Expert Advice on Postpartum Complications

By Published On: December 7th, 2021Tags:

For most postpartum women, recovery is uneventful, but it is a period of recovery, nonetheless. The body and all its systems are returning to prepregnancy “normal.” Women experience this time differently, so it is important to follow the advice of your health care provider for follow-up and instructions, as well as trust yourself to know when something is just not right. The most common problems after delivery are infections, excessive bleeding and postpartum hemorrhage, venous thromboembolism (forming abnormal clots in blood vessels), high blood pressure problems and mood disorders.

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Infections

Infections can occur after vaginal birth or cesarean delivery and may involve any area with stitches (such as a C-section incision or a perineal laceration) or the uterus itself. Other systems may also be at higher risk of infection due to pregnancy-related changes and the individual circumstances of the delivery. The risk factors for infection include fever, new onset of pain in a surgical site, and redness or pus where there are stitches.

Heavy Bleeding

Bleeding after vaginal delivery is common for both women who deliver vaginally or via a cesarean section. It usually resembles a heavy menstrual cycle and can last for up to six weeks. Though it generally gets lighter over time, it may wax and wane a bit. That said, if you start to experience heavy bleeding, such as soaking a pad every hour or passing blood clots bigger than a lemon, seek medical attention. Passing clots that can be described as the size of any coin is generally not concerning, but when in doubt, check with your provider.

The risk of developing clots in blood vessels is increased in pregnancy, and it continues after delivery. If an abnormal clot forms in the legs (called deep vein thrombosis, or DVT), one may notice uneven swelling of the legs or ankles or a notable increase in swelling over a short time. Just as swelling of the lower legs is common in late pregnancy, it is in the early postpartum period as well. If clots travel to the arteries to the lungs (pulmonary embolism), the patient may experience shortness of breath or chest pain. These are life-threatening symptoms, and you should seek medical help.

High Blood Pressure

If high blood pressure (hypertension) or preeclampsia was noted during pregnancy, closer monitoring is often recommended after delivery. Sometimes serious elevations of blood pressure are associated with severe headache or visual changes, so these should get your attention, even if there was no problem with your blood pressure during pregnancy.

Mood Disorders

The final area of concern is postpartum mood disorders. Most women have “baby blues” to some degree, and this generally resolves over the first few weeks. Both postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis are more serious and have risks for both mother and her new baby. The usual symptoms of depression may be seen, but thoughts of harming yourself or your child also should be evaluated urgently in postpartum care.

I always advise patients to trust that they know their bodies best. If you really feel something isn’t right, seek medical help for your well-being. It may turn out to be all right and a normal part of the process, or it may be the only sign of some of these problems.