How common is fever after birth in endometritis?

Endometritis can cause fever, chills, lower abdominal or pelvic tenderness, a fast heartbeat, and feeling unwell. Vaginal discharge may smell unpleasant or become heavier than expected, although symptoms vary. Fever after birth can also arise from breast, urinary, or wound infections, so a clinician may ask about delivery, bleeding, pain, urination, breasts, and the caesarean or tear site.

Contact your maternity team, midwife, or doctor promptly if you develop fever or feel increasingly unwell after delivery, particularly with pelvic pain or offensive discharge. Do not wait for a routine postnatal visit. The clinician may examine your abdomen, review the uterus and delivery history, and prescribe treatment if endometritis is suspected. Take medicines only as directed and keep drinking fluids if you can.

Use urgent or emergency services for severe abdominal pain, fainting, confusion, breathing difficulty, very heavy bleeding, or a sudden rapid deterioration. These signs can indicate a serious postpartum illness. If you feel weak or dizzy, ask someone to stay with you while you arrange care and avoid travelling alone.

Ask whether your symptoms fit endometritis or another postpartum infection, whether tests are needed, and how quickly treatment should begin. Ask what improvement to expect, what side effects to watch for, and when you should contact the team again.