Fever after giving birth: what should you know?

After birth, fever may be linked to infection in the uterus, urinary tract, a caesarean or tear repair wound, the breasts, or the lungs. Foul-smelling vaginal discharge, increasing lower abdominal pain, painful urination, breast redness, worsening wound pain, cough, or shortness of breath helps clinicians identify the source. Breast fullness alone can occur as milk comes in, but a hot, painful, red area with fever needs assessment. A mild temperature can also have a non-infectious explanation, yet postpartum symptoms should not be dismissed.

Measure and record your temperature, the time it started, bleeding, discharge, pain, urinary symptoms, breast changes, and medicines taken. Contact your maternity unit, obstetric team, or urgent-care service for advice today. Drink fluids, rest when possible, and continue feeding or expressing milk unless your clinician says otherwise. Do not start leftover antibiotics. If you have a wound, keep it clean and follow the discharge instructions; do not insert products into the vagina during the recovery period unless advised.

Seek emergency help for heavy bleeding, fainting, severe headache with vision changes, chest pain, difficulty breathing, one-sided leg swelling or pain, confusion, or a seizure. Contact your maternity team urgently for fever with severe abdominal pain, foul-smelling discharge, worsening wound redness, breast pain, or feeling suddenly very unwell. Arrange help with the baby while you are assessed, and do not drive if dizzy or weak.

Ask which examination or tests may find the source, whether treatment is compatible with breastfeeding, how to care for a wound or breast, and which symptoms should trigger immediate return. Mention the birth method, complications, retained placenta concerns, urinary catheter use, allergies, and current medicines.