According to the classical definition used in Indian obstetric practice, puerperal pyrexia is diagnosed when the temperature exceeds:
- A 39 degrees Celsius within the first 48 hours of delivery
- B 38.5 degrees Celsius on two consecutive days after the third postpartum week
- C 38 degrees Celsius on any occasion within 14 days of delivery or abortion ✓
- D 37.5 degrees Celsius on any occasion within the first 7 days
Correct answer: C. 38 degrees Celsius on any occasion within 14 days of delivery or abortion
Explanation
The standard definition is a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) or more on any occasion within 14 days of delivery or abortion. This deliberately broad window captures genital sepsis, urinary infection, mastitis, wound infection and thromboembolic disease, all of which must be excluded systematically. The other options either lower the threshold, shorten the window or delay onset beyond accepted limits.
Reference: Dutta's Textbook of Obstetrics, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.