Childbed fever

Childbed Fever is a historical term for a postpartum infection, also known as puerperal fever. It is a bacterial infection that can occur in the female reproductive tract following childbirth or miscarriage. The condition was a common cause of death in childbirth during the 18th and 19th centuries, but is now much less common due to improvements in hygiene and the use of antibiotics.

History

Childbed fever was first described in the 18th century, and was a major cause of maternal mortality until the late 19th century. The condition was often associated with childbirth in hospitals, and was one of the reasons many women preferred to give birth at home. The cause of childbed fever was not understood until the late 19th century, when Ignaz Semmelweis, a Hungarian physician, discovered that the condition could be prevented by hand washing.

Causes

Childbed fever is caused by bacterial infection, most commonly by Group B Streptococcus (GBS) or Escherichia coli (E. coli). The bacteria can enter the body during childbirth or miscarriage, and can cause infection in the uterus and other parts of the female reproductive tract.

Symptoms

Symptoms of childbed fever can include fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, and foul-smelling vaginal discharge. If the infection spreads to the bloodstream, it can cause sepsis, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.

Treatment

Treatment for childbed fever typically involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.

Prevention

Prevention of childbed fever involves good hygiene practices during childbirth and the postpartum period. This can include hand washing, use of sterile equipment, and proper care of the birth canal and uterus after childbirth.

See also

• Ignaz Semmelweis
• Puerperal fever
• Sepsis
• Group B Streptococcus
• Escherichia coli