Puerperal sepsis: Puerperal sepsis is the presence of any disseminated infectious diseases which started at one place and propagated to different parts of the body throughout the blood stream. It is a very serious problem if occur on the mother during the postnatal period.

The causes of this infection are of not specific, any infectious diseases like PROM, pelvic inflammatory disease, infected episiotomy, STI, all can predispose the mother for puerperal sepsis. Puerperal sepsis is characterised by sudden onset of fever during the postnatal period, chills, sweating, generalised body pain, headache, loss of appetite are among the commonest signs and symptoms.

As the disease-causing microorganisms scattered throughout the body with blood, the condition of the mother will get serious and the mother loses her consciousness, and this condition is called septic shock. Unless the mother will get medical treatment immediately, it may end with the death of the mother.

So, the health extension worker should be alert when the mother shows the above symptoms; you should immediately refer her to the nearby health centre or hospital.