Stages of Pregnancy Slideshow Pictures Slideshow of Early Pregnancy Symptoms Early Pregnancy Symptoms Quiz

Medical Author:

Harish M Sehdev, MD

Coauthor:

Ram Duriseti, MD

Medical Editor:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

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Exams and Tests

A health care provider may assess the following conditions after a cesarean section:

• Examine the surgical incision for infection.

• Check to see if the wound has separated (possibly just on the surface).

• Assess for infection of the uterus and abnormal amounts of vaginal bleeding.

• Make sure the bladder or the kidneys are not infected.

• Make sure severe anemia is not present from delivery-related blood loss.

• Make sure there is no evidence suggesting a clot in the deep veins that is either localized or has moved to the lungs.

• Conduct a pelvic examination.

• Order further evaluation with blood tests, uterine cultures, urine tests, and imaging.