Which finding is a common sign of postpartum endometritis?

• A. Foul lochia.
• B. Clear, odorless lochia.
• C. Absence of uterine tenderness.
• D. Normal vital signs.

Answer: (A)

Postpartum endometritis is an infection of the uterus after delivery. A common sign is foul-smelling lochia. Lochia is the vaginal discharge after birth, and while it can vary in color, it normally doesn’t have a strong odor. When infection sets in, bacteria in the uterus produce byproducts that give the discharge a notably foul odor. This odor change helps point to an infectious process in the uterus more than the color or amount alone. Other signs of endometritis can include fever and uterine tenderness, but a clear, odorless lochia and normal vital signs would be less supportive of an infection.