Health

Postnatal symptoms you should never ignore – some need immediate medical attention


After giving birth it’s completely normal to not be feeling like your old self again straight away.

Your body has been through a lot – and symptoms such as some bleeding, discomfort and tiredness are not necessarily a cause for concern.

Most mums make an uncomplicated recovery after their baby is born. However, sometimes real medical emergencies happen in the days and weeks after giving birth – and it’s important to be aware of the signs.

Babycentre has identified the postnatal symptoms you need to know about – and know not to ignore.

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First things first, after having your baby ask your midwife how you can access urgent maternity care in the event that you should need it – the postnatal ward may be your best bet.

It’s also worth educating your partner and family of symptoms to watch out for so they know how to spot postnatal signs that need action.

Knowing what the warning signs are, and what you should to do if they happen, could make all the difference. Your loved ones may spot some symptoms – such as postnatal depression – before you do.

Postpartum haemorrhage is a medical emergency

So which postnatal symptoms are an emergency?

Any of these symptoms require urgent medical attention – that means going to A&E or calling an ambulance:

  • your bleeding suddenly increases, and soaks more than one pad an hour
  • you pass lots of large blood clots that are bigger than a 50p piece
  • you start to feel faint or dizzy
  • your heart starts to race, or your heartbeat becomes irregular.

If you lose more than 500ml of blood, this means you might be having a postpartum haemorrhage (PPH).

According to the NHS, there are two types of PPH, depending on when the bleeding happens:

  • primary or immediate – bleeding that happens within 24 hours of birth
  • secondary or delayed – bleeding that happens after the first 24 hours and up to six weeks after the birth

Sometimes PPH happens because your womb doesn’t contract strongly enough after the birth, if part of the placenta has been left in your womb or you get an infection in the lining of the womb.

A severe headache requires medical attention

Other postpartum symptoms that need urgent medical attention

  • You experience a severe and persistent headache, vision problems, vomiting and/or swollen ankles- this could be a sign of pre-eclampsia, which usually comes on within 72 hours of giving birth
  • Shortness of breath or chest pain – chest pain and feel short of breath then it could be a symptom of pulmonary embolism. Other symptoms include coughing up blood and feeling faint
  • High temperature – a fever over 38C can be a sign of sepsis.

Symptoms that need same-day medical advice

  • Calf pain – If you develop pain in your lower leg, usually just in one leg, then it could be a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Your leg may also look red and swollen and feel warm to touch.
  • Sudden change of mood or mental health – this can include feeling agitated, depressed, confused or having manic behaviour. Some mums experience dramatic changes in their emotional and mental health – hallucinations and delusions could be the beginning of postpartum psychosis.
  • Unable to wee – this could be a sign of urinary retention

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Symptoms that need medical attention but not urgent care

  • Leaking out of your bottom. After a a vaginal birth, sometimes the ring of muscles that controls your bowels can get damaged which causes incontinence.
  • Symptoms of an infection such as discharge or discomfort when weeing.
  • Baby blues that doesn’t go away within a few days

If ever in doubt, the NHS has a 111 service where you can explain symptoms and a doctor will help to advise on whether it’s a medical emergency or not.



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