Postpartum Infection

Puerperal or postpartum infection is common infection in the uterus that happens after
delivery. After delivery, the uterus may develop infection if the amniotic sac are
infected. The uterine infection are included endometritis (infection of uterine lining),
myometritis (infection of uterine muscle) and parametritis (infection around uterus
area). (Moldenhouer, 2020)

Pathophysiology of Postpartum Infection

The vagina contains a large number of microorganism in proximity to the normally

upper sterile genital tract. These organisms from vagina may introduce into uterus
during labor and delivery process. Moreover, the uterine cavity also has two
characteristic that may contribute to the possibility of infection which is a large
surface area that allow infection to occur and during placenta delivery, there is large
open venous channels under the placenta that are directly accessible to bacteria enable
the infections (Eschenbach, 2018). Although the uterus serves barrier to any infection,
once the barrier is break, it is easy the infection to occur which commonly happen
during cesarean section, urinary catheter placement, and intravenous line placement.

Sign and Symptoms of Postpartum Infection

I Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic

II Fever within 1 to 3 days after delivery
III General feeling illness or discomfort
IV Headache
V Loss of appetite
VI Tachypnea (rapid heart rate)
VII Swollen or tenderness at uterus
VIII Foul smelling vaginal discharge
IX Paleness and chills
Causes of Postpartum Infection

I A long delay (often more than 18 hours) between ruptured membrane and
delivery.
II Internal monitoring of the fetus (which require ruptured membranes
containing the fetus)
III Prolonged labor (low progression labor)
IV Cesarean delivery
V Repeated vaginal examination during labor
VI Placental fragments remaining in the uterus after delivery
VII Bacterial vaginosis

Risk factors of Postpartum Infection

I Anemia
II Obesity
III Women with sexual transmitted disease
IV Multiple vaginal examinations during labor
V Women undergo Caesarean section
VI Delay between ruptured amniotic sac ruptured and delivery
VII Having remained placenta in the uterus after delivery
VIII Excessive bleeding after delivery

References

Moldenhauer, J. S., Last full review/revision May 2020| Content last modified May
2020. (2020). Postpartum Infections of the Uterus - Women's Health Issues. Retrieved
June 15, 2020, from https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-
issues/postdelivery-period/postpartum-infections-of-the-uterus

Eschenbach, D. (2018). Serious Postpartum Infections. Retrieved June 2020, from

https://www.glowm.com/section_view/item/177