Is a Slight Fever and Muscle Pain Normal Five Weeks After a C-Section?
I am a 27-year-old woman, currently five weeks postpartum following an emergency cesarean section. I previously dealt with preeclampsia, which thankfully resolved after childbirth. Recently, I have been experiencing body aches, persistent fatigue, and increased soreness in my abdominal muscles after having a pain-free period that lasted one and a half weeks. Over the past few days, my fatigue has intensified, which I initially attributed to the heat, the demands of caring for a newborn recently discharged from the NICU, and managing my active toddler, along with additional housework I did yesterday. However, today I noticed that my temperature is elevated, reading 99.6°F, and I'm experiencing severe muscle discomfort near my incision site. Although my incision seems to be healing well with no redness, swelling, discharge, or any unpleasant odor, the muscle pain is concerning. I’m keeping hydrated since I exclusively pump milk and am trying to rest whenever possible. My blood pressure is low at 93/72, but I feel okay otherwise. I'm wondering if this could indicate an infection or if it simply could be a summer-related illness. I reached out to my obstetrician and left a message three hours ago, but I have yet to hear back.
Answers (1)
6/22/2025, 10:10:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
Experiencing a slight fever and muscle pain five weeks postpartum can be concerning, especially following a C-section. It's important to listen to your body and consider how you're feeling overall.
Key Points:
- While some discomfort is normal after surgery, an increased fever and worsening muscle pain can signal the need for further evaluation.
- Symptoms like persistent fatigue, muscle discomfort, and low blood pressure should be monitored closely, particularly given your recent history with preeclampsia, which requires careful postpartum management.
Explanation:
Your body undergoes significant changes after childbirth, and recovery, particularly after a C-section, can vary from person to person. A low-grade fever (like 99.6°F) can potentially indicate mild inflammation or, in contrast, the early signs of a possible infection. The muscle discomfort near your incision site can be due to healing but should not be overlooked, particularly if it's increasing in severity. Your low blood pressure reading of 93/72 could be influenced by factors like hydration and exhaustion, but staying mindful of it is vital.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your temperature, muscle pain, and any other symptoms (like fatigue or changes around the incision site). Note if the pain or temperature rises.
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Hydrate and Rest: Continue to stay well-hydrated and prioritize rest whenever you can. Caring for a newborn and a toddler can be draining, so make sure to take breaks as needed.
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Topical Care: Consider gentle heat on the sore area if it feels soothing, but avoid tight-fitting clothing around your incision that could add discomfort.
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Stay in Touch: Since you've already reached out to your obstetrician, follow up if you don’t get a response within the next day. If your symptoms worsen (e.g., increased fever, severe pain, weakness, or any new symptoms) before hearing back, be ready to seek immediate medical attention.
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Plan for Self-Care: As the demands on you are significant with a newborn and a toddler, seek help from family or friends when possible. Having support can provide essential rest and recovery time.
Take care, and remember that it's okay to ask for help during this busy and challenging postpartum period.
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