What is normal discharge after cesarean section? Lochia and discharge after cesarean section

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.

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 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.

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.

“Normal” discharge after cesarean section

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 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, not always postpartum period goes smoothly, especially after a caesarean 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.
• Discharge lasts more than 8 weeks, At the same time, they do not become thin and do not change color. If the uterus contracts poorly, bleeding may 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 it, and empty it regularly bladder and intestines, 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 easy recovery and good health!

Especially forTanya Kivezhdiy

After childbirth, a woman’s body begins to adapt to new conditions under which it tries to return to its original state. IN this period there is a decrease in the size of the uterus, contraction of the vaginal muscles, production of colostrum, and then breast milk, stabilization hormonal levels. Also in the early postpartum period, a woman develops lochia.

Postpartum lochia- uterine discharge from the vagina, consisting of shaped elements blood, plasma, dead cells and mucus. They help in cleansing the uterine cavity from various substances, which formed in it during the period of bearing a child.

Causes of lochia

During pregnancy, the placenta functions in the female body, which is tightly attached to the uterine endometrium. It promotes breathing, nutrition and protection of the unborn child. After the birth of the baby, the placenta loses its significance and is released from the uterine cavity in the form of an afterbirth. Due to this, a bleeding wound is formed on the inner surface of the uterine cavity.

Lochia after childbirth is the result of the healing process of the endometrium of the uterus. They contain dead epithelial cells, red blood cells, leukocytes, platelets and blood plasma. In the process of leaving the uterine cavity, the secretions of the glands of the cervix and vagina join the lochia.

Over time, the exposed vessels of the uterine epithelium thrombose, bleeding from them stops, therefore the number of formed elements in the lochia decreases (red blood cells, leukocytes, platelets). Thus, these secretions have two main functions - regeneration of the endometrium and cleansing of the remains of the placenta and amniotic bladder.

Duration of lochia

The duration of lochia depends on a number of factors:

• fetal weight (a large baby leads to severe stretching of the uterus, so it takes longer to recover);
• volume of amniotic fluid (its large number contributes to greater damage to the endometrium);
• number of births (with repeated births, uterine restoration occurs faster);
• the appearance of infection (during the inflammatory process, the duration of lochia increases);
• physiological characteristics of the woman (some women in labor have good blood clotting, so lochia lasts for a much shorter period of time);
• type of delivery (if natural childbirth the discharge does not last as long as during a caesarean section);
• lactation (breastfeeding promotes rapid regeneration of the uterine epithelium).

The duration of lochia secretion is an individual indicator; on average, they last for one month. However, normally after natural childbirth and in the absence of complications, these discharges should not be observed for more than 45 days.

The average duration of lochia after cesarean section is one and a half months. Their maximum duration in healthy women should not exceed 60 days.

Attention! If lochia is observed longer than a month and a half after a natural birth or more than 60 days with a cesarean section, the woman should consult a gynecologist.

Lochia lasting more than 1.5 months (for caesarean section more than 2 months) causes a lack of hemoglobin - anemia. Because of it, a woman may experience symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, loss of appetite, taste disturbances, and decreased milk secretion. Anemia in a nursing mother leads to a lack of hemoglobin in the child.

Prolonged lochia may be a consequence of insufficient contractile activity of the uterus or problems in the blood coagulation system. Both pathological conditions require adjustment with drug therapy.

However, if the lochia ends in 2 weeks or faster, there is a possibility of incomplete cleansing of the uterine cavity. This syndrome can lead to purulent inflammation due to the proliferation of pathogenic flora. Therefore, if the discharge quickly ends in the postpartum period, a woman needs to consult a specialist.

What doctors say:

Characteristics of normal lochia

At different time periods of the postpartum period, uterine discharge changes its color and composition three times:

Red lochia.

They are observed for 3-5 days after birth. The volume of red, abundant uterine discharge in the first 5 hours from the birth of the baby should not exceed 400 milliliters. During this time period, the woman is under the supervision of a doctor. 5-8 hours after the baby is born, late pregnancy begins postpartum period. During it, lochia flows abundantly, has a bright red tint, has a specific “rotten” smell, and contains a large number of red blood cells and blood plasma. These uterine discharges are observed for another 3-4 days; they cause the woman in labor some discomfort due to their abundance.

Serous lochia.

They are usually released from 5 to 12 days from the moment of birth. Serous lochia changes its color from scarlet to brown or brown. The volume of discharge is noticeably reduced, and it ceases to cause severe inconvenience. Lochia is dominated by immune cells- leukocytes. Serous uterine discharge does not have a strong odor.

White lochia.

Discharge after 10-14 days from the moment the child is born noticeably decreases in quantity, the woman almost does not notice it. In this period, lochia becomes more transparent, has a whitish or slightly yellow tint, and is not accompanied by an odor. Gradually, the uterine discharge begins to “smear” and then disappears completely.

Differences between lochia and menstruation after childbirth

Some women mistake lochia for menstrual bleeding because they look similar. At the beginning, both types of vaginal discharge have the same scarlet appearance, but over time their character becomes different.

Menstruation lasts about 7 days, while lochia can last up to two months. Menstrual bleeding always has a red or brown tint and may be accompanied by the appearance of clots. Initially, the lochia have a scarlet tint, but over time they become brown, pinkish, then whitish.

During lochia, the uterus decreases in size due to its contractile function; upon examination, the doctor sees a narrowing of its cervix. During menstrual bleeding, the organ swells and swells, and cervical canal is expanding.

Also, these discharges differ in the time of appearance. Lochia begins immediately after childbirth, menstrual bleeding occurs at the moment when the hubbub of “breastfeeding” - prolactin - drops in the blood.

The secretion of prolactin is a natural contraception during the postpartum period. The hormone promotes milk synthesis and blocks ovulation. As soon as a mother stops breastfeeding, the amount of prolactin in the blood decreases. This leads to the resumption of the cycle and the appearance menstrual bleeding. If for some reason a woman does not start breastfeeding, menstruation begins immediately after the cessation of lochia.

Pathological lochia

When releasing lochia, some women experience deviations from the norm. This phenomenon contributes to the development of certain diseases and syndromes. If unusual uterine discharge occurs, the mother is advised to consult a gynecologist.

Lochiometra is a pathology in which uterine discharge in the postpartum period stops within 1-2 weeks. This disease occurs due to a violation of the contractile activity of the uterus or the appearance of an obstacle to the outflow of lochia. Its main symptom, in addition to the absence of discharge, is pain syndrome in the lower abdomen. The danger of a lochiometer is that the pathology does not clean the uterine cavity, as a result of which inflammation can begin in it.

Bleeding occurs due to the presence of pathologies of the blood coagulation system, disruption of the contractile activity of the uterus, and the appearance of neoplasms. Against the background of this syndrome, a lack of hemoglobin develops, internal organs, especially the brain.

Endometritis is an inflammatory disease of the internal uterine epithelium. With this pathology, lochia becomes purulent in nature, and their number can increase sharply. Endometritis is accompanied general symptoms intoxication: increased body temperature, weakness, sweating. Also, with the disease, pain in the lower abdomen and discomfort in the external genital area may be observed.

Is frequent illness postpartum period due to decreased immunity. With candidiasis, lochia becomes abundant and looks like cottage cheese. Quite often fungal disease accompanied by itching in the external genital area and pain during urination.

Parametrite - infectious inflammation periuterine tissue, caused by pathogenic microorganisms. This disease is acute, the woman notes the appearance of fever, weakness, abdominal pain, increased sweating, dizziness. Lochia with parametritis increases in volume, blood clots and pus may be observed in them.

If the nature of lochia changes, if it stops quickly or, on the contrary, if it lasts for a long time, you should consult a doctor.

• Distinctive Features
• Deadlines
• Lochia character
• Hue
• Quantity

Regardless of how the birth took place (through surgery or naturally), inner shell(mucous) uterus is required 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 issues- 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 the deadlines that fit into the norm will allow you to control the present menstrual cycle, which should improve soon.

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, 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 course of 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, 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.

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 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.

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 purulent discharge, which are the first symptom of endometrium (inflammation of the uterine lining). They are usually yellowish-green in color, have a very unpleasant smell and are accompanied by elevated temperature(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 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 an additional examination to find out if everything is okay with her body’s recovery.

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, putrid smell 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.

Green

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.

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 black discharge without odor or pain is observed, they should be taken as normal. They are dictated by 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 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.

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 - alarm signal about the impossibility of full restoration of the 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. Almost always this ends with a course of treatment with antibiotics, which is very undesirable during lactation, or another surgical intervention.

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

During the first week, the discharge is red with a musty smell. They are associated with the contractile activity of the uterus, during which the remains of the placenta and blood are released from it. Number of discharges per day should not exceed 100 ml. Increased blood flow is facilitated by walking, physical activity, and breastfeeding. This is due to increased contractility of the uterus. Such discharge resembles heavy periods after a cesarean section.

After a week, the nature of the discharge changes, it becomes darker and browner. Their number decreases sharply due to the fact that the uterus has taken its original position and contractions do not occur. However, they last much longer and end by the fourth week after cesarean section.

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

On the amount and duration of discharge healthy woman influenced by a number of factors:

1. The physical condition of the woman. If the mother regularly exercises, vaginal discharge will stop much faster.
2. The woman's condition after the operation. Increased activity and constant walking help reduce the duration of discharge.
3. Breastfeeding a baby. This act promotes the release of hormones that increase uterine contractions.
4. Frequency of urination. Normal uterine contraction is possible only if the bladder is not full. If a woman rarely goes to the toilet and holds back her urine, the duration of the discharge increases.

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

Yellow discharge after caesarean section

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

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

• Pain in the lower abdomen and perineum;
• Discharge after cesarean section with a putrid odor;
• Increased body temperature;
• Deterioration general condition.

Also, during a cesarean section, the infection could penetrate into the large gland of the vestibule of the vagina. Yellow discharge is observed if slight pressure is applied to the excretory duct of the gland. Discharge often appears while walking or after taking a shower. In such situations, the woman unknowingly puts pressure on the excretory duct, as a result, a yellow mark remains on the underwear. Distinctive feature The disease is a slight deterioration in general condition (weakness, drowsiness, fatigue).

Upon examination, the gynecologist discovers an increase in the size of the uterus, soft consistency and pain on palpation, and an open canal of the cervix. Endometritis is caused by infection during delivery.

Brown discharge after cesarean section

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

The cause of bleeding after cesarean section is uterine suture dehiscence. In addition to the duration of the discharge brown, bleeding can be suspected based on the woman’s general condition:

1. Pale skin;
2. Lethargy, fatigue, drowsiness;
3. Heaviness while walking, especially on steps;
4. Increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, increased respiratory rate.

If the doctor notices a woman’s disturbed condition, he prescribes general analysis blood, which confirms the presence of bleeding (decrease in the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin). Ultrasound also helps diagnose the complication, which determines the location of the suture and its condition. Seam divergence occurs for a number of reasons:

• Increased contractile activity of the uterus, which is caused by constant breastfeeding or the administration of medications;
• Physical activity of a woman in the first days after cesarean section, lifting weights;
• Failure of surgeons to comply with surgical tactics or use of low-quality suture material.

Tactics for dealing with discharge after caesarean section

After a cesarean section, a woman needs to monitor her discharge. Doctors do not recommend using regular pads, as they make it difficult to monitor the amount of blood released, and they are not suitable due to increased bleeding. Tampons in postoperative period A woman is prohibited from using them, as bleeding will continue much longer with them.

A woman must regularly observe the rules of personal hygiene:

1. Wash yourself at least twice a day;
2. The frequency of shower visits may increase depending on the number of visits to the toilet; it is imperative to wash yourself after defecation;
3. For washing, use warm water to which herbal decoctions (chamomile, calendula) are added;
4. Bathing is not recommended for prevention inflammatory diseases and reducing the duration and amount of bleeding;
5. Do not use shower gels or soaps as they have irritating effect and cause allergies.

There is no need to be afraid of discharge after a caesarean section, as this is a normal condition. However, it is necessary to monitor them, their nature and quantity, and in case of an unpleasant odor or deterioration of the general condition, immediately contact a gynecologist. A woman’s discharge after a cesarean section, how long it lasts, also depends on her compliance with all the obstetrician’s recommendations.

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

Menstruation after cesarean section

Often a woman may confuse menstruation with pathological discharge after caesarean section.

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

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

It is necessary to worry about menstruation if, after stopping breastfeeding, menstruation does not occur within three months, as well as if the cycle has not been restored within six months after the first menstruation. It is recommended for a woman to consult a doctor if there is an unpleasant smell of discharge or spotting bruises before and after menstruation.

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

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

27-06-2006, 08:16

I had my second cesarean section. The discharge after the operation ended after three weeks.
Now, at the baby’s two months, I suddenly began to stretch my lower back, like during menstruation, and for several days now I’ve been discovering that there are literally two drops of pink-bloody discharge per day.:005:
It doesn’t look like menstruation, since the discharge is too scanty, and we are also at full breastfeeding, which also reduces the likelihood of such early menstruation, although it does not exclude it.
It’s clear that I need to get an ultrasound and see a doctor... For now, I want to ask: should I really start to be afraid? Has anyone had anything like this? What did the doctors say?

Caesarean section is an abdominal operation that is performed when spontaneous childbirth is not possible. Regardless of whether natural or surgical childbirth, after the birth of a child, the mother begins to discharge - lochia. Why do they appear, how long do they last and how to take care of yourself during this period?

Why is there discharge after a caesarean section?

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

After abdominal surgery, the uterus is damaged and time is needed to restore its internal mucous membrane. The healing process is accompanied by postpartum discharge (lochia), consisting of mucus, blood and dead epithelium. During the healing process, the shade, structure and volume of the discharge changes. The same thing happens during natural childbirth, only the recovery period is faster.

Video - caesarean section. School of Doctor Komarovsky

Discharge after abdominal surgery

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

1. Vaginal discharge is most abundant in the first week and has a rich red color. They resemble regular periods, but in a much larger volume. Walking, breastfeeding, and changing body position increase blood flow. For the first five days after surgery bleeding about 500 ml is considered normal.
2. Then the lochia darkens and acquires a brown tint. The appearance of clots is a normal phenomenon associated with the low mobility of the woman in labor. The discharge is characterized by a specific odor similar to iron.
3. By the fourth week, the discharge becomes dark brown and its volume decreases significantly. They become scanty and smearing.
4. By 2.5 months, the discharge becomes transparent and mucous. They do not cause any inconvenience and are odorless.

At what stage the discharge will change color, composition and volume depends on individual characteristics woman who gave birth. But they should start with red, turn brown, and end with mucous and transparent discharge.

Active contraction of the uterus affects the intensity of discharge in initial days after the birth of the child. During abdominal surgery, muscle fibers are damaged, which makes contraction much more difficult. To stimulate uterine contractions, it is recommended to lie on your stomach as often as possible, empty your bladder regularly, and put your baby to your breast as required. Sucking milk increases uterine contractions, accompanied by painful sensations lower abdomen.

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

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

No doctor can tell you the exact numbers for the beginning and end of postpartum discharge. But there are average statistics that need to be compared to and if deviations are detected, immediately consult a doctor.

Pathological discharge

The reason for contacting a specialist may be: a sudden cessation of discharge just a few days after birth, the appearance of an unpleasant odor, a change in the composition of the discharge, or the appearance of itching. The reasons for certain changes are presented in the table.

Deviation Cause Change in the smell of discharge Endometritis A sharp increase in the amount of discharge Hypotonic bleeding An abrupt cessation of discharge Bend of the uterus Burning, cheesy discharge Candidiasis

Change in smell of discharge

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

A sharp increase in the volume of discharge

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

Abrupt cessation of discharge

The immediate end of postpartum lochia indicates a possible bending of the uterus. In this case, there is a disruption in the outflow of secretions from the uterus, leading to their stagnation. If not treated promptly, this leads to inflammation or endometritis.

Curdled discharge and itching

Unpleasant sensations in the vagina, itching, burning, changes in the structure of discharge indicate thrush. Its development may be associated with improper hygiene of the woman who gave birth or the use of antibiotics.

Hygiene after caesarean section

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

At home, regular washing should be continued until the discharge becomes colorless, approximately 8 weeks. It is forbidden to take a bath, douche or conduct sex life until permission is received from the gynecologist. It is possible to resume your previous life only after the final restoration of the uterus and the cessation of spotting.

Menstruation after cesarean section

After the birth of a child, the female body begins to produce the hormone prolactin, which blocks the development of follicles in the ovaries and stimulates milk production. At breastfeeding Menstruation usually occurs within 6–7 months; with active feeding, it can occur within a year. At artificial feeding Your period comes in 2–3 months. At first they are irregular, and then the cycle is restored.

Postpartum discharge lasts for every woman different quantities time, but usually do not exceed 1.5 months. Following personal hygiene rules and regularly changing pads prevent infection. Feeding the baby on demand and lying on his stomach stimulate uterine contractions. Compliance with doctors' instructions will help you overcome the recovery period with ease.

It is important to closely monitor the discharge and if an unpleasant odor appears, a sharp increase or stops, consult a gynecologist for advice.

Discharge after a cesarean section appears the same as after a natural birth. A large number of women who are about to undergo such a delivery mistakenly believe that the entire recovery period consists of completely tightening the sutures on the abdomen and cleaning the uterine cavity and vagina. But that's not true! After all, during a caesarean section, an obstetrician-gynecologist helps the baby to be born, as well as the placenta. But the doctor does not scrape the uterus to remove the endometrium. Since in itself this is a very traumatic procedure and quite pointless. This is because a woman’s body is physiologically designed to get rid of excess epithelium, which will subsequently interfere with the functioning of the reproductive system. The only thing a woman should know is the amount of normal discharge and the number of days it lasts (again, normal).

Bloody discharge - normal or pathological

So, in the first week after delivery by cesarean section, lochia is released from the woman’s uterus. That is, these are blood clots of a fairly rich red color. It is this kind of discharge that fits the description of healthy and normal. If a woman begins to breastfeed, she releases oxytocin. This is a hormone that provokes active contractions of the uterus, which leads to increased pain and, accordingly, leads to increased bleeding. And during the period of active physical activity, you just need to take the baby in your arms, the bloody discharge will become quite abundant.

Gradually, on the fifth to seventh day after a cesarean section, vaginal discharge becomes quite scanty. At the end of the separation of the endometrium from the uterus, the discharge will be spotty and thick. Don't worry if the discharge lasts for several weeks. If a young mother feeds the baby with formula, then the uterus will contract even more intensely and, as a result, will recover completely within a week or two. At the end of the month after a cesarean section, the discharge will become transparent and quite light. That is, a woman can see some kind of mucus on the pad, but without blood. Normally, in a healthy woman, the discharge will turn into regular leucorrhoea.

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

Also, if a woman experiences heavy bleeding that lasts for a long period of time, then this is alarming symptom. This means that the uterus does not contract at all. And if you see green or yellow clots in the discharge, then urgently contact medical institution. This should also be done if the woman smells a putrid, disgusting odor from the discharge; heavy discharge The temperature rose and the heart rate began to increase. In this case, we can assume that it started inflammatory process endometrium, surgical suture or doctors who performed the operation carelessly and forgot a cotton swab or any other foreign substance inside the abdominal cavity foreign object. It is also worth noting that with significant physical activity A woman’s sutures may come apart and, as a result, quite heavy bleeding may begin.

Discharge one week after cesarean section

IN medical practice There are cases when a woman’s discharge suddenly stops after childbirth, and then resumes again. In this case, the woman needs to have an ultrasound of the pelvic organs. Cases cannot be ruled out when the placenta may linger in a woman’s uterus. And if pieces of the placenta remain in a woman’s uterus, they begin to rot and ultimately block the natural process of detachment of the endometrium from the uterus. In this case, a woman may notice an increase in body temperature, yellow or greenish uterine discharge, a significant increase in bleeding, as well as severe pain both in the lower abdomen and in the ovarian area. The only option for resolving this problem is surgical cleansing or curettage of the uterus. Any anti-inflammatory drug measures can only give a temporary effect.

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

Menstruation after cesarean section

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

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

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

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.

C-section

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 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.

Discharge after surgery

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.

Duration

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. Unpleasant smell 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. These can last quite a long time and are normal. The only exceptions are those cases when the mucus becomes green tint and an unpleasant odor.

Possible deviations

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 time also increases. In this condition, it is necessary to urgently see a specialist.

Recovery after caesarean section

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 of breastfeeding

Sometimes, due to surgery, a woman is not allowed to feed her baby. After any surgical intervention, including caesarean section, a course is required 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. IN maternity ward everyone is watching 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 surgery, 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 is 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.

Conclusion

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.

Nowadays, many women face a cesarean section, and this is explained by the fact that the number of pregnancies with complications has increased too much. There are, of course, some expectant mothers who voluntarily choose this method of delivery, knowing from the reviews of their friends how painful the process of the natural birth of a baby is. Whatever the reasons for the decision to perform the operation, the main thing is that the little one is born healthy and that no complications arise (neither for him nor for the mother).

One of the indicators of how correctly and without complications is recovery female body after the birth of a baby, there is discharge, so when preparing to become a mother, you should definitely find out what it should be like normally. In conversation, women call them heavy periods, correctly called lochia. This is a normal physiological process in which the uterus, beginning the process of contraction, pushes out dead endometrial particles and various remnants of the placenta along with the blood flow (all this can be seen in the form of secreted lumps and blood clots). This is how the body is cleansed and restored.

Women encounter discharge no matter how the child was born, i.e. This is the norm for any type of delivery. They look like menstruation (same color blood, clots, aching pain lower abdomen), but differ in abundance and duration. Of course, this is one of the unpleasant and uncomfortable natural consequences of childbirth, so all mothers are very concerned general question: when does postpartum lochia end?

Normal duration of discharge in a woman after childbirth

Any woman needs to know how long specific discharge lasts after childbirth, at least in order to consult a doctor in a timely manner in case of deviations. After a caesarean section, the body’s recovery takes longer, and if women who gave birth naturally return to normal within a month, then for those who have undergone surgery this process is delayed by an average of six weeks. It is impossible to say exactly how long the discharge will bother you, because... it depends on the individual characteristics of the body, but if after 2 months they have not stopped, you need to urgently consult a doctor.