Symptoms to Watch Out For

Below are some important symptoms after childbirth, what they could mean, and what action you should take:

Symptoms	Possible Condition	Recommended Action
Sudden or very heavy blood loss, faintness, dizziness, palpitations	Haemorrhage	Contact emergency services
Stomach soreness/tenderness without heavy bleeding	Haemorrhage or infection	Contact emergency services
Fever, shivering, abdominal pain, unpleasant vaginal discharge (>38°C)	Infection	Contact emergency services
Difficulty breathing, chest pain	Blood clot (pulmonary embolism), Anaemia	Contact emergency services
Pain, swelling, or redness in calf	Blood clot (DVT)	Contact emergency services
Severe headache with vision changes, nausea, vomiting, sudden swelling	Very high blood pressure (Pre-eclampsia)	Contact emergency services immediately
Difficulty passing urine	Urine retention, Urine infection	Contact healthcare team
Painful, stinging, or unpleasant smelling perineal area	Infection	Contact healthcare professional
Difficulty or inability to open bowels	Constipation	Contact healthcare team
Leaking urine unintentionally	Urinary incontinence	Contact healthcare team
Low mood, anxiety, tearfulness, fatigue	Baby Blues, Postnatal depression	Contact your consultant or midwife
Pain in bottom or bleeding	Haemorrhoids	Contact emergency services
Having bowels open unintentionally	Faecal incontinence	Contact emergency services
Persistent tiredness	Anaemia, Depression	Contact your consultant or midwife
Backache	Musculoskeletal problem	Contact your consultant, midwife, or physiotherapy team

Postnatal Discharge