What should you know about fever after delivery treatment?

After birth, fever can occur with an infection in the uterus, caesarean or tear wound, urinary tract or breast. Respiratory illnesses such as acute bronchitis or COVID-19 can also cause fever, while skin redness and tenderness may point to cellulitis. A clinician will consider the delivery, bleeding, pain, discharge, breastfeeding symptoms, urinary changes and breathing complaints. The treatment depends on the source and may include examination, tests, fluids or prescription medicine.

Check your temperature, drink fluids and rest when possible. Note the time fever began, its pattern, pain location, vaginal discharge or bleeding, wound changes, breast symptoms and medicines used. Continue breastfeeding or expressing unless your clinician advises otherwise, and wash hands before feeding. Do not use leftover antibiotics or delay assessment while waiting for a home remedy to work. Tell the clinician about allergies and delivery-related procedures.

Get urgent help for heavy bleeding, fainting, severe abdominal pain, foul-smelling discharge, worsening wound redness, confusion, severe headache, trouble breathing, chest pain or a painful swollen leg. Seek prompt assessment for fever that persists, returns, or comes with shaking chills, painful urination, breast redness or reduced alertness. A newborn who is unwell also needs immediate medical advice.

Ask which source is most concerning, whether you need an examination or tests, which treatments are compatible with breastfeeding, and what follow-up is needed.