When to worry about fever after birth with caesarean wound infection

An infected caesarean incision may become increasingly tender, warm, red or swollen. Fluid, pus, an unpleasant smell, separation of the wound edges or worsening pain can also occur. Fever may occur with chills, feeling unwell or a fast heartbeat. Fever after birth can have other causes, so the wound findings and the wider postpartum picture help a clinician decide what needs treatment.

Call the maternity unit, obstetric team or surgeon the same day and describe your temperature, wound appearance, pain, discharge and general condition. Keep the incision clean and dry according to your discharge instructions, wash your hands before touching it, and do not squeeze or open the wound. Have your medicines and allergy details ready. A clinician may examine the incision and decide whether treatment or wound care is needed.

Seek urgent medical help for rapidly spreading redness, severe wound pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, confusion, breathing difficulty, chest pain or inability to keep fluids down. Go without delay if the wound opens widely or you feel suddenly much worse. Arrange prompt review even when the fever is mild if the incision is changing or draining.

Ask whether the incision needs a swab, dressing or antibiotics, how to wash and cover it, which pain relief is suitable while breastfeeding, and which changes mean you should return. Ask when the wound should be checked again.