Ten Underappreciated Postnatal Signs Worth Pays Attention

Ready to navigate the world of postpartum recovery like a pro? Here's the lowdown on what to watch out for, straight from Ob/Gyn expert, Dr. Salena Zanotti.

New moms, be aware - your postpartum period can come with unique challenges. It's common to experience symptoms like exhaustion, soreness, and emotional changes as your body readjusts. But how do you know if your postpartum troubles are just part of the deal or a cause for concern?

Dr. Zanotti shares these top indicators that you shouldn't ignore:

Heavy bleeding: Postpartum bleeding, known as lochia, is to be expected. But if you're still soaking multiple pads per hour or passing large clots, give your healthcare provider a ring for advice.
Intense cramping or abdominal pain: Some cramping after delivery is normal, but severe or persistent pain could be a red flag for postpartum endometritis – a bacterial infection in your uterus.
Severe headaches: While it's common to have occasional headaches postpartum, a persistent, throbbing one could potentially indicate postpartum preeclampsia, especially if you also experience changes in vision or swelling.
Troubles with tears or incisions: If you have a fever, foul-smelling discharge, or your pain worsens instead of improving, it's essential to address possible infections related to tears, episiotomies, or C-section incisions.
Incontinence: If you're still experiencing leakage after several weeks, Kegel exercises might help - but discuss any concerns with your provider.
Frequent urination or burning: If it feels more intense than typical postpartum discomfort or if you experience a UTI, contact your healthcare provider for treatment.
Leg pain: Be on the lookout for swelling, warmth, or redness in your legs, which could signal blood clots nestled in your veins (deep vein thrombosis).
Chest pain or trouble breathing: Sudden shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or a persistent cough could indicate a pulmonary embolism – blood clots that have taken a trip to your lungs.
Breast pain or burning: Engorgement and discomfort are normal but should subside after a week or so. But if you experience pain, red streaks, or fever, you might be dealing with mastitis, an infection in your breast tissue.
Lasting sadness or thoughts of harming yourself or others: In some cases, the baby blues can morph into postpartum depression. If symptoms persist, don't hesitate to seek help.

Now, remember, your postpartum recovery won't be the same as anyone else's, and each experience is unique. So, if you're ever uncertain or concerned, don't shy away from reaching out to your healthcare provider – it's always better to ask and ease your mind!

A few extra tidbits to bear in mind:

Postpartum depression affects around 70-80% of women and can manifest as severe mood swings, lingering sadness, and detachment from the baby. If this is the case, don't hesitate to seek support.
Intrusive thoughts or fears, unusual or scary thoughts, anxiety affecting daily functioning, and difficulty bonding with the baby can all be signs of postpartum OCD or anxiety. In all these cases, open communication with your healthcare provider can help ease your mind and find solutions.

Embrace this exciting time, but also keep an eye on your well-being, mama. You got this!

Taking good care of your health during the postpartum period is crucial, especially when it comes to mental health, so if you experience lasting sadness or thoughts of harming yourself or others, don't hesitate to seek help.
To maintain your health and wellness, it's advisable to prioritize exercise, nutrition, and sleep as part of your daily routine, ensuring a balanced lifestyle that supports your recovery.
As a new mom, it's essential to monitor your women's health, paying close attention to signs like heavy bleeding, issues with tears or incisions, or incontinence during the postpartum period, which could indicate complications that require medical attention.