What to Expect

Postpartum: When to Call Your Provider

  • You have an increase in drainage from your Cesarean Section incision (wound), or if the drainage smells bad.  
  • Your Cesarean Section incision starts to pull apart or bleed.
  • You fully soak a pad with blood in less than 1 hour.
  • You have severe lower abdominal pain or cramping unrelieved with pain medicines.
  • You have a bad smelling vaginal discharge.  
  • You have an oral temperature above 101 degrees Fahrenheit, not controlled by medicine.  
  • You have swelling, pain, or redness in the calf of the leg, especially worse on one side.  
  • You have nausea and vomiting for 12 hours or more.  
  • You have painful or bloody urination.  
  • You have vision changes (blurry vision, seeing spots or stars, losing vision).
  • You develop a severe headache unrelieved by pain medicines.  
  • An area of your breast is red and sore and you have a fever or flu-like symptoms.  
  • Call 9-1-1 or report to the emergency department if you have:  
    • Sudden, severe chest pain
    • Shortness of breath

To learn more, visit the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health

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