Women may be at risk of infection after a C-section more so than after vaginal delivery. According to a two-year study published in 2008 in the Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology journal, five percent of mothers who underwent a low transverse cesarean delivery contracted an infection at the site of incision within 30 days.

Internal infections, like the following, can be attribute to C-sections: 

• Septicemia;
• e-coli; and
• cellulitis.

While these infections can often be treated with antibiotics; if not caught quickly enough they could have serious consequences, leading to endometritis, loss of fertility and even death. In some cases, medical malpractice in Ohio may be the cause of these infections or could lead to worsening conditions.

Signs of Infection after a C-section 

After a C-section has been performed, women and their doctors should be on the lookout for signs that could indicate infection in the uterus after delivery – or elsewhere in the area – so they can be treated promptly.

Signs of a post-cesarean section infection include: 

• chills;
• a foul odor coming from the incision;
• excessive discharge from the wound;
• a fever over 100. degrees that lasts several hours;
• increasingly red, puffy or painful incision site;
• a firm abdominal area;
• flu-like symptoms;
• abdominal pain;
• difficult or painful urination;
• cloudy or strange-smelling urine;
• a rapid heart rate;
• low blood pressure;
• confusion;
• hypothermia; and
• blood clotting issues.

Once signs of infection in the uterus after delivery or around an incision site have been spotted, mothers should be treated as soon as possible. Most infections can be treated with antibiotics; for serious infections, IV antibiotics may be required. Doctors may also use a wound vacuum to remove infection from the incision site.

Failure to Treat a C-section Infection Could Lead to Medical Malpractice in Ohio 

If doctors fail to recognize or treat a mother’s infection in the uterus after delivery, they could be held liable if injury or death occurs. Any families who have suffered damages as a result of medical malpractice in Ohio can call Mellino Robenalt LLC at 440-333-3800 or 216-241-1901. There could have grounds for a malpractice claim against the doctor or medical professional in question for damages stemming from the infection after the c-section.