{
    "abstract": "Maternal morbidity and mortality\u00a0are global socioeconomic and healthcare burdens, and postpartum infections account for a significant, and often preventable, portion of that burden. The postpartum period is traditionally defined as the six weeks following delivery, and infections are relatively common, affecting an estimated 5\u00a0to 7% of women during this time. Puerperal sepsis is one of the top five causes of maternal deaths worldwide and accounts for 10\u00a0to 15% of deaths in the postpartum period. Infections are also the most common cause of death following spontaneous or induced abortions. The medical burden of these infections is compounded by the alarmingly rapid increase in bacterial resistance to commonly used antibiotics.\u00a0 Postpartum infections also present a significant social burden: they increase maternal anxiety and the risk of postpartum depression, interfere with bonding, and negatively impact breastfeeding.\u00a0Postpregnancy infections discussed in this review include infections that occur after live births, stillbirths, and spontaneous or induced abortion. Mastitis is not included in this discussion, as it does not directly result from pregnancy or delivery.",
    "authors": [
        {
            "collective": null,
            "firstname": "Marina",
            "initials": "M",
            "lastname": "Boushra"
        },
        {
            "collective": null,
            "firstname": "Omar",
            "initials": "O",
            "lastname": "Rahman"
        }
    ],
    "copyrights": "Copyright \u00a9 2025, StatPearls Publishing LLC.",
    "doi": null,
    "isbn": null,
    "language": "eng",
    "publication_date": "2025",
    "publication_type": "Study Guide",
    "publisher": "StatPearls Publishing",
    "publisher_location": "Treasure Island (FL)",
    "pubmed_id": "26343252\n19889389\n17207585\n29561285\n18455098\n11747696\n12825542\n31487273\n12962927\n2406660\n25932831\n21885049\n18510455\n23972519\n28690864\n10805361\n8437791\n10874222\n28525192\n26064762\n29794678\n27512432\n26903338\n25751198\n25922861\n27364644\n21195382\n25454997\n29354655\n24947530\n23445136\n18819238\n30396751\n0\n32256131\n31867226\n32335640\n20375891\n32354696\n30890463\n31238347\n32369860\n31087317\n30756124\n28467526\n25263249\n30134425\n16816087\n30134418\n12355382\n32809639",
    "sections": [
        {
            "chapter": null,
            "title": "Continuing Education Activity"
        },
        {
            "chapter": null,
            "title": "Introduction"
        },
        {
            "chapter": null,
            "title": "Etiology"
        },
        {
            "chapter": null,
            "title": "Epidemiology"
        },
        {
            "chapter": null,
            "title": "Pathophysiology"
        },
        {
            "chapter": null,
            "title": "History and Physical"
        },
        {
            "chapter": null,
            "title": "Evaluation"
        },
        {
            "chapter": null,
            "title": "Treatment / Management"
        },
        {
            "chapter": null,
            "title": "Differential Diagnosis"
        },
        {
            "chapter": null,
            "title": "Prognosis"
        },
        {
            "chapter": null,
            "title": "Complications"
        },
        {
            "chapter": null,
            "title": "Deterrence and Patient Education"
        },
        {
            "chapter": null,
            "title": "Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes"
        },
        {
            "chapter": null,
            "title": "Review Questions"
        },
        {
            "chapter": null,
            "title": "References"
        }
    ],
    "title": "StatPearls"
}