Obstetrical tetanus

This code represents tetanus that occurs during pregnancy, childbirth, or the puerperium (the period immediately following childbirth). It is a severe bacterial infection characterized by muscle spasms and rigidity, specifically linked to the obstetrical period.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of tetanus in a pregnant patient, during labor and delivery, or within 42 days postpartum. Supporting documentation should include a confirmed diagnosis of tetanus and a clear temporal relationship to the obstetrical event.

• Always sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter.
• Do not confuse this with neonatal tetanus (A33), which affects the newborn.
• Ensure documentation specifies the obstetrical context to differentiate from other forms of tetanus.