What is puerperal fever?

Definition of puerperal fever

Puerperal fever, also known as puerperal infection, refers to local or systemic infection caused by the invasion of pathogens into the reproductive tract during the postpartum period. Puerperal disease refers to the condition in which the body temperature is measured four times a day with an oral temperature meter within 10 days after 24 hours of delivery, with an interval of 4 hours between each measurement, and two of the temperatures reach or exceed 38°C. Puerperal morbidity is mostly caused by puerperal fever, but can also be caused by urinary tract infection, respiratory tract infection and mastitis.

Puerperal fever is a common complication of the postpartum period, with an incidence rate of about 6%. Especially in recent years, with the increase in the cesarean section rate, the incidence rate of puerperal fever has also increased. To this day, puerperal fever still poses a serious threat to postpartum women. Puerperal fever, postpartum hemorrhage, pregnancy-related heart disease and severe hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy remain the four major causes of maternal mortality.

Causes of puerperal fever

The female reproductive tract has a certain defense function against bacterial invasion, and its response to invading pathogens is related to the type, quantity, virulence and immunity of the pathogens.

The female vagina has a self-cleaning function, and the amniotic fluid contains antibacterial substances. Pregnancy and normal delivery usually do not increase the chance of infection for the mother. Only when the balance among the body's immunity, bacterial virulence and bacterial quantity is disturbed will the chance of puerperal fever increase and infection occur. Puerperal fever may be related to factors such as poor hygiene during pregnancy, premature rupture of membranes, severe anemia, obstetric surgery, and postpartum hemorrhage.

How puerperal fever is transmitted

1. Endogenous infection

Under certain conditions, the bacteria that parasitize in the vagina of postpartum women will increase their reproductive capacity or reduce the body's resistance, causing the originally non-disease-causing bacteria to transform into pathogenic bacteria and cause infection.

2. Exogenous infection

The infection is caused by external pathogens entering the birth canal. The bacteria can invade the body through medical staff, poorly disinfected or contaminated medical equipment, and sexual intercourse of the mother before delivery.