c-section question

[cuffyj1]

I had emergency c-section just over 3 wk ago and i'm still ocasionally bleeding down below and my wound started leaking slightly yesterday, since i came out of hospital i haven't really taken it easy like they recommend (have been pushing pushchair) is this normal or could i have done some damage inside? I feel fine otherwise. Not in any pain other than what you'd expect. (not that i know what to expect)

Also, is there really the need to wear these annoying blood clot stockings for 6 weeks. Did anyone stop wearing them sooner?

Ive had 2 cections so far. Only had to waer the socks whilst in Hospital. Scar will weep a bit in first weeks or so but im sure mine didnt at 3 weeks but you are not taking it easy so you will take longer to heal. Pushing a pram should be fine as long as not a double but hoovering is a no no. Also limit the times you go up and down stairs as this restricts the healing too.

REST REST REST REST REST. It wont do the baby or you any good if you take longer to get better. Many Congrats by the way

My mw said i had to wear stockings for 6 wk!

I bled vaginally like the proverbial pig for about 3 weeks, but then it would seem that I'm just a bleeder. You may be too.

I didn't wear the stockings outside hospital either.

If you are in any doubt as to the progress of things, can you call yourcommunity midwife to come and have a look?

I had 2 em Cs and it really takes it out of you, all that hoisting around and rummaging and what not, do remember to take it easy

I didn't wear stockings outside of hospital either. I would get the scar looked at, I don't think it should do that after 3 weeks, best to be safe.

I never had stockings at all. The spinal wore off really quickly and I was told to move my legs as much as poss and get out of bed 2 hours after all the feeling came back.

You need to rest! Congrats

never had a c section but i am a nurse specialist in wound care. Agree with what has already been said. You should be pretty much healed by now so you have probably overdone it. What colour is what is leaking and do you have any redness around the scar area. If what is leaking is a bit cloudy, yellow or at all smelly you need to see you gp, otherwise just REST UP!!

Re: the stockings. I agree that they are hideous and uncomfortable. However... because I have a clotting disorder during pregnancy, I asked for regular blood tests during the few weeks post-partum. I was taking anti-coagulants at the time and wanted to be sure that it was necessary, since my platelet count had been well within normal range during the pregnancy itself.

The first blood test (probably a week post-Caesarean) was a total shock. My platelet count was sky high. I got an emergency appointment with the GP, who seemed similarly concerned and had me do another test while he spoke to a consultant haematologist. The next blood test, the platelet count was even higher. The consultant haemotologist, however, said that as long as I was on the heparin, I wouldn't clot / get a DVT.

When I discussed this with my usual GP at the six week (actually closer to eight week) check, I asked if this was because of my personal clottiness or was this a common profile of the blood chemistry of a post-operative woman. She said she didn't know because there is no research on the subject.

So. While those stockings are pretty nasty, I wouldn't underestimate what's going on in your bloodstream. Keeping ambulant, not crossing your legs are both pretty important too.

My platelet count didn't return to normal until around the five - six week mark.

Incidentally, I was still bleeding lightly five weeks post-partum. But that may have been because of the anti-coagulants.

I wasn't even given any stockings! No one mentionned them! What have I missed!?! I bled alot for a good month or so. My scar leaked a bit & the midwife did a swab to get it checked. So yes, you should get it checked just in case.

Congratulations & get plenty of help so you can rest.

I didn't have to wear stockings at all

Like other people on this thread, I only had to wear stockings for 2 days in hospital. Seems a bit odd that you've been told to wear them for longer - is there a special reason for this?

I think bleeding for several weeks is common, whatever sort of birth you've had. I bled for about 4 weeks, like a bad period at the beginning but the last 2 weeks were very light.

Your wound leaking is more worrying and I would get this checked out by your GP.

i took the stockings off as soon as i was up and walking about (in hospital). bled on and off for about 6 weeks, but never had anything from the wound once the stitches were removed - it was healed on the outside after a couple of weeks - does sound like you should get it checked out.

thanks for all the comments i'll get the wound checked out.

Cuffy - I Had CS 8 wks ago, its interesting reding I didnt have to wear them stocking thingys!

ANYWAY - I had what you describe at the same time as you and got antibiotics. I also don't think my MW was clear enough about what i should and shouldn't do i can't help feeling that I should be better than what I am had i not done certain things. (I fluid rentention and aching in most of joints)

My advice is even if you feel well enough to do something don't do it resist resist resist. (Or maybe i expect too much of my body)

Best wishes and get some air to your wound!

Sorry thats all sounds jumbled.
I think i did too much cos no-one was clear enough with me what/when I should do stuff but i dont know if its me expecting too much of myself.

Fluid rentention seperate issue & !!

I had a swab taken from my slightly weepy wound mostly because I had noticed a slight odour and it was infected, so keep an eye out for that. I also bled lochia for about 5 weeks, getting lighter most of the time, but it did get much heavier if I did too much so the midwife said its generally a sign to slow down a bit.

With regard to the stockings, in the hospital I was told it would only be for 2 days or so, but then my community midwife said it's really important to wear them until you are as active as before pregnancy or at least 4 weeks. They really help the blood return from your legs to your heart and that's really important especially if you feel you are doing a whole lot of sitting on the sofa feeding - like I was. I know they are not comfy, I had to wear mine throughout a very hot August, but I cut the toes off which helped a lot!!! Keep it up with the stockings as long as you can then get rid of them gladly!

thanks to everyone for the advice. i've been to docs, he looked at it said it didn't look too bad but he's given me antibiotics just in case.