7 Post Pregnancy Complications You Shouldn’t Ignore (+ Tips to Recover Faster)

Giving birth is just the beginning — the postpartum period comes with its own set of challenges that many women aren’t fully prepared for. While some changes are expected, others could be signs of serious post pregnancy complications like postpartum hemorrhage, infections, or postpartum depression.

According to the CDC, over 50% of pregnancy-related deaths happen after the baby is born, often due to missed warning signs or delayed care. More than 60% of pregnancy-related deaths are thought to be preventable. That’s why it’s so important to understand what’s normal, what’s not, and when to call your healthcare team.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 7 common postpartum complications and simple ways to feel better, faster.

What Is the Postpartum Period?

The postpartum period starts after the baby is born and lasts about six to eight weeks. It's when your body recovers from labor and delivery, and you adjust emotionally and physically. Doctors call this the fourth trimester — a time that’s crucial for both healing and postpartum care. Most maternal and infant deaths occur in the first month after birth, highlighting the importance of vigilant care during this time.

Definition and Duration of the Postpartum Period

The postpartum period begins right after vaginal delivery or cesarean birth.

• It usually lasts six to eight weeks, but recovery may take longer.
• Healing happens across many systems: uterus, blood pressure, skin, and incision site.
• You may experience vaginal discharge, swollen breasts, or feel severe pain in the perineal area.

Things to watch for:

• Retained placenta or when the placenta stays attached
• Foul smelling vaginal discharge
• Heavy vaginal bleeding

According to the CDC, "Over 50% of pregnancy-related deaths happen after childbirth."

Early care matters:

• Set a postpartum care plan with your healthcare providers. Ideally, this plan should be established before childbirth.
• Be aware of risk factors like heart disease, high blood pressure, or a history of complications.

Physical and Emotional Changes After Labor and Delivery

You’ll likely feel changes in both body and mood.

Common physical symptoms:

• Large blood clots, urinary incontinence, or shortness of breath
• Chest pain, trouble breathing, or poor blood flow
• Pain at the vaginal opening or changes in milk production

Emotional shifts:

• It’s normal to experience the baby blues in the early postpartum period
• But if feelings worsen or you notice blurred vision or ongoing sadness, seek help

Some signs may feel minor but can lead to life threatening conditions — don’t delay medical attention.

7 Common Postpartum Complications You Need to pay Attention

1. Postpartum Hemorrhage (Excessive Bleeding)

Bleeding after giving birth is normal — but too much can be dangerous. Postpartum hemorrhage is a serious condition where the body loses too much blood within 24 hours or even weeks later.

According to the CDC, about 40% of postpartum hemorrhages occur without clear risk factors. Healthcare providers may not be able to prevent postpartum hemorrhage from occurring, but identifying risk factors can help reduce the chances of severe blood loss.

Watch for:

• Heavy bleeding that soaks pads quickly
• Large blood clots or severe bleeding
• Feeling dizzy, cold, or faint

Don’t wait — seek emergency medical care if symptoms worsen. Sometimes the placenta may stay attached, or there could be uterine atony.

2. Postpartum Depression

Not every sad moment is just the baby blues. Postpartum depression goes deeper and may last for weeks or months. If caring for your baby feels too hard emotionally, it’s time to talk. Postpartum depression affects many women, but it is treatable.

Know the signs:

• Feeling numb, hopeless, or angry
• Trouble sleeping even when tired
• Difficulty bonding with your baby

“Screening for depression should happen during and after pregnancy,” says the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

3. Postpartum Infections

Infections after delivery can start silently. These may show up in the weeks after childbirth, especially near the incision site or from internal vaginal discharge issues.

Warning signs:

• Foul smelling vaginal discharge
• Persistent fever or chills
• Signs of infection near stitches

Don't hesitate to call your doctor immediately. Infections can become life threatening if ignored.

4. Blood Clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis)

Some postpartum women are at higher risk of blood clots in the legs. This is called deep vein thrombosis and can travel to the lungs — which is a serious condition.

Look out for:

• Swelling or redness in one leg
• Sudden chest pain or trouble breathing
• Feeling short of breath even at rest

5. Postpartum Hypertension

Yes, high blood pressure can start even after delivery. This may lead to postpartum preeclampsia, which needs quick attention.

Common symptoms:

• Swelling in face or hands
• Blurred vision or headaches
• High blood pressure readings

ACOG notes that postpartum blood pressure should be monitored regularly in the first few weeks.

6. Pelvic Floor Disorders

Your pelvic muscles take a hit during labor and delivery. If you leak urine or feel pressure, you're not alone. Most issues resolve, but some need help.

Symptoms include:

• Urinary incontinence
• Feeling bulging in the vaginal opening
• Pain in the perineal area

7. Breastfeeding Complications

Feeding isn't always easy. Engorgement or breast infection can show up in the few weeks after birth. It affects your milk production and causes discomfort. Breast engorgement can be relieved by frequent breastfeeding on both breasts.

Things to notice:

• Red, hot areas on the breast
• Pain while nursing
• Swollen breasts or breast engorgement

Which Post Pregnancy Complications Carry a Higher Risk If Ignored?

Some complications after giving birth can seem minor at first — but ignoring them can quickly turn serious.

Let’s break down which post pregnancy complications carry a higher risk if not treated early, what to look out for, and when to act. This table will help you spot the red flags before they escalate.

Tips to Recover Faster During the Postpartum Period?

You’ve made it through labor and delivery, but healing doesn’t stop once the baby is born. The postpartum period comes with its own set of needs — physically, mentally, and emotionally. These tips can help you feel more in control, especially in the first few weeks.

1. Prioritize Rest and Gentle Movement

Rest is not a luxury — it’s part of recovery. But complete bed rest isn't always realistic, especially for new moms. Balance is key.

Try this:

• Take naps when the baby sleeps
• Avoid overexerting in the weeks after delivery
• Short walks help blood flow and prevent blood vessel issues

2. Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods to Support Healing

Your body needs fuel to heal completely and support milk production. Nutrients play a big role in tissue repair, immune strength, and energy. Women are encouraged to adopt a variety of healthy, balanced diets after childbirth.

What to eat:

• Iron-rich foods to help with vaginal bleeding recovery
• Fiber to prevent constipation
• Protein for tissue healing

"Postpartum nutrition impacts both mother and infant outcomes," says the CDC.

3. Stay Hydrated and Monitor Bleeding

Staying hydrated helps with everything from blood pressure regulation to vaginal discharge balance. But more importantly, it helps you spot serious conditions.

Keep an eye on:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding or if you bleed heavily suddenly
• Color or odor changes in discharge
• Fluid intake, especially if breastfeeding

4. Practice Postpartum Care for Pelvic Floor Recovery

Pelvic muscles go through a lot during delivery. Without support, they can weaken and lead to urinary incontinence or pain in the vaginal opening.

Gentle ways to support recovery:

• Start with Kegel exercises
• Avoid straining during bowel movements
• Discuss therapy options with your healthcare providers

5. Watch for Signs of Health Problems Early

The first signs of danger can be subtle. According to the pregnancy mortality surveillance system, missing early symptoms often leads to delayed care.

Act fast if you notice:

• Persistent headaches or blurred vision
• Sudden shortness of breath
• Pain or swelling that doesn’t improve

6. Talk to Your Healthcare Team Regularly

You don’t need to wait for a 6-week checkup. Postpartum women benefit from early and ongoing care, especially those with heart disease or risk factors. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends postpartum evaluation within the first 3 weeks after delivery.

Stay in touch:

• Schedule follow-ups before leaving the hospital
• Track blood pressure readings if recommended
• Ask about postnatal care options

7. Seek Emotional Support to Manage Postpartum Depression

Not all wounds are visible. Many women silently struggle with the emotional shift after birth — and too often, most women don’t ask for help. Emotional support from partners and family members can help postpartum women cope.

Ways to protect your mental health:

• Talk openly with your partner or friend
• Join a postpartum support group
• Seek help if sadness lasts beyond a few weeks

“Maternal mental health affects the entire family,” — ACOG.

In Short… Your recovery deserves attention too. By watching for warning signs, eating well, and leaning on your healthcare team, you’re giving your body and mind the care they need. Small steps now make a big difference for your long term health.

The overall risk of dying from a pregnancy-related complication is low, but staying informed and proactive is key.

Dr Anshu Agarwal's Tips on When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Dr. Anshu Agarwal is a senior obstetrician and gynecologist with over 18 years of experience, specializing in high-risk pregnancies, laparoscopic surgeries, and postpartum recovery.

Dr. Agarwal often stresses the importance of personalized care and timely medical attention during the postpartum phase.

Recognizing Serious Warning Signs

Many postpartum complications can be managed — but only if spotted early. Dr. Agarwal encourages new moms to trust their instincts. “If something feels off, it probably is,” she says.

Call your doctor immediately if you notice:

• Chest pain trouble or sudden shortness of breath
• Heavy vaginal bleeding or if you bleed heavily after rest
• Redness, swelling, or discharge from the incision area
• Sudden weight changes without explanation (watch for weight loss)
• Weakness or pain around the heart and blood vessels

Why Timely Intervention Matters

Quick action can prevent maternal deaths, especially in the weeks postpartum when risks can spike unexpectedly. Even mild symptoms can escalate into serious ones if ignored.

• Treating early helps protect your heart muscle and overall recovery
• It’s part of optimizing postpartum care — for both short- and long term health
• Remember, healing takes time, but hesitation can delay it more

You're never bothering anyone by speaking up. If you're unsure, talk to your healthcare team — it's better to be safe than silent.

How Can You Support Your Mental and Emotional Well-being?

It’s normal to feel a mix of joy, fatigue, and even sadness after the baby is born. But if that sadness lingers, it could be more than just the baby blues. You don’t have to push through it alone.

Here’s what helps:

• Talk openly with a friend, partner, or therapist
• Rest without guilt — your healing matters too
• Create small self-care routines (a walk, music, journaling)
• Ask your healthcare team about local support groups
• Don’t ignore changes in sleep, appetite, or mood

Your mental health is just as real — and just as important — as physical recovery.

FAQs-

1. What is the 5-5-5 rule for postpartum recovery?

It’s a simple rest guide: 5 days in bed, 5 days on the bed, and 5 days near the bed. It reminds you to take things slow — your body needs time to heal.

2. What is the 40 days postpartum period?

This refers to the traditional healing time after childbirth. It’s when your body resets, your uterus shrinks, and your hormones rebalance.

3. What are maternal postpartum danger signs to watch for?

Watch out for heavy bleeding, severe headaches, blurred vision, chest pain, or foul-smelling discharge. These aren’t things to wait on — call your doctor immediately.

4. How long should I rest after giving birth?

It depends on your delivery, but most women need at least 6 weeks. If you had a cesarean birth, recovery may take longer.

5. Why am I still bleeding after 3 months postpartum?

That’s not typical. Bleeding that lasts this long could signal a retained placenta, infection, or hormonal imbalance — check in with your provider.

6. What are the complications of postpartum hematoma?

A hematoma is a deep bruise or blood collection near the vaginal or perineal area. If untreated, it can cause severe pain, swelling, or infection.

Conclusion

Postpartum recovery doesn’t look the same for everyone — and that’s okay. What matters most is paying attention to your body, asking questions, and not brushing off things that feel “off.”

The post pregnancy complications we covered aren’t meant to scare you — they’re here to help you feel prepared, not alone.

If you’re ever unsure, trust your gut and talk to your healthcare team. You deserve care, support, and space to heal — both physically and emotionally. This time is about your baby, yes — but it’s also about you. And you matter more than ever right now.