Puerperal fever, also known as childbirth fever, is a bacterial infection that occurs in women after childbirth. The condition can be life-threatening if left untreated. There are several synonyms for puerperal fever which include childbed fever, postpartum fever, septicemia, and metritis. Childbed fever was a commonly used term during the 18th and 19th centuries when the condition was more prevalent. Postpartum fever is a medical term used to describe infections that occur after giving birth. Septicemia is a blood infection caused by bacteria. Finally, metritis is an infection of the uterus that can also occur after childbirth. All of these terms refer to the same condition and require prompt medical attention to avoid complications.