puerperal

views updated May 18 2018

puerperal (pew-er-per-ăl) adj. relating to childbirth or the period that immediately follows it. p. infection infection of the female genital tract arising as a complication of childbirth. p. psychosis a severe psychiatric disturbance, which may be depressive, manic, or schizophrenic, that is triggered by childbirth and usually arises in the first two weeks after delivery. The patient needs to be hospitalized for treatment and to prevent harm to the baby. Compare postnatal (depression), postpartum (blues). p. pyrexia a temperature of 38°C occurring on any two days within 14 days of childbirth or miscarriage.

puerperal

views updated May 23 2018

puerperal pert. to parturition. XVIII. f. L. puerperus parturient, f. puer child + -parus bringing forth; see prec.,PARENT, -AL1.

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