Puerperal pyrexia is defined in the UK as a temperature of 38°C or more persisting for how long after delivery?

• A Any single temperature reading ≥38°C within first 10 days
• B Temperature ≥38.5°C on any day in the first 7 days postpartum
• C Temperature ≥37.5°C persisting for more than 48 hours in the puerperium
• D Temperature ≥38°C on any 2 of the first 10 days postpartum, excluding the first 24 hours ✓

Explanation

Puerperal pyrexia (RCOG and classic definition): temperature ≥38°C (100.4°F) on any 2 of the first 10 days postpartum, exclusive of the first 24 hours (which may reflect normal physiological response or dehydration). This definition is used for clinical and medicolegal purposes. The first 24 hours are excluded to avoid labeling normal thermoregulatory changes after delivery as pathological. This remains the standard examination answer for the definition of puerperal pyrexia.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.