Understanding Postpartum Complications

Frequently, after childbirth, the focus tends to be on the baby’s health, and the mother’s health takes a back seat. Even though recent medical guidelines recommend postpartum visits with an obstetrician or midwife within three weeks of delivery, many busy new mothers fail to make it. However, new research highlights the prevalence of serious pregnancy-related medical complications that often arise after the mother is discharged from the hospital.

In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the frequency, risk, warning signs, precautions, and psychological symptoms of postpartum complications.

When Do Postpartum Complications Usually Occur?

The most perilous time for postpartum complications is in the first six weeks after delivery, and vigilance is necessary during the first week. Although complications related to pregnancy can arise up to a year after childbirth, the entire first year is a vulnerable time.

According to Dr. Cheryl Franklin, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, “That whole first year is a vulnerable time.”

Who is at Greater Risk?

Black women are almost twice as likely as white women to suffer from serious complications during the postpartum period. Native American women are at even greater risk of complications both during and after pregnancy. Regardless of race or ethnicity, mothers who are 35 and older have a higher likelihood of suffering complications after discharge from the hospital.

Women who underwent a cesarean section, those who had a stillbirth, and those with underlying conditions such as heart disease or obesity also have higher odds of experiencing complications. Women in the South have higher complication rates than those in the Northeast.

What Are the Most Common Warning Signs?

Several symptoms after childbirth may indicate severe medical complications and require prompt medical attention. They include headache, dizziness or fainting, changes in vision, a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, extreme swelling of the face or hands, trouble breathing, chest pain or fast-beating heart, severe nausea and vomiting, severe belly pain, severe swelling and redness or pain in an arm or leg, heavy vaginal bleeding or discharge, and overwhelming fatigue.

If you cannot reach your regular health provider, go to the emergency room and ensure they know you were pregnant in the last year. The C.D.C. offers a useful quiz that enables women to familiarize themselves with the warning signs during and after pregnancy.

Does Undergoing a Difficult Pregnancy or Delivery Typically Result in More Postpartum Complications Than Having an Uneventful One?

Yes, having a challenging pregnancy or delivery is more likely to lead to postpartum complications than having an uneventful one. However, anyone can develop medical complications after childbirth, even someone who experienced a smooth and unproblematic pregnancy.

Medical conditions that arise during pregnancy, such as hypertensive disorders and diabetes, may raise the risks during the postpartum period and necessitate close monitoring and follow-up. Women with hypertension or a family history of it may wish to have a cuff at home to monitor their blood pressure or use a remote blood pressure monitoring program. Additionally, certain birth outcomes raise red flags, such as cesarean sections, which can lead to infections and potentially life-threatening blood clots. Having a preterm birth or a baby who is small for their gestational age should also prompt close monitoring of the mother’s health.

A traumatic birthing experience can lead to depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. To combat this, Katayune Kaeni, a psychologist, recommends that all women be screened for depression during their postpartum checkups.

Are There Precautions I Can Take to Lessen My Risk?

If you are not pregnant and are planning a pregnancy, schedule a preconception visit with your doctor and your partner (if you have one) – that person’s medical history may also be significant. “Optimize your health prior to pregnancy, with heart-healthy nutrition, fitness, cancer screenings and immunizations,” suggested Dr. Franklin. “Optimize chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease, and understand your family history and your own risk factors.”

Once you become pregnant, start prenatal care early, and don’t miss appointments. After delivery, be sure to return to your obstetrician or midwife for checkups, preferably within the first two to three weeks after being discharged from the hospital. If you experienced complications during pregnancy, had underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or obesity, or have concerns about postnatal care, consult your provider for earlier check-ins, more frequent calls or visits, and referrals to providers who can manage your postnatal care.

If you have concerns, call your doctor. If your providers dismiss your concerns but you don’t feel right, visit an emergency room.

Is It Normal to Feel Weepy Directly After Childbirth? What Psychological Symptoms Require Immediate Medical Attention?

It is common for new mothers to have feelings of sadness after childbirth, but this is usually a temporary occurrence. Seek medical help if you experience continued feelings of sadness and hopelessness, feel like you aren’t a good mother, feel like you have no control over your life, or feel continuously worried.

If you have thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby or experience intrusive thoughts that you can’t get rid of, seek help immediately. Your regular health provider should be able to provide a referral; you can also get more information at Postpartum Support International.