Postpartum infections of the uterus

[Gregory]

Infections that develop after delivery of a baby (postpartum infections) usually begin in the uterus.

Bacteria can infect the uterus and surrounding areas soon after delivery.
Such infections commonly cause pain in the lower abdomen, fever, and a foul-smelling discharge.
Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms and results of a physical examination.
Antibiotics usually cure the infection.

After delivery, the uterus may become infected if the membranes containing the fetus (amniotic sac) are infected (called chorioamnionitis).
Uterine infections include

Infection of the uterine lining (endometritis)
Infection of uterine muscle (myometritis)
Infection of the areas around the uterus (parametritis)