Predisposing factors
A variety of factors predispose to puerperal infection and subsequent pyrexia. They can be broadly subdivided into antepartum and postpartum groups.
Antepartum factors include:
- duration of labour
- duration of membrane rupture before delivery
- the number of cervical examinations
- sexual intercourse Intrapartum factors include:
- iatrogenic bacterial contamination during examination, manipulation or instrumentation
- trauma, eg caesarian section, lacerations
- haemorrhage: consequent haematomas act as a infective focus
For unknown reasons, women of lower socioeconomic class are also more susceptible to infection.
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