What causes fever after birth?

Endometritis is an infection of the uterine lining after birth. It may cause fever with lower abdominal pain, uterine tenderness, unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge or feeling unwell. A caesarean wound infection can cause increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pain or discharge around the incision.

Mastitis can cause a hot, painful area of one breast alongside flu-like symptoms and fever. Urinary infection, a chest infection or another illness can also occur after delivery. The cause cannot be confirmed from temperature alone, so associated symptoms and an examination matter.

Check your temperature if you feel hot or shivery, note when symptoms began, and contact your maternity team or clinician the same day for advice. Tell them how you gave birth, whether you have a wound, breast symptoms, pelvic pain, urinary symptoms or unusual discharge.

Do not stop prescribed treatment without advice. A clinician may examine the wound, breasts and abdomen, check urine or blood, and decide whether antibiotics or another treatment is needed. Read about [Caesarean Wound Infection](/conditions/caesarean-wound-infection/), [Endometritis](/conditions/endometritis/) and [Mastitis](/conditions/mastitis/).

Get urgent help for difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, fainting, severe abdominal pain, rapidly worsening illness, heavy bleeding, or a wound that opens or produces pus. Fever with shaking chills or feeling suddenly very weak also needs prompt assessment.

Ask which source of infection seems most likely from your symptoms, whether you need an examination or tests, and which changes should prompt emergency care. If breastfeeding, ask how any treatment affects feeding and milk expression.