It’s no secret that giving birth is hard on a woman’s body. You may be sore throughout your body for weeks afterward. Especially after delivery your body’s hormones fluctuate and may increase your hunger or disrupt your sleep. It’s normal for a new mother to have recurring pain after having a baby, however, there are symptoms that may indicate a serious health condition. Pay attention to what your body is telling you and talk to a doctor immediately if you are having persistent or recurrent pain.
Common Postpartum Health Issues
As your body gets back to your pre-pregnancy self you may experience some discomfort such as:
- Swollen breasts
- Hemorrhoids
- Constipation
- Vaginal Discharge
- Painful sex
- Incontinence
- Urinary Infections
- Heavier than normal periods
While these health issues are common, it’s wise to talk to your doctor about the best strategies for managing these problems. Many can be remedied with medications and time.
Symptoms That Could Be Serious
While it’s normal to be excessively tired or not quite yourself after going through the delivery of a baby there are symptoms that should not be ignored:
- Excessive vaginal bleeding or large blood clots
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Long lasting headache that does not improve with pain relievers
- Visual disturbances
- Swollen red legs
- Infected incision
- Body temperature higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
- Seizures
Get medical attention immediately if you experience these symptoms after having a baby. It’s possible that these symptoms could be signs of something worse. If these symptoms persist because of actions taken by hospital staff, it’s also possible that the hospital staff may have committed medical malpractice resulting in a birth injury, and you should seek legal advice.
Your Mental Health
You’ve carried your baby for 9 months and suddenly it’s just you in your body again. The change in hormonal levels can affect how you feel too. It may be helpful to take up a habit like meditation or other mindfulness behaviors to clear your mind and help you overcome negative thoughts. But for some women, postpartum depression can cause some serious problems Some of the signs that you should pay attention to are:
- Having suicidal thoughts
- Thinking of harming your child
- Disinterest in activities that you used to enjoy
- Feeling hopeless
- Serious sleep disturbances
- Anxiety
- Postpartum Insomnia
Contact your doctor if you can’t seem to shake off feelings of depression, anxiety, or guilt. It’s common to worry about your baby but if you’re unable to function normally then get help.
Giving birth puts a tremendous strain on your body but in time you will feel back to normal. Talk to your doctor immediately about any postpartum symptoms to ensure your healthy recovery.