What should be the discharge after caesarean section?

The rehabilitation period resulting from caesarean has several characteristics. Like any operation, which is associated with a cut of tissues and blood vessels, caesarean section is characterized by some blood loss. Average blood loss during labor is 250 ml, which is easily restored. And as a result of caesarean it is on average from half a liter to one liter of blood. Accordingly, the body becomes more difficult to replenish it, because the woman is recommended a special rehabilitation after cesarean section.

After the operation, the uterus contracts more slowly than after the natural birth, because it undergoes a surgical procedure. As a result, there is a process of subinvolution, which requires a special therapeutic recovery, starting from the second day after childbirth.

There are discharges after cesarean section, as it happens after natural birth. However, they have a slightly different specifics. We need to understand it.

Women characterize these discharges as copious monthly after cesarean section. They are called lochia (dead microparticles of endometrial tissue, which were formed as a result of detachment of the placenta). Typically, this kind of discharge within five to six days is a bright red color. When after the birth takes about a week, the nature of the discharge changes: they become not so abundant and acquire a dark brown color.

As a rule, the amount of discharge after childbirth is difficult to determine. It depends on how the uterus contraction will take place, and also on the specifics of the passage of the pregnancy and childbirth itself.

As a rule, discharge after caesarean section has a slightly puffy smell, which passes through a couple of days. This is under normal conditions of the course of recovery. When the aroma does not disappear, but on the contrary becomes more intense and smells of rot, you need to urgently go to the gynecologist. The same should be done when the discharge remains bloody and scarlet for several weeks.

In modern maternity homes, it is recommended to use special postnatal pads to absorb secretions. This is due to the fact that the usual hygiene for such abundant bleeding discharge is not entirely suitable. And it is necessary to use gaskets, not tampons. This is necessary in order for the lochia to leave. And with the use of tampons, this process slows down considerably.

Remember that the faster the uterus shrinks, the faster the lochia stops. This is also important because these secretions contain a microbial flora, which is the direct causative agent of inflammation. It is important to wash with warm water or herbal decoctions during the day (after each visit to the restroom), without using hygienic products with flavors and dyes. The use of potassium permanganate is not recommended today. It can cause a mucous burn. It is strictly forbidden to douche in order to speed up the process of leochin washout. What is important is that after giving birth, when there are still discharges after cesarean section, you can not take a bath - just a warm shower.

Concerning the resumption of sexual relations, gynecologists are advised to abstain, even if the discharge already has a brown tinge. It is best to do this only after a gynecological examination. Then everything will be clear, and the condition of the body will be more stable.

Remember that the discharge after caesarean section within a month ceases altogether. Otherwise, it will not be superfluous to contact a specialist. The consultation will protect you from all sorts of unpleasant consequences, which after such an operation can be many.