Women's Excellence in
Postpartum Complications

The risk for complications occurring during the postpartum period are often a pretty rare occurrence. When postpartum complications do occur, they often require prompt attention and intervention. The reality though, is that most new mothers after giving birth are often very focused on providing care for their new baby. So much so that little thought is given to the fact that they should be monitoring their own recovery as well.

New mothers may need teaching to care for themselves during the postpartum period, and to be mindful of the transitions her body is going through. Discussion regarding the signs and symptoms of the potential complications that can occur postpartum may be helpful for many mothers.

WARNING SIGNS AND WHEN TO CALL:

• If you have a temperature 100.4 or higher after the first 24 hours from delivery.
• If you have bright red, heavy bleeding from the vagina that soaks one sanitary pad in less than one hour.
• If you are passing clots larger than lemon size.
• If you have no bleeding at all from the vagina.
• If you feel like your stomach is getting larger or is rising higher than the belly-button area.
• If you have severe pain in your stomach.
• If you have a bad odor coming from the vagina.
• If you have intense pain, swelling, redness, or discharge from the vagina or episiotomy area.
• If you notice your heart beating very fast or very slow.
• If you feel very tired or feel like you have no energy at all.
• Problems such as burning or pain when urinating or feeling like you can’t go to the bathroom.
• Severe nausea and vomiting or flu-like symptoms.
• Severe headache or changes in your vision.
• Area in either leg that is swollen or tender, hard, hot, or red.
• Area in either breast that is tender to the touch, or hot, hard or red.
• If you experience a loss of appetite or are unable to rest or sleep.
• If you feel very sad or depressed or as though you want to hurt yourself or others.
• If you are experiencing any other unusual problems.

Postpartum complications can range from uterine infections to depression. Be sure to contact us or use our chat if you feel you have signs that something is amiss in the period after birth.