Delivering a child is a difficult time for the mother as she has to endure pain and discomfort during this period. While some women are fortunate to have a smooth delivery sans any complications and go home happily carrying their little bundle of joy in their arms, others have a tough time combating the risks associated with the post-partum period.

Postpartum period is a vulnerable time for the mother as any inadvertent lapse can lead to postpartum infections. The delivery process leaves the mother with some open wounds, especially if she has undergone a C-Section. During the delivery, the woman has to undergo cuts in her uterus, subcutaneous cuts, etc. Such cuts and stitches are susceptible to infections.

Also, infection may develop in the bladder due to the insertion of the catheter or due to the leftover placental pieces in the uterus. If the endometrial lining catches infection, it can lead to a fatal condition where the bleeding does not stop.

Undiagnosed and/or untreated infections can prove dangerous and in some cases, fatal for the mother. It is important to detect the presence of such infections and obtain necessary treatment. The tips mentioned below will help in noticing the development of postpartum infections so that prompt action can be taken to diagnose and treat the same.

Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Infection

When the stitches develop infection, inflammation and pus can be spotted around the stitches and pain can be felt at the area of incision. Similarly, if the uterine stitches open up or get infected, pain can be felt in the abdominal area. The presence of pus leads to a high grade fever which is yet another sign of infection.

Unprecedented bleeding is also a sign of infection during the post-partum period. The mother might experience intense shivering and chills during this period. The presence of leftover placenta in the uterus can even lead to haemorrhage.

Greenish, bad-smelling discharge from the vagina accompanied with irritation and burning is another sign of infection. Dizziness, blurred vision, etc. are some other symptoms of infection which should not be left unattended. In case the mother develops fever or is symptomatic of any of the signs mentioned above, immediately call for medical guidance.

The mother should be given plenty of water and other fluids to push out the infection from the body. Usually antibiotics are prescribed to ease the condition. However, make sure that the drugs are friendly to breast-feeding and do not cause any harm to the infant drinking the mother’s feed. In very few cases, surgical intervention is required when the infection becomes too severe to be controlled through medications alone.

The quality of post-operative care determines the chances of the mother of developing an infection. Post-partum period is a crucial time when the mother should be taken care of and proper hygiene should be maintained. The mother’s vitals should be meticulously observed. Wounds and stitches should be regularly cleaned and dressed using sterilized material to avoid any chances of infection. The surgeon should thoroughly check that no remnants of the placenta remain in the uterus. With proper care and attention, the mother can easily recover her good health.