Why do the lips turn blue after a cesarean section, and what should be done?
Mar 09, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Bai Hongmei
Introduction
Cesarean section refers to a caesarean delivery. Cyanosis of the lips after a caesarean section may be caused by factors such as cold stimulation, hyperventilation, anemia, septic shock, or acute respiratory distress syndrome. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention and follow the doctor's guidance for treatments such as general supportive care and medication therapy. During the postpartum recovery period, it is important to maintain appropriate physical activity while avoiding strenuous exercise and excessive fatigue.
Generally speaking, cesarean section refers to a surgical procedure known as a cesarean delivery. Purple lips following a cesarean delivery may be caused by cold stimulation, hyperventilation, anemia, septic shock, or acute respiratory distress syndrome. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention and undergo general treatment or medication under the guidance of a physician. A detailed explanation is as follows:
1. Cold Stimulation
After cesarean delivery, the mother's body is relatively weak. If proper warming measures are not taken and the body is exposed to a cold environment, surface blood vessels—including those in the lips—will constrict to reduce heat loss. This can slow local blood circulation, increasing the level of reduced hemoglobin in the blood and causing the lips to appear purple. Postpartum care should emphasize warmth, maintaining a suitable indoor temperature of generally 24–26°C, dressing appropriately, and avoiding direct exposure to cold drafts.
2. Hyperventilation
Some mothers may hyperventilate after cesarean delivery due to anxiety or pain, expelling excessive carbon dioxide from the body and causing respiratory alkalosis. This may lead to peripheral vasoconstriction, including in the lip blood vessels, resulting in purple lips. Mothers should learn to regulate their emotions through techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to avoid excessive anxiety. Medical staff should also provide effective pain management and appropriate psychological support.
3. Anemia
Blood loss is common during cesarean delivery. If the mother already had anemia before surgery or experiences significant blood loss postpartum without timely replenishment, it may lead to a decrease in red blood cells and hemoglobin levels, reducing the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. This oxygen deficiency can cause the lips to turn purple. Mothers should follow medical advice and take medications such as ferrous fumarate tablets, ferrous sulfate tablets, or ferrous gluconate tablets as prescribed.
4. Septic Shock
If wound care is inadequate after cesarean delivery, infection may occur, allowing bacterial toxins to enter the bloodstream and cause septic shock. This condition can lead to microcirculatory dysfunction and insufficient tissue perfusion, resulting in lip discoloration due to oxygen deprivation. Symptoms may also include fever and chills. Treatment may involve medications such as ceftriaxone sodium for injection, dopamine hydrochloride injection, or amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium dry suspension under medical guidance.
5. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Following cesarean delivery, conditions such as amniotic fluid embolism or pulmonary infection may trigger acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), damaging the alveolar-capillary membrane and severely impairing gas exchange, which may cause the lips to appear purple. Symptoms may also include rapid breathing and restlessness. Treatment should follow medical advice and may involve medications such as methylprednisolone sodium succinate for injection, intravenous immunoglobulin, or ulinastatin injection.
During postpartum recovery, moderate physical activity is recommended, such as walking as soon as the physical condition allows, to promote blood circulation. However, strenuous exercise and excessive fatigue should be avoided.
