Complications
Blood pressure, bleeding, infection and other conditions explained calmly.
- Preeclampsia and high blood pressure after birthPreeclampsia is a pregnancy-related high blood pressure condition. It can continue after birth or start for the first time after delivery, so blood pressure is watched closely.
- Why magnesium treatment involves extra monitoringMagnesium sulfate is given through an IV to help prevent seizures in some people with preeclampsia. Because it can affect breathing, reflexes and urine output, staff check you often while it runs.
- Understanding frequent blood-pressure checksIf your blood pressure is high, staff may check it often to see whether treatment is working and whether it is rising. At home, some programs give you a cuff and tell you how often to check.
- Going home after a blood-pressure complicationAfter a blood-pressure complication, you may go home with a cuff, medicines and a follow-up plan. Some health systems run remote monitoring programs, such as Henry Ford's Heart Healthy Moms or University of Michigan's MiHeart.
- When preeclampsia becomes more severeSometimes preeclampsia becomes more severe. Eclampsia means seizures. HELLP syndrome affects the blood and liver. Both need urgent specialist care in hospital.
- Heavy bleeding and postpartum hemorrhagePostpartum hemorrhage means very heavy bleeding after birth. Staff may give medicines such as oxytocin to help the uterus contract, and other treatments if bleeding continues.
- Recovery after significant blood lossAfter significant blood loss, you may feel weak, tired or dizzy. Your care team may check your blood count and talk with you about iron or, sometimes, a transfusion.
- Infection after birth: uterus, urine or woundInfections after birth can affect the uterus, bladder or a wound. Fever, worsening pain, foul-smelling discharge or a red, swollen wound need medical review.
- Blood clots in the leg or lungThe risk of blood clots is higher after birth. A swollen, red or painful leg, or sudden chest pain or trouble breathing, needs urgent care.
- Headache after birth: get assessed firstA headache after birth needs to be assessed, not self-diagnosed. It can relate to high blood pressure, an epidural (sometimes treated with a blood patch), or other causes.
- Severe tears, pelvic pain and bladder or bowel changesSome births cause deeper tears (third- or fourth-degree) that involve the muscles around the anus. Specialist care is available for pain, bladder and bowel symptoms.
- Trouble emptying the bladder after birthSome people have trouble emptying the bladder after birth. Tell your nurse if you cannot pee or feel you are not emptying fully. A catheter is sometimes used.Research outline only
- Breast inflammation and possible infectionA red, painful, swollen area of the breast can be inflammation or sometimes infection. Contact your care team for assessment rather than treating it yourself.
- After a pregnancy with gestational diabetesGestational diabetes often improves after birth, but follow-up glucose testing is still important because the risk of type 2 diabetes is higher later in life.
- Heart and breathing symptoms after birthShortness of breath, chest pain or a racing heart after birth must be checked. Rarely, the heart muscle weakens around pregnancy (peripartum cardiomyopathy).
- Depression, anxiety and getting treatmentPostpartum depression and anxiety are common and treatable. Treatment can include talking therapy, support and, when appropriate, medicine. Severe symptoms need help right away.
Prototype draft. Not yet clinically reviewed. Your own care team's instructions come first. About this app