Signs of an Emergency After Childbirth: Care Instructions

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If you have any of these symptoms after childbirth, it could be a sign of an emergency. Call emergency services or your doctor right away.

Call 911 if you have any of these symptoms.

  • Thoughts of harming yourself, your baby, or another person.
  • Passing out.
  • Chest pain.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Coughing up blood.
  • A seizure.

Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255 if you have thoughts of suicide or self-harm.

Call your doctor or midwife now if you have any of these symptoms.

  • Sudden swelling of your face, hands, or feet.
  • New vision problems (such as dimness, blurring, or seeing spots).
  • A severe headache.
  • Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking through one or more pads in an hour, or passing blood clots bigger than an egg).
  • A fast or irregular heartbeat.
  • New or worse belly pain.
  • Feeling so tired or weak that you cannot do your usual activities.
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
  • Pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
  • Swelling in your leg or groin.
  • A color change on the leg or groin.
  • A fever.
  • Redness on your breast.
  • Vaginal discharge that smells bad.
  • Frequent or painful urination or blood in your urine.
  • Feeling sad, anxious, or hopeless for more than a few days.

Write down this information. Share it with emergency services or your doctor.

Date you gave birth:

Date and time your symptoms started:

Symptoms you are having:

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter E565 in the search box to learn more about "Signs of an Emergency After Childbirth: Care Instructions".

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.