Postpartum infection refers to an infection in new mother within 4-6 weeks after childbirth that is strongly associated with the delivery process. Although, due to improvement in the sanitation and clinical practices, the incidence of postpartum infection is minimal but it should be known that the chances are substantial mainly because there are many open and healing wounds in your body (both exterior and interior) that may get infected if contamination is introduced in the open wounds; for example uterus at the site of placental detachment can get infected.
It is important to keep in mind that sometimes other parts of the body may get infected after childbirth besides reproductive system; like urinary bladder, kidney or ureter, especially in women who are catheterized during childbirth. Postpartum infection is reported in as many as 8% of all deliveries.
Signs and symptoms of postpartum infection may be non-specific like high grade fever, malaise, weakness, agitation, headaches but may be specific like:
It is very important to identify the type and source of infection as early as possible in order to prevent life threatening complications. Infections that involve uterine cavity can increase the risk of Endometritis that may complicate future pregnancies and if infectious agents gain access to blood stream, the risk of sepsis increases many folds. Infection in urinary system can increase the risk of renal stone formation, cause severe discomfort and delays your healing or recovery. The common types and causes of postpartum infection are:
Uterine infections usually follow after abortion; however, in situations of poorly managed labor (torn placenta or incomplete evacuation of placenta). Some tissue segments remain that may lead to uterine infection. Most commonly reported symptoms are foul smelling discharge, high grade fever, racing heart rate, abdominal pain, swelling of lower abdomen and indigestion.
Endometritis (or infection of uterine lining) is fairly common in following circumstances:
Speaking to a healthcare provider should be the first course of action. Intravenous antibiotics are needed to resolve the infection with or without the evacuation of retained placental products.
Mastitis is another common postpartum infection that is fairly common in mothers who gave birth for the first time; however, this is not a universal rule. The cause of mastitis is clogged up ducts that block the milk flow and initiate inflammatory process. The risk factors include:
Massaging the breast or use of warm compresses help in reducing the pain, swelling and inflammation by easing out the flow of milk. It is also a common recommendation for all the new mothers to prevent mastitis.
Infection of the stitches of your surgical incision is considered an emergency situation as it may culminate in life threatening complications like ‘burst abdomen’. If you are experiencing severe aching and stingy pain at the incision site with or without bloody or pussy discharge or infection of sutures, speak to your doctor who may change your antibiotic regimen after testing your pus sample.
Renal infection or infection of any other part of urinary tract often present with shaking,chills, fever, urinary urgency, frequency and burning sensation, groin or loin pain and other urinary symptoms. Once identified healthcare providers generally advice a course of antibiotics for early detection and management. Meanwhile you should maintain excellent hygiene and increase your oral intake of water for early recovery.
If you have developed infection or are suffering from disturbing symptoms as mentioned above, feel free to book an appointment with your healthcare provider as early as possible in order to initiate the treatment. Always remember that untreated infections take on a very serious course that makes healing very difficult.