Whether delivering vaginally or via cesarean section, new mothers will experience some physical symptoms after childbirth. Careless mothers should never overlook certain signs. So, which postpartum symptoms demand attention?
Don't Ignore These Abnormalities After Vaginal or Cesarean Delivery (Public Health Network)
1. Difficulty Urinating
The bladder and ureters may sustain injuries during delivery.In such cases, new mothers should drink water to prevent dehydration. If urination remains difficult, seek medical attention immediately.
2. Excessive Bleeding
If vaginal bleeding is heavy enough to require changing sanitary pads hourly, accompanied by large clots the size of ping-pong balls, this may indicate uterine bleeding. Seek medical help immediately.
3. Foul-Smelling Discharge
If vaginal discharge has an unpleasant odor, it could signal retained placental tissue or wound infection. Consult a doctor promptly.
4. Fever
A fever may indicate infection or complications. Monitor body temperature closely and contact your healthcare provider if it persists.
5. Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
If vaginal bleeding is heavy or prolonged, it may indicate uterine bleeding or other complications. Seek immediate medical attention.
3. Malodorous Discharge
If vaginal discharge emits an unusual odor, it may indicate retained placental tissue or wound infection.
4. Fever Above 38°C (98.6°F)
Persistent high fever postpartum suggests uterine or streptococcal infection, or breast infection. Immediate medical evaluation is required.
5. Breast tenderness or lumps
If a new mother consistently experiences breast tenderness during breastfeeding and feels lumps upon palpation, it may indicate mastitis. Mastitis often causes low-grade fever, flu-like symptoms, and feelings of pain or weakness.If nipples crack and milk contains pus or blood, this may indicate a bacterial infection. Seek immediate medical attention and discontinue breastfeeding. 6. Calf pain If the calf muscles behind the shinbone feel soft, or if the painful area becomes red and warm, this may signal a blood clot forming. If the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs or heart, it can be life-threatening.Seek immediate medical attention if this occurs.
7. Persistent abdominal or uterine pain
If a new mother experiences ongoing abdominal or uterine pain postpartum, it may indicate internal bleeding, infection, or other serious complications. Prompt medical evaluation is essential.
8. Wound Infection
If a new mother underwent an episiotomy during delivery, and several days later the stitches become abnormally red, swollen, tender, emit an unpleasant odor, or have discharge, it may indicate infection.For mothers who had a cesarean section, signs of infection include the surgical incision opening up, emitting an unpleasant odor, appearing red, or producing discharge. Both situations require immediate medical attention.
9. Shortness of Breath
If a new mother suddenly experiences shortness of breath after delivery—not due to overexertion—it may indicate lung or heart issues. Another cause could be emotional distress or depression. Both situations require medical evaluation.
10. Swelling
Though uncommon, some postpartum women may experience severe swelling—a symptom of preeclampsia typically occurring within seven days after delivery. Affected mothers exhibit pronounced swelling throughout the body, particularly in the face and fingers, accompanied by headaches and blurred vision. Prompt medical intervention is essential, as untreated preeclampsia can be life-threatening.