Various types of infection after birth have been discussed in detail. There are chances of getting an infection after a recent childbirth because your body has gone through labor and delivery and is still at a healing stage. The first few weeks after delivery can cause you to experience infection. Most women recover quickly after childbirth without any issues, but some are prone to infection.
Different types of infections after birth
Endometritis
This is an infection of the womb or endometrium that occurs between the first six weeks after birth. The bacteria in the uterus causes this. Women who have undergone a cesarean have an increased risk of developing endometriosis. You are also prone to this infection if you were in labor for long hours, had too many internal checkups during labor, or had trouble getting the placenta out.
Signs
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Bleeding lasts longer than six weeks postpartum and can get heavier and be accompanied by blood clots.
- Discomfort during intercourse
- Difficulty in urinating
Infected surgical incision-Surgical types of infection after birth
Women who have had a c-section are prone to developing an infection at the surgical incision site. Your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. Sometimes, there may be some fault with the sterilization of surgical tools or poor hygiene on the mother’s part. Other issues, such as a poor diet or health conditions, may lead to infection.
Symptoms
- The infected area may become swollen and red.
- There can be smelly pus discharge from the stitches.
- Pain in the infected area
- If the infection spreads, you may have a fever and body aches.
Mastitis-An breast types of infection after birth
This is a common breast infection affecting nursing moms. Milk duct blocking is the cause of the infection. Milk retained in the breasts can become infected if it gets dry in the nipple pores. In most cases, it goes away if you continue breastfeeding despite the discomfort.
Symptoms
- Painful breasts
- Fever
- Chills
- A swollen or hardened spot on the breast that can be hot and tender to touch
- Sometimes, blood or pus discharge from the nipple
Urinary tract infection – Bacterial types of infection after birth
This is caused because of bacteria entering the bladder after childbirth. It is more likely if you have had a catheter inserted or an epidural.
Symptoms
- Pain in the abdomen
- Difficulty in urinating or a burning sensation
- Change in urine color or smell
- Frequent urination or needing to urinate more at nighttime
Perineal infection
Women who had vaginal delivery are at risk of perineal infection if they had a perineal cut during delivery. The area between the vagina and the anus is the perineum. This may tear during the delivery when the baby is passing through the birth canal. Some perineal cuts can be minor and heal by themselves. Sometimes, the doctor stitches up the cut if the tear is not minor. Sometimes, this site can get infected. Know how to avoid tearing during birth here.
Symptoms
- Pain at the infected site
- Discharge from the surgical wound
- Swelling and redness at the site
- The smell of the wound
Sepsis
This serious infection affects any part of the body after a recent birth. It is also known as puerperal infection. This happens when an infection, such as a UTI, endometriosis, or mastitis, becomes highly severe. Sepsis is mainly known to be caused by a bacterium that causes sore throats. This is a complication that needs immediate medical attention.
Symptoms
- High temperature or temperature falling too low
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Breathlessness
- Chills
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Vaginal discharge, which can be smelly
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
