to carry out this manipulation independently for about one more month. After water procedures treat the seam with Chlorhexidine or regular brilliant green.
Diet
New mothers need to follow an appropriate diet. However, due to delivery by cesarean section, you need to be especially careful in choosing the food you eat.
Avoid starchy and sweet foods. Also eliminate all foods that can cause constipation. The food you need is such that your stool is soft and regular. Drink more clean water. Often, as a result of childbirth, women complain of difficulty defecating. After the operation, ladies experience severe pain during this process. That is why it is necessary to reconsider your diet.
Using a postpartum bandage
This remedy is also recommended for use during natural childbirth. However, during a caesarean section, wearing a bandage throughout the entire recovery period simply necessary. This design gently tightens the abdominal area and supports the organs. It is much easier for a woman to move with such an accessory, and the healing of the seam occurs faster.
Now you know how long discharge lasts due to a cesarean section and how long the recovery period takes. Comply with everything practical advice, and then your body will come into normal condition as soon as possible.
Regardless of whether the birth turned out to be natural or surgical, inner shell reproductive organ it takes 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 smell, color and volume of discharge after a cesarean section, you can judge whether everything is all right with the new mother.
In the early postoperative period, discharge after cesarean section can be easily compared with normal heavy menstruation- lochia are colored red and contain 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, when palpating 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 surgical delivery has its own nuances:
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 quantity 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 specific features 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, then they are considered a sign of pathology - neglected form endometritis, which must be treated under medical supervision.
Purulent discharge after cesarean section colored in green indicate 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 from sour smell and cheesy consistency. Most likely, we are talking about vaginal candidiasis - a frequent companion antibacterial therapy, which must be prescribed after surgical delivery. But accurate diagnosis Only a specialist can name it.
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.
A woman should be concerned not only about the changed nature of postpartum discharge, but also about such warning signs like abdominal pain and fever. But last symptom It 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 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.
Regardless of how the birth took place (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.
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.
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.
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 proceeding within the permitted limits. Information about the deadlines that fit into the norm will allow you to control the present menstrual cycle, which should improve soon.
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 cesarean discharge ended too quickly (within 6 weeks) or dragged on too long (up to 10 weeks), this is not 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 infectious process V abdominal cavity or genitals. 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 about what she has. this period it took too long or, on the contrary, 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.
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, spotting after a cesarean section does not end in any way, 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.
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, here important point The timing is exactly how many days the bleeding lasts after a cesarean section: if it’s more than 7-8, then this is already abnormal and you need to sound the alarm.
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.
If mucous discharge is added to the bloody 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.
If a month after cesarean they begin pink discharge, which means the healing process is not finished yet. 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.
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.
The danger after cesarean section is purulent discharge, which are the first symptom of endometrium (inflammation of the uterine lining). They are usually yellowish-green in color, smell very unpleasant and are accompanied by fever (due to infection), pain in the abdomen and perineum.
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. Besides, watery discharge after a cesarean section with an unpleasant odor reminiscent of rotten fish - 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.
Normally, the color of lochia after cesarean section should be red at first, then it becomes 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 additional examination to find out if everything is fine with her body’s recovery.
If after cesarean section began yellow discharge, they may indicate the following postpartum processes:
Endometritis cannot be treated on its own: antibiotic therapy or even surgery.
It's not hard to guess that green discharge, which began after cesarean section, are explained by the presence of pus in them. It indicates the occurrence of an infectious, inflammatory process in the uterus. Only medical examination will help determine its cause and diagnose the disease.
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:
In such cases it is required bacterial culture or a vaginal smear for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
If after a cesarean section black discharge without odor or pain is observed, they should be taken as normal. They are dictated hormonal changes in the blood after childbirth. A deviation is 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 the problem that has arisen in reality. initial stage. This will make it easier to eliminate it and allow you to quickly return to normal after completing the necessary course of treatment.
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 - alarm signal about the impossibility full recovery uterus after surgery. In both cases you need to go 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 caesarean 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.
During operative delivery there is manual release placenta, in which the vessels of the placental site are exposed. 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 penetration 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 they go light discharge, only single red blood cells are found in them.
By day 21, the discharge becomes mucous and transparent.
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).
A change in volume, color, or the appearance of discharge with an odor is important sign in the diagnosis of postoperative complications.
A decrease in the volume of lochia (especially in the first days) may occur for the following reasons:
Clinical symptoms:
Diagnostic methods:
Normally, in the postoperative period, the neck should allow one finger to pass through without difficulty. At elective surgery there is a high probability of narrowing of the cervical canal and the development of true hematometra (accumulation of blood in the uterine cavity).
Conditions leading to an increase in the volume of lochia:
Reasons for such discharges:
Clinical picture:
Possible reasons:
Clinical manifestations:
Diagnostic criteria:
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.
Maintaining good hygiene is an important condition in the prevention of postoperative complications.
The following rules must be adhered to:
It is necessary to use gels for intimate hygiene, or baby soap. It is advisable to use soap without aromatic additives or fragrances;
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).
Important conditions for the physiological course of the postpartum period are:
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, when inflammatory processes the 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, and also observe necessary rules hygiene.
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 being 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 ache, and 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 are excreted through the genital tract along with blood. 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. First, they darken, acquiring a brown tint, and become serous-sanguineous, 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:
To avoid all sorts of postpartum complications, after a cesarean 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:
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
Every woman who has recently become a mother wonders how long there's blood coming out after caesarean section. And not in vain, because by the duration, its color and quantity, an experienced doctor can judge the general postpartum condition of the woman in labor.
A caesarean section is a surgical procedure in which the baby is delivered through an incision in the uterus and the placenta is then removed. It should be noted that such an operation is, first of all, birth process, the consequence of which is lochia - postpartum discharge. Very often, women in labor compare them with intense periods.
The first 2-3 days after the baby is born by caesarean section postpartum hemorrhage reminiscent of red menstruation with clots, but more intense than usual. In this case, the amount of lochia reaches up to 500 ml per day. After 5-7 days, such bleeding acquires medium intensity and a brownish tint. Then the lochia looks like scanty spotting menstruation, gradually giving way to normal transparent discharge who accompanied the woman before childbirth. This means that the uterine lining has already fully recovered after the birth process and pregnancy.
How much blood flows after a cesarean section depends on the complexity of the operation and the postoperative period, as well as on the individual characteristics of the woman in labor, but most often this condition accompanies the woman for 1.5-2 months after the birth of the baby.
Lochia can be normal and pathological. Celebrate the following types pathological discharge:
Lochiometra is a sharp decrease or complete cessation of lochia, accompanied by pain in the uterine area, elevated body temperature and chills. Bleeding is characterized by a constant bright red color of the lochia 3-4 days after surgery or a repeated change in the color of the discharge, for example, it was red, then turned brown, and after a certain period - red again.
The term “endothermite” refers to inflammation of the uterus. This condition is characterized by lochia yellow tint with an unpleasant odor, and elevated temperature body, pain in the uterus and pus in the lochia, general weakness and fatigue.
Sometimes, due to the use of antibiotics after surgery, a woman in labor develops thrush. This condition is also characterized by itching in the external genitalia.
If, after the operation, the cesarean discharge ends earlier than a month and a half later or continues to occur for more than 10 weeks, but the number, color and smell of lochia are normal, then there is no need to sound the alarm. This phenomenon is most likely due to the characteristics of the woman’s body, although it would be useful to inform the doctor about this. 
Black discharge immediately after childbirth, which is not accompanied by pain and an unpleasant odor, is provoked by hormonal changes in the postpartum period, so they should be taken as normal. But if such a phenomenon appeared some time after surgical intervention, you should immediately consult a doctor.
A young mother should consult a doctor as soon as possible if she discovers the following symptoms:
In addition, you need to visit a doctor if lochia is accompanied by an unpleasant odor reminiscent of rotten fish. This condition may indicate the development of dysbiosis in the vagina.
In addition to the characteristics of the body of a particular woman in labor, other factors also influence the duration of lochia:
It is noteworthy that in summer the discharge lasts longer than in winter. In addition, the more the uterus has enlarged, the longer it will take to contract. The absence of lactation also has an effect, during which uterine contractions are less intense and, as a result, the lochia period lengthens. 
The presence of small pieces of fetal membranes in the uterus prevents the organ from contracting fully, which also leads to an extension of the period of postpartum discharge.
The structure of the uterus affects the duration of lochia in this way: organ regular form will shrink faster than with bends and abnormal morphology.
To prevent pathological discharge, it is necessary not to neglect the rules of personal hygiene, to give preference to clothing made of cotton fabric, and not to start intimate life earlier than 45 days after birth.
If the patient has complaints related to postpartum discharge, the doctor immediately conducts a thorough gynecological examination and appoints general analysis blood to determine the level of hemoglobin, deviations from the norm indicate pathology, in particular, indicate bleeding. Additionally, an ultrasound is prescribed to detect placental remains in the uterine cavity of the woman in labor.
During the postpartum period, it is necessary to pay attention not only to how long the discharge lasts, but also to its intensity, color and smell. This will help to notice the appearance of pathological lochia in time. In matters relating to the health of a woman who has recently learned the joy of motherhood, it is better to play it safe.
