And Gynecology Sponsors do not influence content. Emergency physicians are becoming increasingly concerned about postpartum patients presenting to the ED with a fever or evidence of infection. The number of cases of infection can be expected to increase due to earlier discharge of postpartum patients from the hospital.
Any infection following delivery is classified as postpartum or puerperal infection.
Endometritis is the most common source of postpartum infection. The history and course of the delivery is very important in evaluating postpartum patients. Ascertain if delivery was vaginal or by cesarean section. Ascertain if premature rupturing of membranes occurred. Assess patient's symptoms.