In the absence of preexisting febrile disorder, the most common factor associated with intrapartum fever assumed is an intrauterine infection (IAI). The others include nulliparity, prolonged labor and premature rupture of membranes. The current article suggests the management steps to manage these fevers among women in labor. The most common etiologies are an intraamniotic infection (IAI) and use of epidural anesthesia.
The management depends on the etiology, it can be documented. Since none of the laboratory findings reliably and conclusively distinguish between IAI and epidural-related maternal temperature elevation, antibiotics for the treatment of IAI are usually administered when maternal temperatures is >38°C (≥100.4F) orally. However, absence of infectious origin, treating all fevers with antibiotics leads to overtreatments. Following management steps can be taken: General…
