Pregnancy and Postpartum Warning Signs

Pregnancy and childbirth bring many changes to your body and emotions.

While some discomfort is normal, certain signs may indicate serious health concerns.

If you experience any of the following, talk to your healthcare provider immediately to ensure the safety of you and your baby.

Physical Warning Signs

• Severe headaches that won’t go away
• Dizziness or fainting
• Vision changes, such as blurriness or seeing spots
• Fever of 100.4°F or higher
• Extreme swelling in the hands or face
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Rapid heartbeat
• Severe nausea or vomiting that doesn’t stop
• Intense belly pain that doesn’t go away
• Pain, swelling, or redness in the legs or arms
• Extreme fatigue
• Baby’s movement slowing or stopping during pregnancy
• Unusual vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage

Mental Health Warning Signs

• Lasting feelings of sadness, worry, or emptiness
• Feeling guilty, helpless, or worthless
• Increased anger or irritability
• Crying more than usual
• Withdrawing from loved ones
• Feeling disconnected from your baby
• Excessive worry or panic
• Loss of energy or interest in daily activities
• Trouble focusing or making decisions
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Changes in appetite
• Thinking about hurting yourself or your baby

Understanding Postpartum Depression

Many new moms experience “baby blues”, which can cause mood swings, sadness, and tiredness in the first two weeks after birth.

However, postpartum depression is more severe and long-lasting, affecting about 15% of women after childbirth.

Signs of Postpartum Depression:

• Ongoing feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Difficulty bonding with your baby
• Feeling unable to care for yourself or your child
• Thoughts of self-harm or harming your baby

If symptoms last more than two weeks, worsen, or interfere with daily life, reach out to your healthcare provider immediately.

You are not alone, and help is available.

Emergency Help

If you or someone you know is in crisis, don’t wait—get help:
Call your doctor
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
TTY (for hearing impaired): 1-800-799-4TTY (4889)

Your health matters.

Speak up if something feels wrong—help is available to keep you and your baby safe.

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