5 Signs Of Internal Bleeding After C-Section

Many people ask how common is internal bleeding after c section? or even can you bleed internally after c section? According to the Center for Disease Control, cesarean sections are the most common procedure done in the United States, accounting for approximately one-third of all births. The uterine or skin incision, the placental connection site, or a nicked or damaged blood artery can all cause bleeding. According to the Encyclopedia of Surgery, blood loss during a cesarean section can be double that of a vaginal delivery; hence, extra internal bleeding can quickly lead to hypovolemic (low blood volume) shock. We are here today to discuss Signs Of Internal Bleeding After C-Section.

1. Vital Sign Changes- Internal bleeding and hypovolemic shock are both characterized by tachycardia or a fast heartbeat of more than 100 beats per minute. Blood pressure declines to less than 90 mm Hg systolic when blood volume drops. According to the Merck Manual, breathing can become fast and gasping after 22 minutes of breathing.
2. Symptoms of the Abdomen- After a cesarean section, all women are given oxytocin, a hormone that helps the uterus contract and stay tight, preventing bleeding. According to David Miller, M.D., uterine atony, or a “boggy” uterus, occurs when the uterus loses its tone and becomes flabby, and considerable volumes of internal bleeding can occur quickly. As a result, throughout the first several hours following birth, the uterus is physically touched via the belly every hour or two. After a cesarean birth, the uterus is usually felt between the pubic bone and the navel. The uterus may be filling up with blood if it starts to be palpated at a greater level each time it’s checked.
3. Skin Signs– Internal bleeding causes women to become very pale. According to the Merck Manual, hands and feet may feel chilly and clammy, the lady may be very sweating, and capillary refill time, which is measured by pressing down on a fingernail and monitoring how quickly blood returns to the nail, is sluggish. 
4. Anxiety and Weakness- Internal bleeding can make women feel weak or cause them to faint out, especially if they try to stand up. According to the Merck Manual, anxiety and a sense of impending doom are prevalent after an episode of internal bleeding.
5. Bleeding in the Vaginal Canal- Even after a scheduled cesarean birth, blood can escape through the vagina since the cervix is soft and typically slightly dilated or open. After birth, women who have undergone cesarean sections still experience vaginal bleeding from the placental region, known as lochia. Internal bleeding should be investigated if bleeding becomes more regular, wetting a pad per hour, or if huge clots are passed.
6. Urine output has decreased- According to the Merck Manual, urine production might drop to fewer than 30 milliliters (ml) per hour because the blood supply to the kidneys is diminished. For a cesarean birth, most women have a foley catheter placed to keep the bladder empty, and urine output is examined every hour for the first several hours following delivery.

What Is the Duration of Post-Caesarean Bleeding?

The bleeding will remain for around 6 weeks after cesarean delivery. Bleeding after a C-section can occur for a variety of causes. Bleeding is not a cause for concern, even if it is accompanied by tiny clots. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the mother may have lost a lot of blood during the C-section, and severe bleeding thereafter might be life-threatening. As a result, it’s critical to keep an eye out for indicators of internal bleeding.

Internal bleeding after c section treatment

If significant bleeding persists after a C-section, you should seek medical advice. The therapy will be determined by the cause of the bleeding, the stage at which it began, and the severity of the situation. As a result, it’s critical to provide your doctor with a thorough medical history.

Your doctor may prescribe medicine to promote contractions if your uterus has not begun to contract after the delivery. If the bleeding does not cease, you may need another surgery. Hysterectomy is sometimes performed to avoid blood loss.

Things to Consider When Bleeding After a C-Section

Here are some things to remember regarding bleeding after a cesarean section. We’ve also spoken about how to deal with the bleeding and what to expect.

1. Breastfeeding Could Be Beneficial- Because the uterine muscles and blood vessels contract when you nurse, it can help to reduce some of the bleedings following a C-section. As a result of the hormone oxytocin being released, blood loss is reduced.
2. Keep a close eye on physical activity- Physical exertion and stress might exacerbate bleeding after a C-section. As a result, restrict any physical exertion, such as high-intensity exercise, carrying large things, and so on, and rest to swiftly recover.
3. Relieve Pain Effectively- During this time, you may suffer uncomfortable contractions. However, do not take any medicine without first consulting your doctor. To ease pain, apply a warm compress to your abdomen. If the pain persists, see a doctor who can advise you on how to deal with contraction discomfort.

Adequate post-natal care is critical not only to ensure that you return to your pre-pregnancy state as quickly as possible, but also because your baby requires your undivided attention and care throughout the first few months of her existence.

What Can Cause Bleeding After a Caesarean Section?

Signs Of Internal Bleeding After C-Section:

1.  Severed Blood Vessels- During a C-section, lacerations are formed, resulting in blood. The first incision may not be broad enough for the baby to emerge, causing the tissues and blood vessels around this location to be cut when the baby is being removed. During the surgery, some of the arteries and veins around the uterus are mistakenly severed, resulting in bleeding.
2. Uterine Atony- Another reason for post-C-section bleeding is uterine atony. It happens when a woman’s uterus does not contract after the placenta has been discharged and the baby has been born. The blood arteries around the placenta are closed by uterine contractions, preventing bleeding once the placenta is discharged via the vagina. The uterus stays open after birth if it does not contract, resulting in excessive bleeding.
3. Placenta Fragments- When placental pieces remain inside the uterus, some women endure severe bleeding. Women who have had several C-sections are more likely to experience this.
4. Accreta Placenta- This is one of the most prevalent causes of bleeding. Because the placenta is strongly implanted, it does not spontaneously detach from the uterus, resulting in bleeding. Because the placenta must be carefully removed, women with placenta accreta are at risk of hemorrhaging.

Also Read: Surprise pregnancy at 40 – 3 Options + What are the risks?

So this is a detailed study about Signs Of Internal Bleeding After C-Section but it is always advised to consult your doctor for advice or if you have any concerns. This article is written for informational purposes only. We are not here to provide or substitute any medical advice!

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