What is the most common postpartum infection?

Endometritis is recognized as the most common postpartum infection due to the anatomical and physiological changes that occur following childbirth. The endometrium, which is the inner lining of the uterus, becomes more susceptible to infection after delivery due to the process of tissue healing and the presence of lochia, which can be a medium for bacterial growth. The risk factors associated with endometritis include prolonged labor, artificial rupture of membranes, cesarean delivery, and retained placental fragments, all of which can contribute to the development of infection in the uterus.

In contrast, while mastitis, urinary tract infections, and incisional infections can occur postpartum, they are less prevalent compared to endometritis. Mastitis typically occurs in breastfeeding mothers and is often related to blocked milk ducts. Urinary tract infections can develop postpartum but are not as common as endometritis. Incisional infections may arise from surgical interventions such as cesarean delivery but also occur less frequently than uterine infections. Therefore, endometritis stands out in terms of frequency as the most common infection that affects postpartum women.