Who Do I Contact About Postpartum Red Flags and Which Are Most Common? | Postpartum Health

After the excitement of childbirth, many new mothers are eager to begin the recovery process and enjoy bonding with their newborns. However, the postpartum period can also be a time of concern and confusion, as new mothers may experience various physical and emotional changes that can sometimes signal problems. Recognising postpartum red flags early is crucial for getting the right help and ensuring a smooth recovery.

This article will focus on the most common postpartum red flags, what to do if you experience them, and which professionals to contact for help. We will also explore how antenatal care, prenatal care, and antenatal support can contribute to identifying and managing these issues before and after childbirth.

What Are Postpartum Red Flags?

Postpartum red flags refer to concerning symptoms or complications that may indicate more serious health issues after childbirth. These symptoms should not be ignored, as they could affect the well-being of both mother and baby. It’s important to note that while some discomfort and changes in the body are normal during the postpartum period, there are certain warning signs that require immediate attention.

Here are some of the most common postpartum red flags:

1. Excessive Bleeding or Blood Clots

While some bleeding (lochia) is normal in the weeks after childbirth, heavy bleeding or the passage of large blood clots can indicate complications, such as postpartum haemorrhage or retained placental tissue.

What to look out for: If you soak through more than one sanitary pad an hour or pass clots larger than a golf ball, you should seek immediate medical advice.

Who to contact: Contact your midwife or GP right away. If you experience severe bleeding or symptoms such as dizziness or fainting, go to the emergency department immediately.

2. Severe Abdominal Pain or Tenderness

Abdominal pain after childbirth is common as your uterus shrinks back to its normal size. However, severe or persistent pain may indicate issues such as infection, uterine complications, or a problem with the C-section incision if you had one.

What to look out for: Intense pain that doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter painkillers, especially if accompanied by fever, swelling, or redness around the incision.

Who to contact: Contact your midwife, GP, or the hospital where you delivered. If you had a C-section, ensure you’re following up with your obstetrician or the surgeon who performed the procedure.

3. Urinary Incontinence or Difficulty Urinating

Incontinence can be a common issue after childbirth due to the pressure placed on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles. However, if you experience ongoing difficulty urinating, a loss of sensation, or a sudden inability to control your bladder, it may indicate nerve damage or pelvic floor dysfunction.

What to look out for: Difficulty passing urine, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, or incontinence that persists well beyond the first few weeks.

Who to contact: A pelvic health physiotherapist or your GP can help assess and treat urinary issues. If you had a C-section, these symptoms may be linked to the recovery process and should be evaluated by your doctor.

4. Postpartum Depression or Severe Mood Swings

Emotional changes are common after childbirth, but when feelings of sadness, anxiety, or irritability persist or worsen, it may signal postpartum depression (PPD) or postpartum anxiety. These conditions can have a significant impact on a mother’s mental health and her ability to care for herself and her baby.

What to look out for: Persistent feelings of sadness, crying spells, overwhelming anxiety, irritability, or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.

Who to contact: Reach out to your midwife, GP, or a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or therapist. There are also postnatal support groups that can help.

5. Fever or Chills

A fever or chills in the postpartum period can be a sign of infection, particularly if you had a C-section or episiotomy. Infections can occur in the uterus, around the incision, or in the urinary tract.

What to look out for: A fever greater than 100.4°F (38°C) or chills that don’t go away after a few hours.

Who to contact: If you have a fever, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like pain, swelling, or redness around the incision, contact your GP or return to the hospital where you delivered.

6. Swelling or Pain in the Legs

Postpartum swelling in the legs is common, but if you notice severe swelling or pain, it could be a sign of a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis, DVT). This condition can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

What to look out for: Swelling, redness, or pain in one leg, particularly if it’s associated with a feeling of warmth.

Who to contact: Seek immediate medical attention from your GP or the nearest emergency department.

7. Breathing Difficulty or Chest Pain

Breathing difficulty or chest pain could indicate a pulmonary embolism, which occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs. This is a rare but serious complication that can arise after childbirth.

What to look out for: Shortness of breath, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.

Who to contact: Contact emergency services immediately.

The Role of Antenatal Care in Preventing Postpartum Red Flags

While many of the postpartum red flags mentioned above can happen unexpectedly, antenatal care plays a crucial role in preparing and educating women about potential issues they may face after childbirth. By addressing pelvic floor health, mental well-being, and overall physical health during pregnancy, women can reduce the likelihood of developing serious postpartum complications.

1. Antenatal Checkups and Education

Regular antenatal checkups provide an opportunity to identify any potential health risks before they become problems. During these visits, your healthcare provider should discuss your physical health, any potential complications during childbirth, and your postnatal recovery.

How Antenatal Care Helps:

Prenatal care helps identify risk factors such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or high blood pressure that may lead to complications during or after delivery.

Educating women about pelvic health and the importance of antenatal fitness, such as prenatal yoga, can help prevent pelvic floor dysfunction and urinary incontinence.

Antenatal education often includes discussions about what to expect during the postpartum period, helping women understand the typical signs of recovery and when to seek help for red flags.

2. Prenatal Yoga for Postpartum Recovery

Yoga during pregnancy is an excellent way to strengthen the pelvic floor, improve flexibility, and relieve stress. Specific poses and breathing techniques can help prepare the body for childbirth and facilitate recovery after delivery. Additionally, pregnancy yoga classes often cover relaxation techniques that can help manage anxiety and reduce the risk of postpartum depression.

Yoga for pregnancy can help manage stress and reduce physical tension, which can contribute to better overall health during pregnancy and a smoother recovery post-birth.

3. Postpartum Support Services

After childbirth, it’s crucial to continue the support you received during pregnancy. Many healthcare providers and local clinics offer postnatal classes or counselling services to help new mothers navigate the postpartum period. Antenatal clinics often offer postpartum care services, which include breastfeeding support, emotional well-being checks, and advice on managing common physical recovery issues like incontinence or pelvic floor dysfunction.

Finding Postnatal Support:

Antenatal clinics: Many have dedicated postnatal teams that can provide advice and support for managing postpartum red flags.

Postnatal education: Enrolling in postnatal classes or support groups can help women feel more informed and less isolated during the recovery process.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

If you experience any of the postpartum red flags mentioned earlier, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Here’s a breakdown of when to contact specific professionals:

Midwife: If you’re still in the early postpartum period and need assistance with breastfeeding, basic recovery concerns, or emotional support.

GP (General Practitioner): For ongoing or persistent issues such as urinary incontinence, emotional health concerns, or any of the red flags mentioned above.

Obstetrician: If you had a C-section or other significant surgery during birth and need help with wound care, healing, or managing pain.

Pelvic Health Physiotherapist: For pelvic floor issues, incontinence, or sexual health concerns post-birth.

Mental Health Professional: If you suspect you may be experiencing postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety, seek the help of a therapist or psychologist.

Conclusion

Postpartum recovery is an essential part of the journey for new mothers, and recognising the red flags early can prevent further complications and ensure better health outcomes. Many of the common postpartum red flags can be prevented or managed with the right antenatal care, prenatal support, and education.

By maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider, staying proactive about your health, and knowing when to seek help, you can reduce the risk of complications and enjoy a smoother recovery. If you’re unsure about any symptoms you’re experiencing, don’t hesitate to reach out to a medical professional for advice—your health and well-being are important.