What are the most common postpartum complications? How can we navigate, and seek help if needed.

August 01, 2025
Belleubleu.com Admin

The Most Common Postpartum Complications and When to Seek Help.

Every two minutes, a mother who has just given birth dies due to postpartum complications. No family is prepared to endure that reality as their newborn takes their first breaths.

The birthing and post-birth processes should be safe, special, and cherished moments for the mother, newborn, and their loved ones. We are here to educate and support both first-time and experienced mothers on the signs and symptoms of postpartum complications. Our goal is to help mothers deliver their newborns safely and healthily, while simultaneously taking care of our mommas.

Giving birth is one of the most exciting and transformative times of our lives. We want to make sure we can educate our families on the warning signs of complications to be on the lookout for.

Some of the most-life threatening complications can include, but are not limited to:

Postpartum hemorrhage: Can manifest as a mother's excessive passing of clots in the lochia, or excessive bleeding.
Hypertension Crisis: This can lead to severe hypertension.
Postpartum depression vs. Baby Blues: Baby blues can resolve within two weeks, meanwhile postpartum depression can persist past the first two weeks.
Cardiovascular and Clotting issues: Pregnancy can place significant stress on a mother's body, such as their heart and circulatory system. This can exacerbate pre-existing heart conditions, or lead to new ones.
Sepsis

Understanding Postpartum Complications: Signs, Symptoms, & What to Do.

The postpartum period is a special time, but it is also crucial for new mothers and their family. It is important to be aware of the potential complications that can arise. Knowing some signs and symptoms can make a big difference in the recovery process, so we can optimize for a healthy and safe recovery.

Below are some of the key issues to look out for:

Postpartum Complications

Signs and Symptoms

When to Act

Postpartum hemorrhage

Excessive bleeding after childbirth.

Continuous bright red vaginal bleeding, boggy uterus (soft uterus), high heart rate and heavy breathing, low blood pressure, weakness, dizziness, or changes in mental status. Passing clots larger than an egg (even when bleeding isn't continuous).

Check how many sanitary pads are saturated every hour. IF you are soaking more than 1 pad per hour, call your provider.

Call the provider if any of these symptoms persist, and there are clots that are larger than an egg.

Call 911 immediately, or go to your nearest emergency room if symptoms worsen rapidly.

Postpartum Hypertension Crisis/Severe hypertension

Hypertension Criteria:

Systolic BP: greater than >140.

Diastolic BP: greater than >90.

ON TWO occasions, can be at least 4 hours apart.

SEVERE Hypertension Criteria:

Systolic BP: greater than >160.

Diastolic BP: greater than >110.

ON TWO occasions, can be at least 15 minutes apart.

Headaches, shortness of breath, visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, light-headed, dizziness, abdominal pain.

Check blood pressure when at each visit, as well as at home if there are any risks, (over the age of 35, African American, diabetes history, kidney disease, obesity).

Call 911 immediately if blood pressure meets criteria and/or is experiencing symptoms.

Postpartum Depression vs.

Baby Blues (typically resolves within two weeks.)

Sleeping disturbances, severe mood swings, excessive concern, loss of appetite or weight changes, withdrawal from others, lack of interest in performing daily activities or caring for the baby, having thoughts of self-harm or harming others, including infants. Suicidal.

Baby blues can resolve within two weeks, meanwhile postpartum depression can persist past the first two weeks.

Educate family members to look for these signs.

Immediately call 911 if you are having thoughts of harming you or your baby.

Clotting issues

Blood Clots can form in the legs (Deep Vein Thrombosis- DVT) and then travel to the lungs (Pulmonary Embolism- PE).

Monitor for swelling in one calf, redness and tenderness. shortness of breath, coughing of blood, dizziness, and blue-tinged lips or nails.

Can also be seen if bleeding egg size clots continuously.

Risk factors can be limited mobilization, obesity, cesarean delivery, history with clotting issues. Discuss these risk factors with their OB-GYN.

Stay mobile, hydrated, and avoid smoking.

If symptoms show possible Pulmonary Embolism or DVT, call 911 immediately.

Sepsis

(Life-threatening condition caused by a severe infection.)

Fever 100.4 or higher, chills, shortness of breathe, rapid heart rate, confusion, dizzy, rash may be present.

Redness, warmth, drainage, increase pain from a wound, or laceration can be signs of infection.

Being non-white, overweight, have hypertension, anemia, history of Group B Strep, poor nutrition, not performing perineal care, can lead to higher risk for sepsis.

If you experience any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

Important Reminders

This chart outlines common signs and symptoms of postpartum complications for educational purposes. This information does not replace professional medical supervision. Always consult with your healthcare providers for any questions or concerns.

Conclusion:

We provide this information to empower mothers to actively participate in their care. Staying educated on your risks and discussing a plan with your providers will help ensure a smoother and healthier transition from the hospital to your home, for both you and your baby.

We are always striving to help moms and babies continue their journey together, healthy, and safely.

References:

Wilson, A. (n.d.). Preventing Postpartum Complications: The Role of Home Healthcare Nurses. Wolters Kluwer Health.

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Author Bio: At Belleubleu, we're dedicated to empowering expecting and new mothers with stylish, comfortable, and functional apparel designed for every stage of their incredible journey. We believe comfort and confidence go hand-in-hand.