What is a common sign of infection in a postpartum mother?

Fever or elevated heart rate is a significant indicator of infection in a postpartum mother. After giving birth, women are vulnerable to various infections, such as endometritis, urinary tract infections, and wound infections, making it crucial to monitor their vital signs closely. A fever is typically defined as a temperature greater than 100.4°F (38°C) and suggests that the body is responding to an infectious process, while an elevated heart rate often accompanies fever as part of the body's response to infection.

In the context of postpartum care, recognizing these signs is essential for prompt identification and treatment of potential infections, which can have serious complications if left unaddressed. Monitoring for fever and heart rate can help healthcare providers intervene early and improve outcomes for the mother.

The other options, while they may occur for various reasons in postpartum women, are not definitive signs of infection. Low blood pressure can occur due to other physiological changes or complications like hemorrhage. Normal body temperature would not indicate an infection, and excessive fatigue can be attributed to normal postpartum recovery processes rather than a specific infection.