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Symptoms & Illnesses
Updated on 3 November 2023
Puerperal infection, also called postpartum infection, is the infection of the genital tract occurring during labour or within 42 days of the postpartum period. It is a bacterial infection that occurs in the uterus and its surroundings following childbirth. It is the third most common cause of maternal death worldwide. Compared to puerperal sepsis, "puerperal infection" is more inclusive of all extra-genital illnesses as well as accidental infections.
Types of puerperal infections
It is described based on three areas where it can occur:
uterine lining It is the most common area of infection.
uterine muscle
tissues around the uterus
General symptoms of puerperal sepsis include:
Pain in the area of the pelvic bones or below the waist due to an irritated uterus.
Pale, clammy skin is indicative of significant blood loss.
Stench-filled vaginal drainage that indicates an infection
Faster heartbeat due to blood loss
The onset of symptoms could take many days. Infections can occasionally go undetected until after discharge from the hospital. Even after being let go, it's crucial to keep an eye out for infections.
Signs of puerperal infection are similar to those of a typical bacterial infection:
Fever
Chills
Body pain
Loss of appetite
Discomfort
A healthy uterus is sterile. Bacteria such as Streptococcus or Staphylococcus, and other skin-dwelling bacteria, can cause infections by entering injured skin or tissue. The lower abdomen's warm, humid environment is ideal for these bacteria to grow.
Following the mother's labour, postpartum infections may begin in the uterus. Additionally, if the amniotic sac and its fluid contract an infection, the uterus may also do so. The membrane enclosing the foetus and its fluids is known as the amniotic sac.
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Natural delivery: lowest risk
Scheduled c-section delivery: moderate risk
Non-scheduled c-section deliveries: highest risk
Pregnancy in very old or very young women
compromised immune system
Multiple vaginal examinations throughout labour
Monitoring the foetus inside the uterus
Prolonged labour or delayed rupture of the amniotic sac
Removal of the placenta manually
incomplete removal of the placenta after delivery
Babies poop in the placenta after delivery.
Use of a catheter during delivery
STDs or other bacterial infections of the vagina
Puerperal infection is identified by physical examination. The signs and symptoms are not seen immediately. The patient is asked to check for any increase in body temperature, bleeding, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
If required, a blood test can be done to check for the level of WBC. It tells us if the body is fighting an infection. Early identification can prevent it from progressing to septic shock.
Puerperal sepsis complications occur when the infection is not identified at an early stage.
Possible complications include:
Pus formation
swelling of the stomach lining
Pelvic vein blood clot
Blood clot formation can further cause blockage in vital organs.
and septic shock, which is the last and most severe stage of infection. At this stage, very low levels of blood pressure are seen.
Puerperal sepsis is treated by giving antibiotics through the veins while the patient is still in the hospital. Medications called broad-spectrum antibiotics are preferred. They act against a large variety of bacteria when the type of bacteria is not known. If any symptoms are seen after hospital discharge, readmission may be required for treatment.
Once the infection is under control, oral antibiotics are given. During this time, the blood and urine bacteria are cultivated to identify the bacteria that is causing them. Rule out other causes of infection, such as retained bits of the placenta. Start IV fluids to prevent organ damage.
The chance of getting an infection depends on the risk factors. The chances are lower in natural deliveries and higher in c-sections. Various other factors increase the risk. 5–7% of women develop post-birth infections. These infections, when mild, can be treated, and the patient recovers well. Delay in treatment is what increases the susceptibility to sepsis.
Certain things can be done to reduce the chances of getting a puerperal infection in women with c-section deliveries. These include:
Use of a tweezer to remove pubic hair
Taking a bath with an antibacterial soap the night before the surgery.
Keeping low blood sugar levels during pregnancy
During the surgery, the surgeon takes the following steps to prevent infection:
Disinfecting the areas of incision
Before the surgery, one dose of antibiotics is administered.
Giving a full course of antibiotics for bacterial vaginosis
For mothers who are to undergo a c-section delivery, it is important to know about infections like puerperal sepsis and consult a doctor.
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Written by
Ishmeet Kaur
Ishmeet is an experienced content writer with a demonstrated history of working in the internet industry. She is skilled in Editing, Public Speaking, Blogging, Creative Writing, and Social Media.
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