Immediately after delivery, the woman’s temperature often increases. A temperature of 100.4° F (38° C) or higher during the first 12 hours after delivery could indicate an infection but may not. Nonetheless, in such cases, the woman should be evaluated by her doctor or midwife. A postpartum infection is usually diagnosed after 24 hours have passed since delivery and the woman has had a temperature of 100.4° F or higher on two occasions at least 6 hours apart.
Postpartum infections seldom occur because doctors try to prevent or treat conditions that can lead to infections. However, infections, if they develop, may be serious. Thus, if a woman has a temperature of more than 100.4° F at any time during the first week after delivery, she should call the doctor.
Postpartum infections may be
Directly related to delivery (occurring in the uterus Infections of the Uterus After Delivery Infections that develop after delivery of a baby ( postpartum infections) usually begin in the uterus. Bacteria can infect the uterus and surrounding areas soon after delivery. Such infections... read more or the area around the uterus)
Indirectly related to delivery (occurring in the kidneys Bladder and Kidney Infections After Delivery A bladder infection ( cystitis) sometimes develops after delivery of a baby. A kidney infection ( pyelonephritis) can occur if bacteria spread from the bladder to the kidney after delivery.... read more , bladder Bladder and Kidney Infections After Delivery A bladder infection ( cystitis) sometimes develops after delivery of a baby. A kidney infection ( pyelonephritis) can occur if bacteria spread from the bladder to the kidney after delivery.... read more , breasts Breast Infection A breast infection ( mastitis) can occur after delivery ( postpartum infection), usually during the first 6 weeks and almost always in women who are breastfeeding. If the baby is not positioned... read more , or lungs)
