Postpartum Guide
Postpartum warning signs, who to call and when, and recovery week by week through the first 6 weeks. For partners and family.
The first 6 weeks: what you should know
Postpartum warning signs, who to call and when, and how to help her recover.
These signs can appear up to a year after birth. When you call, say "she recently gave birth" and how many days ago.
Call 112Emergency: 112
Call 112 right away. Say she recently gave birth and how many days ago.
Chest pain or shortness of breath
It could be a blood clot in the lungs or a heart problem. The risk of clots is higher in the weeks after birth.
WHAT TO DOCall 112 right away. Help her sit up and stay with her.
Very heavy bleeding that won't stop, dizziness or fainting
A sudden increase in bleeding after birth can become dangerous quickly. Paleness, a racing heart and feeling faint are signs of blood loss.
WHAT TO DOCall 112 right away. Have her lie flat with her legs slightly raised and stay with her.
Seizure, fainting or confusion
Postpartum preeclampsia (high blood pressure after birth) can cause seizures, even weeks after delivery.
WHAT TO DOCall 112 right away. During a seizure, turn her on her side, put nothing in her mouth and move hard objects away.
Thoughts of harming herself or the baby
These thoughts can be a sign of a serious but treatable mental health condition. Sharing them takes courage and deserves support, not blame.
WHAT TO DOCall 112 right away. Don't leave her or the baby alone, stay calm and stay with her until help arrives.
Sudden confusion, seeing or hearing things, not sleeping for days
Postpartum psychosis is rare but usually starts suddenly in the first two weeks and can get worse within hours. It needs urgent treatment.
WHAT TO DOShe needs an emergency assessment the same day. If anyone is in danger, call 112 right away. Don't leave her or the baby alone.
Call the doctor today
Call her doctor or midwife without waiting. If you can't reach them, go to the emergency room.
Soaking a pad in an hour, or clots the size of an egg
Bleeding is heavy in the first days but should slowly ease. If it is increasing, the clots are large or it smells bad, she needs a check.
WHAT TO DOCall the doctor right away. If there is dizziness, a racing heart or fainting, call 112.
Temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, chills
It can be a sign of infection in the womb, stitches, breast or urinary tract. Early treatment works quickly.
WHAT TO DOTake her temperature and call the doctor today. If she is very weak, breathing fast or confused, call 112.
Headache that medicine doesn't help, blurred vision, sudden facial swelling
It can be a sign of postpartum preeclampsia. It usually appears in the first 6 weeks, sometimes later.
WHAT TO DOCall the doctor right away. Measure her blood pressure if you can. If it is 160/110 or higher, or she has a seizure, call 112.
Red, swollen, warm and painful calf in one leg
It could be a blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis). A clot can travel to the lungs, so it needs a prompt check.
WHAT TO DODon't massage the leg. Call the doctor right away. If chest pain or breathlessness appears, call 112.
Redness, discharge or opening of stitches or C-section wound
It could be a wound infection or the wound opening. Increasing pain, warmth and smelly discharge are typical signs.
WHAT TO DOTake a photo of the wound and call the doctor today. Help her keep it clean and dry.
Foul-smelling discharge or worsening tummy pain
It could be an infection in the womb. Fever, chills or feeling very unwell may come with it.
WHAT TO DOCall the doctor today. If she also has a fever and feels very unwell, go to the emergency room without waiting.
Red, hot, painful area on the breast with flu-like feeling
It may be mastitis (breast inflammation). Acting early usually clears it up quickly.
WHAT TO DOSupport her to keep breastfeeding or pumping. If it doesn't improve in 12-24 hours or the fever rises, call the doctor.
Keep a close eye
Talk with her and don't leave her alone with it. If it lasts more than two weeks, see a doctor together.
Low mood, crying, losing interest in everything for more than two weeks
Mood swings in the first two weeks (baby blues) are common. If it lasts longer, it may be postpartum depression, which is treatable.
WHAT TO DOAsk how she feels without judging. Gently suggest seeing a doctor or midwife together, and book the appointment yourself.
Constant worry, panic, can't sleep even when the baby sleeps
Postpartum anxiety is as common as depression and often goes unnoticed.
WHAT TO DOTake one of the night shifts so she can sleep. If it continues, see a doctor together.
Pulling away from people and the baby, "I'm not a good mother" thoughts
Self-blame and withdrawal are common signs of postpartum depression.
WHAT TO DORemind her she is a good mother with concrete examples. Don't let her isolate, but don't pressure her either.
Burning when peeing, or leaking urine
It could be a urinary tract infection or pelvic floor weakness after birth. Both can be treated.
WHAT TO DOMake sure she drinks plenty of water and remind her to talk to the doctor. If fever or side pain appears, call today.
Baby blues or depression?
Most mothers get it. It starts around day 3-4 with tearfulness and mood swings and passes on its own within two weeks.
Affects 1-2 in every 10 mothers. It lasts more than two weeks and affects daily life. It is treatable and needs a doctor's help.
How to support her emotionally
- Listen without trying to fix it. "You're exhausted, I'm here" is enough.
- Take over one night feed so she can sleep 4-5 hours straight.
- Manage visitors for her and politely wrap things up when she's tired.
- Give her 30 minutes a day just for herself: a shower, a walk, some quiet.
- Keep track of whether she's eating regularly and drinking water.
- If it lasts more than two weeks, suggest seeing a doctor together and go with her.
How to help her recover
Split the nights. If she breastfeeds, you bring the baby to her, burp and change. Fully take over one feed with formula or pumped milk.
Bring water and a snack while she feeds and set up the pillows. If it's hard, help her reach a lactation consultant or midwife.
Keep visits short and few in the first weeks. No one who is sick should come. When she's tired, you close the door.
Warm, filling meals and plenty of water. Foods rich in iron and fibre help recovery and constipation.
Laundry, dishes, shopping and cooking are on you. Her only jobs should be resting and getting to know the baby.
After a C-section she shouldn't lift anything heavier than the baby for 6 weeks. Take her to check-ups and don't miss the postnatal check.
You'll get tired too. Take short naps and ask family for help. When you're okay, you can support her better.
Recovery week by week
Week 1: the most intense days
- Bleeding is heavy and bright red and starts to ease after day 3-4.
- As the womb shrinks there are cramp-like pains, especially while breastfeeding.
- Milk comes in around day 3-5 and breasts feel full. Mood swings may start around now too.
Week 2: step by step
- Discharge turns pinkish-brown and lighter.
- Stitches and C-section wound hurt less. Short walks help.
- Baby blues usually passes this week. If it doesn't, keep a close eye.
Week 3: energy comes and goes
- Discharge turns yellowish-white and may come and go.
- Sleep loss adds up. Sharing night shifts matters even more now.
- Stitches from a vaginal birth have mostly healed.
Week 4: healing on the inside
- A C-section wound may look closed but is still healing inside. No heavy lifting.
- If bleeding turns bright red again and increases, call the doctor.
- Ask about her mood. If low mood continues, talk about it together.
Week 5: a routine forms
- For most women the discharge is nearly over.
- Walks can get longer. No strenuous exercise without the doctor's okay.
- A short outing together can do her good.
Week 6: check-up time
- The postnatal check is usually at 6-8 weeks. Plan the appointment together.
- The check covers mood, stitches or wound, pelvic floor and contraception.
- Recovery after a C-section is mostly complete by 6 weeks, but everyone heals at their own pace.
This article is general information and not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your doctor about health decisions. In an emergency, call your local emergency number right away.
Sources
- AWHONN: POST-BIRTH Warning Signs
- CDC: HEAR HER Campaign
- ACOG: 3 Conditions to Watch for After Childbirth
- ACOG: Postpartum Depression
- WHO: Recommendations on Maternal and Newborn Care for a Positive Postnatal Experience
- NHS: Your Body After the Birth
- NHS: Postpartum Psychosis
- NHS: Postnatal Depression
- NHS: Pre-eclampsia
- NHS: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- NHS: Mastitis
- NICE: Postnatal Care (NG194)