Heart and breathing symptoms after birth
Shortness of breath, chest pain or a racing heart after birth must be checked. Rarely, the heart muscle weakens around pregnancy (peripartum cardiomyopathy).
Most important
Chest pain or trouble breathing
Call 911 or seek emergency care now.
Important to know
- CDC lists trouble breathing and chest pain or fast-beating heart as urgent maternal warning signs.
What may happen
- Heart tests such as an ECG or ultrasound.
- Referral to cardio-obstetrics specialists.
Why
Pregnancy places extra strain on the heart.
What varies
Our sources do not give a fixed treatment sequence; care is specialist-led.
Questions to ask
- What is causing my breathlessness?
- Do I need to see a heart specialist?
Prototype draft. Not yet clinically reviewed. Your own care team's instructions come first. About this app
Sources
Summaries are drafted from these public sources. No hospital has endorsed this app.
Henry Ford Health · Detroit-area system
Cardio-Obstetrics(opens in a new tab)- Published
- Date not stated
- Checked
- 2026-10-24
- Access
- Read from a search index copy
Applies to: Published by one health system. Procedures at your hospital may differ.
Limitations: Does not give a fixed postpartum inpatient treatment sequence.
Henry Ford Health · Detroit-area system, general cardiac care
Cardiomyopathy Clinic(opens in a new tab)- Published
- Date not stated
- Checked
- 2026-10-24
- Access
- Read from a search index copy
Applies to: Published by one health system. Procedures at your hospital may differ.
Limitations: General cardiomyopathy page; use postpartum-specific clinical review.
CDC · National authoritative supplement
Urgent Maternal Warning Signs and Symptoms(opens in a new tab)- Published
- 2024-05-15
- Checked
- 2026-10-24
- Access
- Page read in full
Applies to: National or state guidance, not a hospital procedure.
Limitations: Not a diagnosis tool; hospital-specific escalation wording needs clinical review.