What are postpartum infections?

A puerperal infection occurs when bacteria infect the uterus and surrounding areas after a woman gives birth. It's also known as a postpartum infection. It's estimated that 10 percent of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States are caused by infections.

What is the most common postpartum infection?

Endometritis is the most common infection in the postpartum period.

How do you know if you have a postpartum infection?

What are the types of postpartum infections?

What causes infection postpartum?

The majority of postpartum infections result from physiologic and iatrogenic trauma to the abdominal wall and reproductive, genital, and urinary tracts that occur during childbirth or abortion, which allows for the introduction of bacteria into these normally sterile environments.

Evidence Based Management of Postpartum Infection

How common is postpartum infection?

A puerperal infection occurs when bacteria infect the uterus and surrounding areas after a woman gives birth. It's also known as a postpartum infection. It's estimated that 10 percent of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States are caused by infections.

What does a postpartum infection feel like?

Symptoms of uterine infections commonly include pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis, fever (usually within 1 to 3 days after delivery), paleness, chills, a general feeling of illness or discomfort, and often headache and loss of appetite. The heart rate is often rapid. The uterus is swollen, tender, and soft.

What does postpartum infection smell like?

Lochia will smell like menstrual blood. Some describe it as musty, metallic, sour or stale. However, it shouldn't smell fishy or foul. This could mean bacteria has gotten into your vagina and caused an infection.

Which factors place a client at risk for postpartum infection?

What causes postpartum sepsis?

Infection that occurs just after childbirth is also known as puerperal sepsis. Bacteria called group A Streptococcus (GAS) are an important cause of maternal sepsis. GAS usually cause mild throat infections and skin infections, or may have no symptoms at all.

When should I be worried about postpartum swelling?

It is normal for postpartum women to have swelling, especially in their legs and feet. It is usually your body's way of getting rid of some of the excess fluid accumulated during pregnancy. Swelling may take up to two weeks to resolve. Call your doctor if one leg is much more swollen than the other.

What are some postpartum complications?

How serious is a uterus infection?

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of one or more of the upper reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Untreated PID can cause scar tissue and pockets of infected fluid (abscesses) to develop in the reproductive tract, which can cause permanent damage.

How can I prevent postpartum infection?

When does postpartum sepsis occur?

Sepsis is an illness that can develop during pregnancy, as well as after delivery. Sepsis that occurs during pregnancy is called maternal sepsis. If it develops within six weeks of delivery, it is called postpartum sepsis or puerperal sepsis.

Which postpartum infection is most often contracted by first time mothers who are breastfeeding?

Incidence. In the United States, the incidence of postpartum mastitis is 2.5-3%. Mastitis typically develops during the first 3 months postpartum, with the highest incidence in the first few weeks after delivery.

Why do I stink after having a baby?

Breastfeeding. If you're nursing your baby, your body will emit a stronger smell through your underarm sweat than normal to help your baby find its source of food (2). This is your body's response to naturally assist your baby in finding the breast, and will begin right after giving birth.

Why do I smell postpartum?

“A change in a woman's postpartum scent helps direct a baby toward her for breastfeeding,” adds Dr. Alagia. “In fact, during breastfeeding, women excrete different pheromones—mix that with a baby's saliva and it can cause an odor that may be new and unfamiliar to the woman.”

What causes a foul smelling discharge after giving birth?

Signs of uterine infection after giving birth may include; a foul-smelling discharge, swollen, tender uterus, rapid increase in white blood-cell count which is abnormal. Also, an infection of the amniotic sac especially during labor can lead to infection after delivery.

How do you test for uterine infection?

Blood testing: A complete blood count can help identify signs of infection or inflammation. Cervical cultures: The doctor may take a swab from the cervix to look for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or other bacteria. Wet mount: The doctor may collect discharge from the cervix and analyze it under a microscope.

How do you tell if your uterus is inflamed?

Can lochia cause infection?

'If you're experiencing a lochia infection, you may suffer from a fever and chills, as well as offensive-smelling lochia and abdominal pain. Treatment will usually be antibiotics and you should start to feel better in a few days' time.

Is it common to get a UTI postpartum?

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common postpartum infection occurring in 2%–4% of all deliveries. Although postpartum UTI is usually a mild infection, it is associated with discomfort, prolonged hospital stay and readmission and has been associated with an increased risk of discontinued breast feeding.

Is it common to get sick postpartum?

Postpartum fever is common and can happen for many reasons. In rare cases, a postpartum fever might be a sign of a health problem like an infection. This can lead to health complications if untreated.

What is preeclampsia postpartum?

Postpartum preeclampsia is a rare condition that occurs when you have high blood pressure and excess protein in your urine soon after childbirth. Preeclampsia is a similar condition that develops during pregnancy and typically resolves with the birth of the baby.