After a woman gives birth, the health of the baby usually becomes the focus of the family’s attention, and the health of the mother often recedes from the priority list. Many busy new mothers are unable to attend a postpartum check-up with an obstetrician or midwife, despite recent medical guidelines that require a visit within three weeks after giving birth.
But a new study reveals that serious pregnancy-related medical complications are more common after childbirth, often long after the mother has been discharged from the hospital.
Here’s what you should know:
When are postpartum complications most likely to occur?
The first 6 weeks after giving birth are the most dangerous. A woman and her partner or support team should be especially careful during her first week. However, pregnancy-related complications can occur within the first year after giving birth.
“The first year is a lot more vulnerable,” says Dr. Sherrill Franklin, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta.
Who is most at risk?
Black women are almost twice as likely as white women to have serious complications during the postpartum period. Native American women are at even higher risk of complications, both during and after pregnancy.
However, all mothers over the age of 35, regardless of race or ethnicity, are more likely to experience complications after being discharged from the hospital. Women who have had a caesarean section or who have had a stillbirth are at increased risk of complications, as are overweight women and women with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease. women of the south Complication rate is higher than in the Northeast.
What are the most common warning signs?
a number of postpartum symptoms Women should be encouraged to seek immediate medical attention as it may indicate a very serious medical complication. They include:
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Headache that does not go away or gets worse.
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dizziness or fainting;
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changes in vision.
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Fever of 100.4 degrees or higher.
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Extreme swelling of the face or hands.
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difficulty breathing;
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Chest pain or rapid heartbeat.
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Severe nausea and vomiting.
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severe abdominal pain;
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Severe swelling, redness, or pain in your arm or leg.
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Severe vaginal bleeding or discharge.
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and overwhelming fatigue.
If you can’t reach your usual health care provider, go to the emergency room and be sure to tell them you’ve been pregnant within the past year.
CDC offers helpful quizzes such as: Helps give women red flags both during and after pregnancy.
Are difficult pregnancies or deliveries more likely to cause postpartum complications than smooth pregnancies or deliveries?
Yes, but anyone can develop complications after giving birth, even those who conceive smoothly and easily.
Some medical conditions presenting during pregnancy, such as hypertensive disorders and diabetes, can increase postpartum risk and require close follow-up and monitoring. Women with hypertension or a family history of it may wish to have a home cuff or use a remote blood pressure monitoring program to track their blood pressure.
Certain birth outcomes also cause red flags. Caesarean sections can cause infections and, in some cases, life-threatening blood clots. In the case of premature birth, or of a small-for-gestational-age baby, the health of the mother as well as the baby must be closely monitored.
Psychologist Katayune Kaeni said traumatic childbirth experiences can lead to depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. All women should be screened for depression during their postnatal check-up.
Are there precautions taken to reduce the risk?
If you are not pregnant and plan to become pregnant, plan a pre-pregnancy visit with your doctor and partner, if you have one (the person’s medical history may also be important).
“Optimize your health before conception with heart-healthy nutrition, fitness, cancer screenings, and immunizations,” says Dr. Franklin. “Optimizing chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease, understanding family history and own risk factors.”
Once pregnant, start prenatal care early and don’t skip appointments.
After giving birth, be sure to see your OB/GYN or midwife, preferably within 2-3 weeks after you leave the hospital. If you had difficulties during your pregnancy or if you have underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or obesity, talk to your doctor about seeing your doctor earlier, calling or visiting more often, or transitioning to a doctor who can manage your postnatal care. please.
If you have any concerns, please consult your doctor. If your health care provider ignores your concerns and you still feel unwell, go to the emergency room.
Is it normal to have tears immediately after giving birth? What are the psychiatric symptoms that require immediate medical attention?
Some new moms may feel sad after giving birth, but this is usually a temporary phenomenon. If you continue to feel sad or hopeless, if you think you’re not a good mother, or if you feel out of control and constantly worried about your life, seek help.
If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, or if an intrusive thought pops into your head and you can’t get rid of it, get help right away. Your healthcare provider should be able to provide a referral.can get Learn more about postnatal support International.
