Uterus inflammation after childbirth/ in the postpartum
Inflammation of the uterus during childbirth is also known as endometritis puerperalis. This type of uterine inflammation is also the most common form of acute endometritis. The inflammation of the uterus is caused by an infection, which is triggered by germs either during or after birth.These are mainly so-called mixed infections in which different bacteria are the trigger of the inflammation.
These include streptococci, staphylococci, enterococci or the intestinal bacterium Escherichia coli. The inflammation of the uterus becomes noticeable by an unpleasant smelling lochia, vaginal bleeding and painful pressure in the lower abdomen. In addition, uterine inflammation during the postpartum period is the most common trigger for so-called postpartum fever.
The fever often exceeds 40 degrees. An enlarged uterus becomes noticeable in ultrasound. If these symptoms occur during the postpartum period, a doctor should be consulted for an examination.
Antibiotics are given for mild inflammation. If the inflammation has already spread, the patient may need to be admitted to hospital as an in-patient. In very rare and serious cases, the last option is to remove the uterus.
