Some signs and symptoms are the normal result of giving birth, including leaking of urine, constipation, gas, bloating, painful perineum, slight changes in your breast, as well as profuse sweating without an apparent cause



This is the way in which, your body is adjusting to get back to its old-self, at the time that eliminates toxins and excess of other fluids accumulated during your pregnancy. All these signs will disappear in the next few days after delivery.

However, there are signs and symptoms you should be aware of. You have probably heard about postpartum depression, a natural state occurring in some women for a few days, but if you feel an extreme sadness that is leading you to an altered mind state and destructive thoughts, you must call your doctor immediately.

You might also feel an acute pain in your pelvis or abdomen after delivery. It is normal as long as it does not last for several days. If pain is persistent and painkillers make you feel worst, this is a sign that something is going wrong.

Bleeding is not always a sign of a potential complication. Most women have a bright red bleeding for several days, that stops and resumes now and then, but never beyond a week. If you are bleeding for more than 4 days and your blood has a foul odor or contains big clogs, call the doctor straight away.

Other symptoms revealing a postpartum complication include mild to severe fever predicting an infection, soreness or localized pain that persists for more than a few weeks after delivery.

Watch out also for persistent or severe headaches and vomiting, double vision, dimming, blurring vision, or any other vision abnormality. If this occurs, do not hesitate in having a medical check up.

Postpartum complications do not occur often, but the risk is always there. It can be prevented or cured when the problem is diagnosed and attended to in time.

If you are alone at home, call your husband, a member of your family or friend that can take you to the doctor. Nevertheless, if you are feeling really bad, do not think twice and call 911 instead, especially if you are bleeding profusely, feeling chest pain, shortness of breathe, or coughing up blood.

In such cases, signs of shock can occur irremediably, including clammy skin, weakness, rapid palpitations or heartbeat, light-headedness, rapid breathing, and confusion or restlessness. The sooner you detect these symptoms and receive medical attention the less likely you are of having severe complications.