What temperature should a patient report after ROM to rule out infection?

After rupture of membranes (ROM), it is critical to monitor the mother's temperature, as an elevated temperature can be an early sign of infection, particularly chorioamnionitis, which is an infection of the fetal membranes. A maternal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) is often used as a benchmark in clinical guidelines to indicate the possibility of an infection.

If the mother reports a temperature of 100.4°F or higher after ROM, it raises clinical suspicion for infection, prompting further evaluation and potential intervention. Monitoring is essential because an infection can adversely affect both the mother and the fetus, leading to increased risks of complications such as preterm labor, sepsis, and adverse neonatal outcomes.

Temperature readings below 100.4°F, such as 98.6°F, 99.5°F, or even 101.2°F, do not meet the established threshold for concern regarding infection following ROM, making them less relevant when considering the risk of infection in this context.