What does fever after birth feel like with caesarean wound infection?

You may feel hot, cold, shivery, weak, or unusually tired. The caesarean wound may become more painful rather than gradually settling. Look for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, fluid, pus, an unpleasant smell, or edges that begin to separate. Some people notice reduced appetite or a faster heartbeat.

Fever after birth has several possible causes, so the symptoms need an examination. The wound appearance can be useful information, but a normal-looking surface does not rule out infection deeper in the tissues.

Take your temperature if you can and contact your maternity unit, obstetric team, or urgent medical service promptly. Keep the wound clean and dry, wash your hands before touching it, and do not squeeze it or apply unprescribed creams. Have someone help with the baby if you feel faint or unwell.

Seek urgent assessment for fever with severe or rapidly worsening pain, spreading redness, heavy bleeding, confusion, fainting, breathlessness, or a racing heartbeat. Emergency help is needed if you feel dangerously unwell or cannot stay awake.

Could the wound infection be superficial or deeper? Does the wound need a swab, imaging, drainage, or antibiotics? Which changes should prompt an immediate return? How should I clean and cover the wound at home?