The strongest risk factor for postpartum endometritis is which of the following?

The strongest risk factor for postpartum endometritis is which of the following?

• A. Prolonged rupture of membranes
• B. Vaginal delivery
• C. Cesarean delivery
• D. Short labor

Answer: (C)

Postpartum endometritis is an infection of the uterus after delivery. The strongest risk factor is cesarean delivery because opening the uterus during surgery directly introduces vaginal bacteria into the endometrial cavity and disrupts the protective uterine lining, creating the most direct route for infection. Vaginal delivery carries a lower risk since the uterus isn’t surgically breached. Prolonged labor or prolonged rupture of membranes can raise infection risk, but cesarean delivery adds the greatest risk overall. Using perioperative antibiotics with cesarean procedures helps reduce this risk.

Postpartum endometritis is an infection of the uterus after delivery. The strongest risk factor is cesarean delivery because opening the uterus during surgery directly introduces vaginal bacteria into the endometrial cavity and disrupts the protective uterine lining, creating the most direct route for infection. Vaginal delivery carries a lower risk since the uterus isn’t surgically breached. Prolonged labor or prolonged rupture of membranes can raise infection risk, but cesarean delivery adds the greatest risk overall. Using perioperative antibiotics with cesarean procedures helps reduce this risk.