Feelings of Hopelessness, Anxiety, or Not Bonding with Baby

I put this at the top of the list because baby blues can be normal. When you give birth sometimes it’s not always just cuddles and smiles. It’s a lot of crying! You don’t even know why you are crying, but the change is dramatic and hormones are rollercoastering. Listen to your mind and body during this time to see if you need to reach out to someone.

Call your doctor or a mental health professional if:

• You feel persistently sad, empty, or anxious.
• You have trouble sleeping or eating, even when you can.
• You feel detached from your baby or fear you’ll harm yourself or your baby.

Why it matters: These are signs of postpartum depression or anxiety, which affect up to 1 in 7 mothers. Treatment is available, and reaching out early makes recovery faster and safer.

If you ever have thoughts of self-harm, call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room.

Heavy or Prolonged Bleeding (Postpartum Hemorrhage)

Normal: Light to moderate bleeding called lochia for up to 4–6 weeks after delivery. It should gradually lighten in color—from bright red to brown to yellowish-white.

Call your doctor immediately if:

• You’re soaking more than one pad per hour.
• You pass blood clots larger than a golf ball.
• Bleeding suddenly gets heavier after slowing down.
• You feel dizzy, weak, or faint.

Why it matters: These may be signs of postpartum hemorrhage, a serious complication that can occur even weeks after delivery due to retained placenta or uterine atony.

Fever or Chills

Temperature fluctuations might occur in the first 24 hours. However…

Call your doctor if:

• Your temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
• You have chills, muscle aches, or feel flu-like.
• The area around a C-section incision or vaginal tear feels hot, red, or swollen.

Why it matters: Fever could indicate infection—in the uterus (endometritis), breasts clogged milk ducts (mastitis), urinary tract, or at the incision site. Possible early treatment with antibiotics is important.

Chest Pain, Shortness of Breath, or Coughing Up Blood

Call 911 immediately if:

• You experience chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, or coughing up blood.

Why it matters: These can be signs of a pulmonary embolism (PE)—a blood clot that has traveled to the lungs. The risk for blood clots is highest in the first six weeks postpartum, especially after a C-section or prolonged bed rest.

Severe Headaches or Vision Changes

Call your doctor right away if:

• You have a sudden, severe headache that doesn’t improve with pain medication.
• You see flashing lights, blurred vision, or experience swelling in your face or hands.

Why it matters: These symptoms can be warning signs of postpartum preeclampsia, a condition involving dangerously high blood pressure that can develop after birth.

Pain, Swelling, or Redness in One Leg

Call your doctor if:

• One leg becomes warm, tender, swollen, or red compared to the other.

Why it matters: This can indicate a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)—a blood clot in the leg that can lead to a pulmonary embolism if not treated promptly.

Worsening Perineal or Vaginal Pain

The healing of this area takes time, but it shouldn’t be burning, hot, or swollen.

Call your doctor if:

• Pain becomes worse instead of better over time.
• You notice foul-smelling discharge, yellow pus, or swelling.
• Stitches or incisions open or appear infected.

Why it matters: Infection or wound separation can occur after vaginal tears, episiotomies, or C-sections. Prompt care prevents further complications.

Burning or Pain When Urinating

Pregnancy and postpartum cause hormones and the flora in your body to do all kinds of things. UTI’s happen and sometimes there isn’t always a fever. However, don’t ignore signs you could have a UTI.

Call your doctor if:

• You experience burning, urgency, or difficulty peeing.
• You see blood in your urine.
• Lower back aching and sensitivity where your kidneys are.
• Fever

Why it matters: These are signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI), which can spread to the kidneys if untreated. It’s really important to treat UTI’s right away!

TIP: UTI’s can happen anyways, but always stay very hydrated, eat balanced foods, and when you pee…empty the bladder. Give yourself a little more time and bend slightly forward to try to get all the pee out.

Difficulty Breathing, Swelling, or Rapid Weight Gain

Call your doctor if:

• You experience shortness of breath, even when resting.
• You have sudden swelling in your hands, feet, or face.
• You gain more than two pounds a day unexpectedly.

Why it matters: These can indicate fluid overload, postpartum preeclampsia, or heart failure (peripartum cardiomyopathy), a rare but serious condition that requires immediate care.