After you’re discharged from the hospital following childbirth, you might feel a mix of emotions. You’ll probably be relieved to go home, but a little nervous as you leave the care of your nurses and head out to recover (and care for your baby) on your own. And while many women recover from delivery without any complications, there are things that can happen after you leave the hospital that you should share with your provider.
What Symptoms Are Normal After Childbirth?
You’ll likely feel quite sore and uncomfortable in the weeks after delivery. Your body has been through a lot, mama! Some normal things to expect when recovering from birth include:
- After pains (dull, or at times sharp, cramps in the lower abdomen as your uterus shrinks)
- Constipation
- Hemorrhoids
- Tenderness in your stitched areas
- Sore breasts and nipples
- Baby blues
What Symptoms Are Concerning After Childbirth?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your provider immediately for an appointment or for further instruction. Your provider may want to see you right away, or ask you to monitor your symptoms for a period of time:
- Fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
- Signs of infection such as: pain, redness or discharge that remains or gets worse around your C-section incision, episiotomy or tear
- Signs of a UTI, bladder or kidney infection such as: pain or burning when you urinate, pain in your back or side, or frequent urination
- Signs of mastitis such as: red streaks on your breast, a sore lump, and flu-like symptoms
- Foul odors from vagina (signs of bacterial vaginosis)
- Severe pain in the lower abdomen
- Chills or feeling cold
- Clammy or sweaty skin
- Fast breathing and/or heart rate
- Extreme pain or discomfort
- Feeling sad, hopeless or anxious for more than 10 days after giving birth
There are other health conditions that can arise after giving birth that are considered emergencies, and should be addressed immediately. Dial 911 or head to your closest Emergency Department if you experience:
- Postpartum Hemorrhage: heavy bleeding in the days or weeks after giving birth. Watch for bleeding heavier than a normal period (soaking through more than a pad an hour), bleeding that gets worse over time, or passing clots larger than a golf ball.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): occurs when a blood clot forms, typically in the lower leg or thigh. Watch for pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in your legs, especially the calves.
- Postpartum Preeclampsia: this is characterized by high blood pressure, and could be a sign that organs such as the kidneys and liver may not be working properly. Watch for dizziness, changes in vision, severe headache, pain in the shoulder or upper right belly, trouble breathing, or sudden swelling in the legs, hands or face.
- Pulmonary Embolism (PE): this is a blood clot that moves from where it formed and ends up in the lung. Watch for symptoms such as chest pain, coughing, or gasping for air.
If you ever have any concerns or questions about anything you experience in the days or weeks postpartum, call your provider’s office to schedule an appointment or speak with a medical professional. Please remember—if you believe you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Department immediately.