When to Seek Medical Care

Watch for complications and contact a health care provider or go to the hospital if severe problems develop. 

• If damage to the bladder occurred during surgery, an abnormal discharge from a catheter placed in the bladder may be noticed and come through the genital area or the abdominal wall. This catheter will be removed at a later visit when the bladder has healed and urination is occurring. Pain or difficulty with urination may suggest an infection of the bladder.



• If infection of the fetal tissues or the uterine lining is present, care must be taken in noting the type of discharge from the vagina (abnormal or bad smelling) and whether a fever is present.



• Worsening abdominal pain, especially when infection of the uterus or tissues of conception is present, may mean a worsening or new infection. Vomiting and an inability to keep down fluids associated with abdominal pain may suggest an unrecognized intestinal injury from surgery.



• Vaginal bleeding after cesarean delivery, as with a vaginal delivery, should gradually decrease in the days following delivery. A sudden increase in vaginal bleeding should be checked by a doctor.



• Call a doctor if urinating is difficult or painful.  



• Use home care with a surgical incision, and call a doctor if redness spreads around the wound or an abnormal discharge is coming from it; this may signal an infection.

• Fever with abdominal pain

• Separation of the wound edges, blood and fluid loss, or both

• Severe increase in vaginal bleeding

• Inability to keep down fluids

• Abnormal, foul-smelling vaginal discharge

• Inability to urinate