Postpartum bladder and kidney infections

[Merna]

A bladder infection (cystitis) sometimes develops after delivery of a baby. A kidney infection (pyelonephritis) can occur if bacteria spread from the bladder to the kidney after delivery.

Bladder and kidney infections may cause painful or frequent urination and sometimes fever.
To diagnose bladder and kidney infections, doctors examine and analyze a urine sample.
Typically, women are given an antibiotic intravenously for a kidney infection or by mouth for a bladder infection.

(See also Postpartum Infections.)
The risk of developing a bladder infection is increased when a catheter is placed in the bladder to relieve a buildup of urine during and after labor, particularly if the catheter is left in place for a while.