Bacterial infections, which can develop days after birth, are a rare but potentially serious postpartum complication. It’s good to be aware of the signs and symptoms so you can seek help quickly and get treated with antibiotics as soon as possible.
What to look out for
After delivering a baby, it’s normal to be exhausted and not feeling your best. You may be sore from wounds that are healing—for example, if you had a cesarean section (C-section) delivery. But if you start to feel unwell or uncomfortable, even in a vague sense, you may be developing a postpartum infection.
Here are the signs and symptoms to watch for:
- A fever higher than 100.4 degrees
- Flu-like symptoms, including chills, headache, weakness, and reduced appetite
- Abdominal or pelvic pain, or pain while urinating, that doesn’t get better with time
- Redness, discharge, increased tenderness or swelling around your C-section incision, perineal tear, or episiotomy
- Persistent bleeding, or bleeding that gets heavier, along with blood clots
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially one or more physical symptoms in combination with a fever, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider right away. With prompt treatment, most people fully recover and have no lasting effects after the infection is resolved.
Left untreated, postpartum infections can turn into sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition in which the body overreacts to an infection. That’s why it’s critical that you make an appointment with your healthcare provider and get seen as soon as possible.
How and where infections occur
Typically, postpartum infections develop after harmful bacteria enter the body via the reproductive tract or tissue that was cut or torn during childbirth. These infections can occur in multiple places, including:
- Your C-section incision site
- Open areas in your uterus (at the site of the placenta)
- Lacerations in your cervix, vagina, or perineum (especially if you had an episiotomy)
- The lining of your uterus (this is called postpartum endometritis – see our full article on it)
- The uterine muscle or other spots around your uterus
- Your bladder or kidneys if you were catheterized
Having a C-section (especially an unplanned one after you’ve begun laboring), a retained placenta, cervical or vaginal lacerations, a premature rupture of membranes (PROM), repeated internal exams, or excessive bleeding after birth can all increase your chances of getting an infection.
Reducing the risks
While you can’t always prevent a postpartum infection, you can reduce your risks by:
- Washing your hands before touching any lacerations or incisions
- Wiping from front to back after going to the bathroom
- Using pads instead of tampons for any postpartum bleeding
- Paying attention to any worsening pain or discomfort or just feeling “off”
- Taking preventive antibiotics correctly if they were prescribed to you after a C-section
- Contacting your healthcare provider immediately if you’re unwell or in pain
If an infection is confirmed despite your efforts, you’ll be treated with one or more antibiotics. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best antibiotic choices and any risks for your baby if you’re breastfeeding. Fortunately, most antibiotics used in this situation are safe while nursing.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
Sources:
- Whattoexpect.com Marygrace Taylor. “Baby’s head shape: What’s normal?” What to expect. June 6, 2024. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/healthy-baby/art-20045964
