Common Postpartum Complications: What to Watch For

1 September 2025

Bringing a new life into the world is an incredible journey, but let's talk about something that often gets overlooked—what happens after childbirth. While the focus is usually on the baby, new moms face a lot too.
Your body has just gone through something monumental, and recovery isn’t always smooth sailing. So, what should you keep an eye on? Let's dive into some of the most common postpartum complications, how to spot them, and what you can do about them.

1. Postpartum Hemorrhage (Excessive Bleeding)

Bleeding after delivery is normal, but when is it too much? Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is when a woman experiences excessive bleeding, typically within 24 hours after birth, though it can happen later too.

Signs to Watch For:

- Heavy bleeding that soaks through more than one pad per hour
- Large blood clots (bigger than a golf ball)
- Dizziness or fainting
- A rapid heart rate

Possible Causes:

- Uterine atony (when the uterus doesn’t contract properly)
- Placenta that hasn’t been fully delivered
- Tears in the cervix or vagina

What You Can Do:

If you suspect you’re bleeding too much, don’t wait—seek medical attention immediately. Excessive blood loss can lead to severe complications, including shock.

2. Infections

Your body is vulnerable after childbirth, and infections can creep in when you least expect them. Whether it's a C-section incision, an episiotomy wound, or an infection in the uterus (endometritis), these can quickly become serious if ignored.

Signs to Watch For:

- Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Increased pain or redness around an incision
- Chills and body aches

What You Can Do:

If you notice any of these signs, contact your doctor. Early treatment with antibiotics can prevent complications. Also, keep any wounds clean and follow your doctor's instructions for post-birth care.

3. Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

While the "baby blues" are common, postpartum depression (PPD) is something different. It lingers longer, feels heavier, and can seriously impact your ability to function. Anxiety can also spike after childbirth, leaving new moms overwhelmed with worry.

Signs to Watch For:

- Persistent sadness or excessive crying
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
- Intense anxiety, panic attacks, or feelings of dread
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

What You Can Do:

Don’t suffer in silence. Reach out to your doctor, a therapist, or even a support group. PPD is treatable, and there’s no shame in getting help. Remember—you can’t pour from an empty cup, and your mental health matters just as much as your physical well-being.

4. Breastfeeding Complications

Breastfeeding doesn’t always come naturally, and for some moms, it comes with a fair share of struggles. Issues like mastitis, clogged milk ducts, or low milk supply can make the journey frustrating.

Signs to Watch For:

- Breast pain, redness, and warmth (possible mastitis)
- Hard lumps in the breast (clogged ducts)
- Low milk production or difficulty latching

What You Can Do:

For mastitis, warm compresses and antibiotics can help. If you're struggling with milk supply, lactation consultants can be a game-changer. And if you can't or choose not to breastfeed, that's okay too—your baby will thrive as long as they're loved and fed.

5. Blood Clots and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Pregnancy changes your blood's clotting ability, making new moms more prone to dangerous blood clots, especially in the legs. These clots can travel to the lungs, leading to a life-threatening condition called a pulmonary embolism.

Signs to Watch For:

- Swollen, painful, or red areas on the leg
- Warmth in one leg but not the other
- Shortness of breath or chest pain (urgent!)

What You Can Do:

Move around as soon as you can after giving birth to improve circulation. If you notice unusual leg pain or swelling, seek medical attention—blood clots are no joke.

6. Urinary Incontinence and Pelvic Floor Issues

If laughing, sneezing, or coughing suddenly makes you pee a little, welcome to postpartum life! Giving birth can weaken the pelvic floor muscles, leading to bladder control issues.

Signs to Watch For:

- Leaking urine when sneezing, laughing, or exercising
- Pressure or heaviness in the pelvic area
- Difficulty controlling bowel movements

What You Can Do:

Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) help strengthen those muscles over time. If the problem persists, pelvic floor therapy can be a lifesaver.

7. Thyroid Disorders

Postpartum hormones can throw your thyroid out of whack, leading to postpartum thyroiditis. This condition can cause either an overactive or underactive thyroid, affecting energy levels and mood.

Signs to Watch For:

- Fatigue, depression, or brain fog (hypothyroidism)
- Rapid weight loss, anxiety, or heart palpitations (hyperthyroidism)

What You Can Do:

A simple blood test can confirm if your thyroid is misbehaving. If needed, medication can help bring it back to balance.

8. Perineal Pain and Healing Issues

If you had a vaginal birth, chances are your perineal area (the space between the vaginal opening and anus) took a beating. Whether you had a tear or an episiotomy, healing takes time and patience.

Signs to Watch For:

- Persistent or worsening pain
- Difficulty sitting or moving comfortably
- Signs of infection (swelling, foul odor, pus)

What You Can Do:

Keep the area clean, use cold packs for swelling, and try sitz baths. If pain doesn't improve or worsens, check with your doctor.

9. Hair Loss

Around three months postpartum, you might notice a ton of hair falling out in the shower. Don’t panic—this is normal.

Why It Happens:

- During pregnancy, hormones keep hair from shedding
- After birth, hormone levels drop, triggering the hair to fall out all at once

What You Can Do:

While you can’t stop it entirely, taking prenatal vitamins, eating a nutritious diet, and being gentle with your hair can help. The good news? It’s temporary—your hair should return to normal within a few months!

10. Persistent Pain or Fatigue

Your body just went through one of the most intense physical experiences ever, so some fatigue and discomfort are expected. But if you’re feeling completely drained or in pain for weeks on end, something might be off.

Signs to Watch For:

- Severe exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest
- Unexplained pain in the body
- Dizziness, weakness, or extreme mood swings

What You Can Do:

Check in with your doctor. Sometimes, these symptoms could signal underlying issues like anemia, hormone imbalances, or even lingering effects from delivery.

Final Thoughts

Postpartum recovery isn’t just about getting back to your pre-pregnancy body—it’s about healing inside and out. While some discomfort is expected, certain postpartum complications need immediate attention. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider.

And most importantly, be kind to yourself. Your body just did an incredible thing. Give it the time and care it needs to heal.