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Home /
Quick Facts: Women's Health Issues /
Postdelivery Period /
... /
Postpartum Infections of the Uterus /
IN THIS TOPIC

What is a postpartum infection of the uterus?

What causes a postpartum uterus infection?

What are the symptoms of a postpartum uterus infection?

How can doctors tell if I have a postpartum uterus infection?

How do doctors treat postpartum uterus infections?

OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER

Postdelivery Period
Overview of the Postpartum Period
Postpartum Infections of the Uterus
Postpartum Bladder and Kidney Infections
Postpartum Breast Infection
Postpartum Blood Clots
Postpartum Thyroid Disorders
Postpartum Depression

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Quick Facts

Postpartum Infections of the Uterus

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Last full review/revision Sep 2020| Content last modified Sep 2020
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Topic Resources

Post means "after," and partum means "pregnancy," so postpartum refers to the time period after you have a baby. It's usually considered the first 6 weeks.

Your uterus is your womb. It's the organ where a fetus grows before it's born.

What is a postpartum infection of the uterus?

Your uterus can get infected after the baby is born. This is rare but serious.

  • Infections in your uterus can start soon after delivery

  • You'll have pain in your lower belly, fever, and a bad-smelling discharge

  • Antibiotics usually cure the infection

What causes a postpartum uterus infection?

Bacteria that normally live in and around your vagina can infect your uterus after delivery.

You have a higher risk of postpartum infection of the uterus if you have:

  • Many vaginal exams during labor

  • A long labor

  • A c-section rather than a vaginal delivery

Sometimes, doctors give you antibiotics before a c-section to help prevent infection.

What are the symptoms of a postpartum uterus infection?

Symptoms usually start 1 to 3 days after delivery and include:

  • Pain in your lower belly

  • Fever and chills

  • Generally feeling sick

  • Bad-smelling discharge from your vagina

How can doctors tell if I have a postpartum uterus infection?

Doctors can usually tell by examining you. They may do tests for other causes of pain and fever, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI).

How do doctors treat postpartum uterus infections?

Doctors admit you to the hospital and give you antibiotics by vein (IV).

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© 2020 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA)
Overview of the Postpartum Period
Postpartum Bladder and Kidney Infections
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