Concerns About C-Section Scar One Week Postpartum
I’m a 25-year-old woman weighing 160 pounds, and I have no underlying health concerns. I underwent a C-section on August 19, 2025, marking my second such delivery; my first occurred just a year prior due to the baby being in a breech position. Thankfully, my pregnancies have been uncomplicated. However, today I discovered some blood oozing from the left side of my incision, which also seems to be more sensitive and painful than the rest. I still have the adhesive strips in place, which I was informed would naturally detach over time. Strangely, I don’t have a follow-up appointment scheduled for two weeks; instead, I’ll be seeing my doctor in six weeks. These appointments were arranged during my initial prenatal visit at UCSD, a university hospital where booking slots can be challenging. I’m unsure whether I should head to the emergency room or urgent care, or if I should attempt to make an appointment with my OB-GYN, even though they may just redirect me to their urgent care due to the lack of availability for regular appointments.
Answers (1)
8/28/2025, 10:01:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding your C-section scar one week postpartum. It's understandable to be worried, especially when noticing unexpected symptoms like bleeding and increased sensitivity.
Main Points:
- It's important to monitor your incision closely due to the recent bleeding and discomfort.
- Immediate steps to take include assessing the bleeding and pain levels to determine whether to seek further medical attention.
Explanation:
After a C-section, it’s common to experience some discomfort and changes in the incision site as it heals. However, bleeding, especially if it’s more than just spotting, can indicate a potential issue like an infection or a problem with the healing process. It’s also normal for the area around the incision to feel sensitive, but significant pain could suggest a complication.
Next Steps:
-
Assess the Bleeding: If the bleeding is minimal (like oozing), you can monitor it for a short time. If it worsens, or if you notice increased pain, swelling, or redness around the site, seek medical attention.
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Keep the Incision Clean: Gently cleanse the incision with mild soap and water to keep it clean. Pat it dry—do not rub. Avoid submerging the area until it has fully healed.
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Watch for Other Symptoms: Keep an eye out for signs of infection like fever, increasing pain, or discharge that is foul-smelling. If you notice any of these, it's important to seek medical help promptly.
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Contact Your OB-GYN: Try to reach your OB-GYN's office to explain your symptoms. They may offer advice over the phone or find a way to see you sooner than planned.
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Know When to Seek Urgent Care: If you experience any severe symptoms, such as heavy bleeding, faintness, or a fever exceeding 100.4°F, consider visiting the emergency room or urgent care.
Stay cautious and take care of yourself during this recovery period. If you have any further questions or need more reassurance about your symptoms, feel free to ask.
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