According to the WHO definition used in Indian examinations, puerperal pyrexia is diagnosed when the temperature rises to:
- A 37.5 degrees Celsius or more on any occasion within 42 days of delivery or miscarriage
- B 38 degrees Celsius or more on any occasion within 14 days of delivery or miscarriage ✓
- C 38.5 degrees Celsius or more on any occasion within the first 7 days postpartum
- D 38 degrees Celsius or more persisting for 48 hours within 6 weeks of delivery
Correct answer: B. 38 degrees Celsius or more on any occasion within 14 days of delivery or miscarriage
Explanation
Puerperal pyrexia is defined as a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher on any occasion within 14 days of delivery or miscarriage. This WHO definition is the one quoted in DC Dutta and repeated in Indian exams. Option D describes sustained fever rather than fever on any single occasion, and options A and C alter either the threshold or the time window.
Reference: DC Dutta's Textbook of Obstetrics, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.