Updates to copy, information, and sources, and new medical review.
Its normal to not feel your physical best in the days after giving birth.
To top it all off, youre (over-the-moon happy but) exhausted.
These bacterial infections, which can develop in the days after giving birth, are rare but potentially harmful.
So its worth knowing whatpostpartum warning signsto watch for and how to seek help.
What are the different types of postpartum infections?
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What are the signs of a postpartum infection?
Symptoms of postpartum infection can be vague at first and vary depending on where the infection is.
Many infections formfrom C-section incisions.
But C-sections arent the only culprits behind postpartum infections.
Women who hadpremature rupture of membranes, also known as PROM, are also at greater risk.
How are postpartum infections treated?
Postpartum infections can quickly become serious or even life-threatening, so they almost always require treatment with antibiotics.
The drugs might be given orally or through an IV, depending on the infection and its severity.
Most of the antibiotics used to treat postpartum infections are safe to take while breastfeeding.
Can you prevent a postpartum infection?
In rare cases, infections can trigger a life-threatening reaction called sepsis.
Even though postpartum infections are rare, the thought of getting one can be nerve-wracking.
