The significance of temperature during the first 24 hours postpartum.

One thousand gravidas were prospectively monitored for the development of a temperature greater than or equal to 38 C during the first 24 hours postpartum. Fever occurred in 6.5% of patients. Of the 858 gravidas who had vaginal deliveries, 33 had temperature elevations. Only 7 required antibiotics. Of the 142 patients undergoing cesarean section, 32 patients exhibited 1 or more temperature elevations of greater than or equal to C. Of these 32 patients, 23 required antibiotics. Thirteen of the 14 patients with a recorded temperature of greater than 38.4 C required antibiotics. Eighteen of the 22 patients who underwent cesarean section and had 2 consecutive temperatures of greater than or equal to 38 C (taken 4--6 hours apart) required antibiotics.