1. The puerperium is the 6-week period after childbirth where the body returns to its pre-pregnancy state as the placenta is removed and uterine involution occurs.
2. Major complications during this time include puerperal infection/sepsis, mastitis, postpartum hemorrhage, and mental health issues.
3. Puerperal infection is diagnosed based on fever within the first two weeks and requires investigation and treatment with antibiotics to prevent serious illness or death.