CHILDBED FEVER Meaning and
Definition
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Childbed fever, also known as puerperal fever or postpartum sepsis, is an infectious and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs in women shortly after childbirth or miscarriage. It is characterized by the presence of infection in the reproductive organs or the surrounding tissues, typically caused by bacteria ascending from the vagina into the uterus.
This condition was historically a major cause of maternal mortality, especially in the past before the introduction of proper hygiene practices during childbirth. It was common during the 18th and 19th centuries when childbirth largely took place at home and medical professionals had limited understanding of the importance of cleanliness.
Childbed fever presents with symptoms such as high fever, abdominal pain, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, and a rapid heart rate. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications such as septic shock, organ failure, and death.
Prevention and treatment of childbed fever involve various measures. This includes ensuring proper hygiene practices during childbirth, such as cleansing hands and instruments, as well as minimizing the exposure to potential sources of infection. In recent times, the use of antibiotics has also been crucial in reducing the incidence and mortality rates associated with childbed fever.
In summary, childbed fever is a serious infection occurring shortly after childbirth or miscarriage. It requires prompt treatment with antibiotics and supportive care to prevent severe complications and ensure the well-being of the mother.
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• Puerperal fever, puerperal septicemia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CHILDBED FEVER
- xhildbed fever
- vhildbed fever
- fhildbed fever
- dhildbed fever
- cgildbed fever
- cbildbed fever
- cnildbed fever
- cjildbed fever
- cuildbed fever
- cyildbed fever
- chuldbed fever
- chjldbed fever
- chkldbed fever
- choldbed fever
- ch9ldbed fever
- ch8ldbed fever
- chikdbed fever
- chipdbed fever
- chiodbed fever
Etymology of CHILDBED FEVER
The term "childbed fever" refers to an infection that women used to commonly contract during or shortly after childbirth. The etymology of the word can be broken down as follows:
1. Child: The word "child" comes from the Old English word "cild" or "cyld", which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "kiltham". It ultimately traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root "gel-", meaning "young".
2. Bed: The word "bed" originated from the Old English word "bedd", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "badjam" and has its roots in the Proto-Indo-European base "bhedh-", meaning "to dig, pierce".
Similar spelling words for CHILDBED FEVER
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