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Postpartum Endometritis

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Postpartum Endometritis

Definition

Postpartum endometritis is an infection of the lining in the uterus.

Female Reproductive Organs.

Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Causes

Postpartum endometriosis is caused by bacteria that may be in the mother before childbirth. Bacteria could also enter the body during childbirth.

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of postpartum endometriosis are:
  • Health problems like diabetes and anemia
  • Immune system problems
  • Vaginal infection
  • Smoking
  • Lack of prenatal care

Things during delivery that could raise the risk of postpartum endometriosis are:

  • Cesarean section delivery
  • Postpartum hemorrhage
  • Being in labor for a long time
  • Membranes that are broken for a long time during labor
  • Devices put in the uterus before, during, or after birth
  • Newborn stool (meconium) in amniotic fluid
  • Placenta pieces that may remain in the uterus after delivery
  • Bacterial infection of the membranes and amniotic fluid

Symptoms

Symptoms may start 2 days to 6 weeks after giving birth. They include:

  • Fever and chills
  • Belly pain and tenderness
  • Foul smell or blood coming from the vagina
  • Pain when passing urine (pee)

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. The diagnosis is often based on symptoms and recent childbirth. Tests to look for the kind of bacteria causing the problem include:

  • Urine tests and cultures
  • Blood tests

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to get rid of the infection. This is done with antibiotics.

Prevention

Not all infections can be prevented. Medical care while pregnant may help lower the chance of some infections. Medicine may be given before a cesarean section to reduce the risk.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Endometritis (postpartum). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/condition/endometritis-postpartum.
  • Martingano, D., Singh, S., et al. Azithromycin in the treatment of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes demonstrates a lower risk of chorioamnionitis and postpartum endometritis with an equivalent latency period compared with erythromycin antibiotic regimens. Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol, 2020; 2093530.
  • Postpartum endometritis. Patient UK website. Available at: http://patient.info/doctor/postpartum-endometritis.

Contributors

  • Beverly Siegal, MD, FACOG
Last Updated:
2023-06-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.