Which of the following is NOT listed as a common risk factor for postpartum infection?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Cesarean delivery
• C. Prolonged labor
• D. Obesity

Answer: (A)

Postpartum infection risk grows with situations that introduce bacteria or impair healing after birth. Cesarean delivery carries a higher infection risk because it creates a surgical wound and often requires longer recovery, increasing chances of wound infection or endometritis. Prolonged labor and prolonged rupture of membranes raise infection risk by extending time for bacterial exposure and tissue stress, making contamination more likely. Obesity adds to risk through impaired wound healing, reduced vascularity, and technical challenges during delivery that can favor infection. Hypertension by itself isn’t typically listed as a common postpartum infection risk factor, since it doesn’t directly increase susceptibility to infection after birth, though it influences overall pregnancy management and monitoring.