Postpartum infections, also known as puerperal infections, are any bacterial infection of the female reproductive tract following childbirth or miscarriage or during breastfeeding. Postpartum infections may begin during labour, after the first 24 hours or within the first week of delivery.
Dr. Chidinma Ohachenu explains that not all postpartum infections are in the pelvic area; they can also occur in the bladder or kidney if you needed to be catheterized. She mentioned some postpartum infections as including: Endometritis, an infection of the endometrium (uterine lining) and Mastitis, which affects the breast. She said the female urinary tract can also be infected, in which case there’s cloudy or bloody urine. Also, the physiology of some mothers makes their bodies not to respond well to anesthesia, and this could lead to respiratory complications.
The Symptoms
Most postpartum infections are accompanied by a fever, chills, a general feeling of illness or discomfort. Some other symptoms you can look out for include: headache, abdominal pain, foul-smelling discharge from the vagina, pain usually in only one breast, a swelling or discharge around incised area (caesarean), muscle ache, fatigue, or a difficulty in passing out urine
Who is most at risk?
Though rare, Dr. Ohachenu says women who had a C-section, or those who had premature rupture of the membranes are at greater risk of infection. She said infections are also more likely to occur if a portion of the placenta was retained in the uterus or in those who had cervical or vaginal lacerations.
Treatment of Postpartum Infection
Treatment includes use of prescription antibiotics (typically trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, nitrofurantoin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, or ofloxacin), which you should take as prescribed for the entire course, even if you begin to feel better quickly. There are also antimicrobial agents for effective treatment (e.g. doxycycline, clindamycin). Seek medical supervision on the use of these medications. Also exercise regularly and take in healthy foods and drinks.
What to Do
Dr. Chidinma Ohachenu advises that mothers pay attention to the symptoms of infection and strictly adhere to hygiene practices after delivery. She urged mothers to call their doctors at the first sign of a postpartum fever or if you suspect an infection of any kind. “You should also get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids,” she added.
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