Postpartum Warning Signs

Call doctor if you have these in first month after birth.

· Passage of a blood clot larger than a lemon. Heavy bleeding: soaks a maxi pad in an hour.

· Fever of 100.4 or higher.

· Problems with urination: Burning, or blood in urine, inability to urinate.

· Very foul or fish-like odor to vaginal discharge.

· Increased pain at site of episiotomy or tear.

· Swollen, red, hot, painful area on the leg, especially the calf.

· Sore, reddened, hot, painful area on breast, along with fever or flu-like symptoms.

Postpartum Emotional Concerns

Baby Blues	Postpartum Depression (PPD)	Postpartum Psychosis
25-80% of new moms have baby blues. Severity: Mild. Seek support from friends and family.	10-15% of new moms. Severity: medium - high. Seek treatment promptly (support groups / counseling)	.1 – .2% of new moms. Severity: High, possibly life-threatening. Seek immediate professional treatment!
May be weepy, crying easily over little things. May have mood swings. May not be able to sleep well. May seem irritable and impatient. May feel inadequate. May not feel like yourself.	Any baby blues symptoms, plus Feel tired all the time, want to sleep all the time. Can’t sleep even when baby sleeps May feel unable to concentrate May express guilt / inadequacy May seem anxious, panicky, not coping May not show interest in the baby May be hyperconcerned about baby May worry about harming self or baby May have headaches / chest pains May not care about appearance, or about eating, or other self care	Any of the other symptoms, plus May seem confused. May have severe mood swings. May feel hopeless or ashamed. May talk about suicide / hurting baby. May seem hyperactive or manic. May talk quickly or incoherently. May act suspicious or fearful of everything. May have delusions or hallucinations.
May start 3-5 days after birth. Fades after a few weeks. (After 2 weeks, may be PPD)	Often begins 2-12 weeks after baby is born. Can begin anytime in first year, or when breastfeeding baby is weaned.	May begin anytime in the first year, or when breastfeeding baby is weaned.

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