Black women experience higher rates of maternal health issues, including postpartum complications, more than other groups of women. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of common postpartum complications and identify them as early as possible if they occur. Early identification of these symptoms can decrease the risk of serious complications and improve health outcomes. If you fall into any of the following groups, early identification of signs and symptoms of postpartum complications is especially important:
- Will be 35 years old or older when having a baby
- Had any problems during pregnancy or delivery
- Have a chronic health condition, such as high blood pressure
Signs of Postpartum Complications
Let’s review some of the signs and symptoms of postpartum complications. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your provider or seek emergency care immediately.
- Severe pain: Pain in your stomach or pelvic area that does not improve with medication can be a sign of complications such as infections or excessive bleeding.
- Heavy bleeding: Soaking through one or more pads in an hour, passing clots larger than the size of an egg, or passing tissue could be a sign of a postpartum hemorrhage.
- Signs of an infection, including:
- A fever over 100.4°F
- Chills
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Painful, red areas on the breasts (a sign of mastitis)
- Drainage, redness and swelling, or C-section site pain
- Leg pain and swelling: Increased swelling, redness, and leg pain can signal deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which requires emergency care.
- Shortness of breath or chest pain could signal a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs), which requires immediate emergency care.
- High blood pressure: A reading of 140/90 mm Hg or higher is considered high blood pressure and can signal postpartum preeclampsia. Black women are at a higher risk of developing of developing preeclampsia.
- Persistent headaches: Intense, constant headaches and vision changes may also signal postpartum preeclampsia.
Prioritizing your postpartum care
Your postpartum recovery is a critical part of your overall health and wellbeing. Attending all your postpartum visits is a significant step in the healing process. New postpartum guidelines recommend seeing your OB/GYN within three weeks of giving birth. It’s important to be proactive and seek help early if you have any worries or symptoms, especially if you had problems during pregnancy or delivery. This can prevent other health issues.
Contact your doctor before your three-week checkup if you have any concerns or symptoms, especially if you had any problems during pregnancy or delivery. Getting help early can prevent other health issues.
Make a list of your postpartum recovery needs. Give this list to family or friends you trust – they can help if you need medical help. Include information such as:
- Your healthcare providers (including phone numbers/contact info)
- Upcoming checkups
- Hospital/urgent care info
You are your health’s first line of defense. It’s important to listen to your body and talk to your doctor if something feels wrong or if you’re unsure about any symptoms. Being your own health advocate can help you stay on top of your postpartum care and prevent serious health issues.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Care Team
Sources:
- Signs and Symptoms of Urgent Maternal Warnings, Center for Disease Control, CDC, May 15, 2024 https://www.cdc.gov/hearher/maternal-warning-signs/index.html
