They are not very common, but sometimes during postpartum fever can be a symptom of an infection. These are the most frequent puerperal infections, whose first sign may be that the mother's temperature reaches 38 ° C or more for two successive days after the first 24 hours postpartum (and there are no other apparent causes). That is why these infections are also known as "puerperal fever."
Postpartum infections usually affect the genital system as a result of the modifications and wounds that pregnancy and childbirth cause in it, being located mainly in the uterus and vagina. But there can also be bladder and kidney infections, mastitis ...
The sensitivity of the uterus, paleness, headache, chills, tachycardia, foul smells and malaise ... along with fever, are other frequent symptoms of infection. Although since the introduction of antibiotics, the frequency and severity of these types of infections have decreased significantly, they still pose a significant clinical problem.
Between the most common postpartum infections is it so:
Endometritis: is an inflammation or irritation of the lining of the uterus (the endometrium or mucous membrane that covers the inside of the uterus). Endometritis is the most common cause of puerperal fever. It is more common in women who have had a C-section or after prolonged labor. Also if a fragment of the placenta has been retained inside the uterus. The mother has a sore and swollen uterus, fever, fatigue, constipation and tachycardia.
Infection of surgical wounds in the perineum (by episiotomy) or abdomen (caesarean section). In case of infection, pain, redness and secretions of pus and other fluids appear around the wound, inflammation or edema and ecchymosis (a subcutaneous lesion characterized by deposits of extravasated blood under intact skin). Surgical wound infection appears in 2-5% of all caesarean sections and episiotomy infection around 1%. Remember the procedure to heal the wounds of episiotomy and caesarean section and prevent the risk of infection.
Mastitis: It is a breast infection that usually appears two or three weeks after delivery, although sometimes it can occur during the first week. It manifests with swelling, pain and redness of the chest, fever and discomfort. The treatment for mastitis is based on antibiotics and anti-inflammatories or analgesics of current use that are compatible with breastfeeding (the doctor will prescribe the necessary ones), therefore it is not necessary to suspend it.
Pyelonephritis or high urinary tract infection: it occurs as a result of a kidney infection and its symptoms are malaise, high fever, low back pain (in one or both kidneys) and, sometimes, painful urination.
Cystitis: infection and inflammation of the bladder due to bacteria, mainly Escherichia Coli ("Colibacilo"). It is also a risk of frequent infection in pregnancy. It has a frequent need to urinate associated with burning sensation and pain, and expulsion of small amounts of urine in each urination.
Thrombophlebitis: is the swelling or inflammation of a vein caused by a blood clot that blocks blood flow. Since during the birth the blood coagulation is higher than normal to avoid excessive bleeding, this infection could be favored. However, septic pelvic thrombophlebitis is very rare. Symptoms include increased temperature, swelling and pain in the affected area and redness.
If you are in the hospital, the professionals will act immediately in front of the most frequent puerperal infections and if you are already at home go to the doctor to avoid complications in the case of having a continued high fever along with any other of the symptoms described. Do not forget that, despite not being common, the importance of such infections requires a safe, fast and effective diagnosis and their corresponding treatment.
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