Childbed fever, also known as puerperal fever, is a bacterial infection that can occur in women after childbirth. It typically arises from bacteria entering the uterus during or after delivery, leading to inflammation and infection. Symptoms may include fever, chills, abdominal pain, and foul-smelling discharge. Historically, childbed fever was a significant cause of maternal mortality before the advent of modern hygiene practices. The condition is often linked to the lack of sterile techniques during childbirth, as highlighted by the work of Ignaz Semmelweis, who advocated for handwashing to reduce infection rates in the 19th century.