Going through labor and giving birth to a baby is a humongous task, though deeply satisfying. The journey of those nine months and then undergoing labor is like a topsy-turvy roller coaster ride. You will keep on bouncing and jumping even when you have successfully completed your ride. After childbirth, you and your body undergo many emotional and physical changes. Sometimes women may experience alarming postnatal symptoms that need medical attention.
Some bleeding, discomfort, pains and aches, fatigue, and tiredness often seem normal and one can cope with these symptoms with some self-help. But there are a few postnatal symptoms that need your proper attention and may require medical help. It is a good idea to keep all your medical files in one place and let everyone in the home know about it. This way, if an emergency strikes, seeking medical help would be easy and your family members would not be rummaging through the house.
In This Article
10 Alarming Postnatal Symptoms That Need Immediate Attention
It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to postnatal symptoms. If you’re experiencing alarming postnatal symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly. Postnatal symptoms can vary from person to person, but here are some symptoms of those alarming postnatal symptoms that may require immediate medical attention:
1. Excessive Bleeding With Clots
After giving birth it’s quite common to experience some heavy bleeding however it can also be an alarming symptom if in case you have to change your pad every one or two hours. The problem must especially if the bleeding is accompanied by too many fresh blood clots. If this is the case you should immediately contact your doctor as it this can be a condition of hemorrhage which can lead to shock. Click here to read more about lochia after delivery.
2. High Or Low Blood Pressure
During your pregnancy, if you have a case of pre-eclampsia or while going through labor you have lost an extensive amount of blood then it’s quite essential to keep an eye on your blood pressure levels even after many hours of your delivery. Ignoring any symptoms of high or low blood pressure can often lead to a ‘shock’ condition. You should consult your doctor immediately if along with elevated or low blood pressure, you start developing signs like dizziness, headache, nausea, or blurry vision.
3. High Fever
High fever along with shivering is often a warning sign of undergoing a condition of infection. If in case you had a C-section or an episiotomy then there may be a wound that has not healed properly or is taking too much time to heal because of infection. Often infections are accompanied by smelly discharge and pain associated with the area where the infection is taking palace. Consult your doctor if in case you experience any of these symptoms. Click here to read about episiotomy and here to read about C-section infections.
4. Urine Retention
After childbirth, it’s very important to pass urine and stool within 24 hours of delivery. Passing urine within the first 6 hours is much more important. If in case you are not able to pass urine within the first 7-8 hours even after increasing your fluid intake then it must be a case of urine retention which needs urgent medical attention. If you are at the hospital then your doctors themselves will keep track of your first passing use but if in case you have delivered at home then try to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
5. Chest Pain
Chest pain after delivery can be because of muscle strain that your body has gone through during labor but sometimes it indicates bigger medical problems such as a possible chest infection or pulmonary embolism. If in case you are experiencing breathlessness along with chest pain then you must consult your doctor on an immediate basis.
6. Calf Pain
Having pain in your calf muscles along with swelling is a sign of deep vein thrombosis- a blood clot in the deep veins of the muscles, which is a grave medical condition. A few other symptoms associated with calf pain which can also give you a hint of the underlying situation are redness, particularly at the back of your leg, and tenderness, or warmth in the area of the clot. Consult your doctor on an urgent basis if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
7. Constant Headache
Having a constant and ruthless headache after your delivery can signify the ongoing condition of pre-eclampsia which in every case needs medical attention. Often, epidural and anesthesia administered during labor can also be a cause of continuous headaches. You must consult your doctor if along with the headache you are also having some episodes of vomiting and blurry vision.
8. Constant Perineal Pain With Swelling And Stinky Discharge
Perineal pain and stinky discharge might be due to an infection in your stitches. If in case your condition is not improving within two-three days especially when you are taking antibiotics then it’s better to revisit your doctor again and have a proper perineal checkup, the swelling can also be a hematoma which needs medical attention for its treatment.
9. Tender Belly
In the case of cesarean – a tender belly can be a sign of infection associated with stitches or wounds inside your womb from where the placenta has been detached. An unhealed wound can lead to heavy bleeding which can be a life-threatening situation. Seek a medical check-up even if you develop an iota of doubt.
10. Behavioral Disorder
It’s quite common to experience some baby blues after childbirth however if in case you are having some hallucinations along with distress and anxiety then it can be the starting of a rare condition called postpartum psychosis. Suicidal tendencies or morbid thoughts require medical intervention and should not be ignored. If not treated on time it can soon turn into a serious mental health problem.
Be careful about your postpartum health and pay attention to the symptoms you are experiencing. If you experience any of the above alarming postnatal symptoms, don’t ignore them and seek medical help in time. This way you can avoid severe illness and you can get better quickly.
FAQ’s
1. How Long Do You Have To Worry About Postpartum?
Postpartum is a period that typically refers to the first six weeks after childbirth, during which a woman’s body goes through various physical and emotional changes. However, it’s important to note that the effects of childbirth and the adjustment to motherhood can extend beyond the six-week mark, and some women may experience postpartum concerns for several months or even longer.
