The postpartum period occurs around 4-6 weeks after giving birth. During this period, bleeding occurs like during menstruation. Apart from that, the postpartum period may cause discomfort, and there are even several conditions that should be watched out for as danger signs. Apart from postpartum blood discharge (lochia), there are several things that commonly occur after giving birth, ranging from discomfort during intercourse, changes in body shape, the appearance of stretch marks, hair loss, to constipation.
These complaints will generally decrease towards the end of the postpartum period, but mothers still need to be aware of the danger signs that may occur during the postpartum period. Such as profuse bleeding, high fever, or prolonged sadness.
Danger Signs during the Postpartum Period
Several conditions during the postpartum period that need to be paid attention to because they may be signs of danger are as follows:
- Postpartum bleeding
Postpartum bleeding can be a danger sign. This should be suspected if the mother has to change sanitary napkins more than once per hour. This condition can also be accompanied by dizziness and irregular heartbeat. If you experience this, mothers are advised to immediately seek medical help. This condition may indicate that there is still a placenta (placenta) remaining in the uterus, so it is necessary to carry out curettage as treatment. - Vaginal swelling/festering
Swollen or festering vaginal conditions can occur in mothers who give birth normally. Usually this is caused by a bacterial infection in the stitches after giving birth. Avoid squeezing boils in the vagina because this will make the vaginal infection worse. Apart from that, try not to move too much and wear loose underwear so that this condition doesn’t get worse. Immediately consult a doctor to immediately get the right treatment. - Pus comes out of the vaginal opening
Conditions like this could indicate an infection inside the mother’s stomach or peritonitis. This postpartum infection can occur either after normal delivery or caesarean section. Peritonitis is a very dangerous condition in the mother. If not treated immediately, the infection can spread to the kidneys, intestines and liver. - High fever (> 38°C)
High fever and body chills can be a sign of infection. This complaint can also be accompanied by pain in the abdomen, groin, breasts, or stitch marks (if giving birth by surgery). Apart from fever, strong-smelling postpartum blood can also be a symptom of infection. - Severe headache
Headaches that occur in the first week of the postpartum period may be a residual effect of giving anesthesia during childbirth. However, if the headache feels very disturbing, accompanied by blurred vision, vomiting, heartburn, or swollen ankles, mothers need to be alert. This condition can be a sign of complications such as postpartum preeclampsia. - Swollen breasts
Swollen breasts will feel painful and heavy. This usually occurs from the first day after delivery due to increased blood flow and breast milk production. If you don’t breastfeed the baby immediately, swelling in the breasts will cause fever and reduce milk supply in the following days. Mothers should be alert if the swelling in the breasts is accompanied by a hot feeling and the surface of the skin becomes red. These symptoms could be a sign of an infection in the breast (mastitis) due to an accumulation of breast milk. Do regular massages and pump breast milk to prevent this from happening. Apart from that, consult a doctor to get more appropriate treatment advice. - Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite
In the first trimester of pregnancy, this condition may be normal. However, if it occurs after giving birth, the mother should be careful. The reason is, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite are also signs of postpartum danger, such as infection in the uterus. Therefore, mothers should not take this lightly if they experience this. - High blood pressure (preeclampsia)
After the birth process, the mother’s body condition needs to be monitored regularly by both a doctor and midwife, such as checking body temperature and blood pressure. This is done to anticipate infection or preeclampsia. Although it rarely occurs, this condition can be fatal. Preeclampsia is a condition where blood pressure rises drastically after giving birth. If not treated immediately, this can risk causing stroke, seizures and even death. - Pain in the calf
Unbearable pain in the calf, accompanied by burning, swelling and redness can be a sign of a blood clot. This condition is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and can be fatal if the blood clot moves to another part of the body, such as the lungs. - Difficulty breathing (shortness of breath) and chest pain
Chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath can be a sign of pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism is a condition where blood flow in the lungs is blocked, usually due to a blood clot. This condition can be life threatening, especially if vomiting of blood or loss of consciousness occurs. - Urination disorders
Not being able to urinate (BAK), not being able to control the urge to urinate, wanting to urinate continuously, pain when urinating, and dark urine color can be signs of certain medical conditions. Depending on the symptoms experienced, this problem can be a sign of dehydration, disorders of the intestinal or pelvic muscles, or infections of the bladder or kidneys. - Feeling sad constantly
Changes in hormone levels and the emergence of responsibilities after giving birth can make mothers experience baby blues. Symptoms that appear can include feelings of anxiety, anger, panic, fatigue or sadness. Generally this condition disappears within a few days or weeks. If these feelings do not go away, and are even accompanied by feelings of hatred, suicidal thoughts, and hallucinations, it is possible that the mother is experiencing postpartum depression. This condition is classified as dangerous and needs immediate treatment.
Many people may think that mental problems are not a serious condition, even though this is one of the danger signs of childbirth that can affect the mother’s health and the care of the baby. Support from husbands, family and relatives is really needed by mothers who have just given birth. Consultation with a psychologist or doctor can also be a solution to life-threatening depression conditions.
By knowing the danger signs during the postpartum period, hopefully it can help new mothers and those around them to be more careful. If you experience or see any danger signs during the postpartum period, it is advisable to immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.
