Postpartum Red Flags

SOME physical and emotional CHANGES ARE NORMAL AFTER HAVING A BABY. HOWEVER, SOME OF THOSE CHANGES ARE OUTSIDE THE RANGE OF NORMAl. HERE ARE red flags to look for POSTPARTUM:

If you notice any of the following, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR:

1. Painful Urination

• Burning or stinging during urinating (peeing)

• Pain in lower back or side

• Needing to pee often (increased frequency)

• New or usual odor of vaginal discharge
  

2. Heavy Bleeding

• Heavy vaginal bleeding that doesn't slow or stop; passing clots larger than a golf ball 

• Nausea / Vomiting

• Drop in blood pressure (dizziness, faint, weak, blurred vision, chills)
  

3. Fever or signs of infection

• Temperature of 100.4 or greater

• Leg pain or swelling

• Severe stomach pain

• Bleeding or pus around incision site (for cesarean)

4 .Excessive Worry

• Dread or sense of danger

• Constant worry about baby's health or fear of something going wrong

• Insomnia or trouble sleeping

• Changes in heart rate, breathing, excessive sweating

• Panic attacks

For more help navigating the seismic shift into parenthood, reach out to the Boston Area Doulas team.
www.bostonareadoulas.com

DISCLAIMER: Doulas are not medical personnel and do not diagnose, perform any medical exams or clinical tasks. Information presented above is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of a properly licensed health care professional.