Postpartum Uterine Infection

While many women are concerned about complications during pregnancy, complications can also arise after birth, including postpartum uterine infection.

Symptoms

• While some cramping is expected in the days after a woman gives birth, if a woman has a fever and her abdomen is tender to the touch, she may have a uterine infection.

Causes

• Postpartum uterine infections are caused by part of the placenta or afterbirth being left behind.

Identification

• A doctor can verify that a woman's uterus is infected by performing an ultrasound. The ultrasound can be used to see if part of the placenta was left in the uterus.

Treatment

• Uterine infections are treated with antibiotics.

Warning

• If a uterine infection is left untreated, a hysterectomy may be needed, which would result in sterilization.