Several changes can occur to your body after childbirth. It’s normal to feel some pain or discomfort after the delivery, but some symptoms require urgent medical attention.
It is advisable to be careful with your body and reach out for help if you have severe symptoms after the delivery. At denova Collaborative Healthcare, we offer the support needed during the postpartum period.
6 Postpartum Health Issues to Reach out to a Medical Professional About
1.) Heavy Bleeding
Many mothers, particularly those who recently had a cesarean section, may have vaginal bleeding 2-6 weeks after childbirth. Although the bleeding may be heavier than a period, bleeding should slow down during the first few weeks. Seek medical attention if the bleeding does not slow down after 3-4 days, gets heavier, or comes with severe pain.
2.) Infection
Your physician will explain how you should take care of the wounds after delivery. However, the wounds may still get infected despite handling them with care. Seek medical attention if you have a discharge, increasing pain, fever, increased heart rate, or a warm or red wound site.
3.) High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can occur within two days after the delivery. This condition is known as postpartum preeclampsia and can cause organ damage, seizure, or death if left untreated. Seek medical attention if you have decreased urination, sudden weight gain, breathing problems, pain in the upper belly, severe headaches, and vision changes.
4.) Heart Failure
Heart failure after delivery is known as peripartum cardiomyopathy. The condition makes it hard for your heart to pump blood to the body. Some of the risk factors for cardiomyopathy include blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and obesity.
5.) Blood Clots
Mothers who have a C-Section, or with conditions like high blood pressure or obesity, are at a high risk of having blood clots after childbirth. Some of the symptoms that may warrant a doctor include chest pain, coughing, red-swollen legs, and shortness of breath.
6.) Depression
Mild symptoms like anxiety or irritability or sadness are common in the first 2 weeks and are sometimes called the postpartum blues. If you have symptoms that are more than mild or last longer than 2 weeks, it may be postpartum depression. It is important to get treatment to help both you and your baby. tell your doctor or your baby’s pediatrician or schedule an appointment with us at denova.
Some of the symptoms of postpartum depression include:
- Crying
- Feeling moody
- Having thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby
- Having reduced motivation
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Memory problems
Advocating for Your Health:
Here is how you can become an advocate for your health after childbirth.
Before your appointment you should:
- Find the right healthcare provider
- Prepare for the appointment by taking notes of issues you want to address
- Make plans to take someone along
At the appointment, you need to:
- Figure out your objectives for the appointment. Don’t lessen the severity of the symptoms and inform the physician about how they affect your life.
- Ask questions where you don’t understand.
- Listen to what you’re feeling during the appointment.
- Be sure to communicate your concerns to your provider.
- Take notes of what your doctor instructs at the visit.
After the visit, you can:
- Go through the notes.
- Talk to someone about the diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Avoid relying on every information you find online.
- Whatever the outcome, acknowledge that you did your best.
Schedule a Consultation with a Health Professional
Need help from a health professional that will listen to your concerns? Schedule an appointment with denova Collaborative Healthcare today.