A uterine infection after childbirth, also known as puerperal fever, postpartum infection, or endometritis, is a bacterial infection of the uterus or reproductive tract after delivery. It occurs when bacteria enter the uterus, causing symptoms such as fever, lower abdominal pain, and foul-smelling vaginal discharge. It requires antibiotic treatment and is often common after a cesarean section. Causes of Uterine Infection after Childbirth: Bacteria that normally live in a healthy vagina can cause a postpartum infection. Conditions that make a woman more susceptible to infection include: • A long delay (often more than 18 hours) between rupture of membranes and delivery • Prolonged labor • Multiple cervical examinations during labor • Chorioamnionitis • Intrauterine monitoring (which requires rupture of membranes) • Cesarean delivery • Retained placental tissue in the uterus after delivery • Manual removal of retained tissue after delivery • Excessive postpartum hemorrhage • Bacterial colonization in the lower reproductive tract (vulva, vagina, or cervix) • Bacterial vaginosis • Anemia • Diabetes • Maternal age under 18 • Low socioeconomic status Symptoms of Infections Uterus – Symptoms of uterine infections typically include lower abdominal or pelvic pain, fever (usually within 1 to 3 days postpartum), paleness, chills, a general feeling of illness or malaise, and often headache and loss of appetite. The heart rate is often rapid, and the uterus is swollen, tender, and soft to the touch. There is usually a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, but the amount varies and may or may not contain blood. Sometimes, a low-grade fever is the only symptom. When the tissues around the uterus become infected, they swell, causing significant discomfort. Women typically experience severe pain and high fever. Some serious complications can occur, but not most often. These include: - Inflammation of the lining of the abdomen (peritonitis) - Blood clots in the pelvic veins (pelvic thrombophlebitis) - A blood clot that travels to the lungs and blocks an artery there - High levels of protein-based biotoxins in the blood produced by the bacteria causing the infection, leading to systemic infection (a generalized infection) or septic shock. - Pelvic abscess (pocket of pus) Diagnosis of Postpartum Uterine Infection- • Physician evaluation • Imaging tests (such as ultrasound or CT scan) Treatment of Postpartum Uterine Infection- • Intravenous antibiotics If the uterus is infected, women are usually given intravenous antibiotics until the fever subsides and for at least 48 hours. After that, most women do not need to take oral antibiotics. Before a cesarean section, doctors may give women antibiotics shortly before surgery. Such treatment can help prevent infections of the uterus and surrounding areas. Al-Mustaqbal University is the first university in Iraq.
  الهدف الثالث من اهداف التنمية المستدامة -الصحة الجيدة والرفاه   The Third Goal of the Sustainable Development Goals – Good Health and Well-being