Thriving After Baby’s Birth: Caring for Mothers

Department Resources

Graphic of mother carrying a baby The postpartum period—the weeks following birth—is a joyful and exciting time for mothers. It is a time of transition from pregnancy to motherhood and a critical time for mothers and their babies.

Attending regular checkups and listening to your body during this period is critical for both you and your baby's health. When you take care of yourself, you can better care for your new baby.

What to Expect at Your Postpartum Checkups

Your postpartum visits focus on addressing the physical and mental changes of motherhood and ensuring your long-term health and well-being. Without proper care, preventable complications can become serious health risks. Your postpartum visits include:

Monitoring your recovery after childbirth
Addressing any complications that may have occurred during pregnancy
Chronic disease management
Nutritional guidance for mothers and baby
Breastfeeding support
Mental health screenings and emotional support
Family planning and reproductive health guidance
Referrals and supportive services

Urgent Postpartum Warning Signs

If you experience any of these urgent postpartum warning signs, get medical care immediately. These symptoms could be a sign of a life-threatening condition:

Severe headache that won't go away or gets worse over time
Dizziness or fainting
Thoughts about harming yourself or your baby
Extreme swelling of your hands or face
Fever of over 100.4 F or higher
Chest pain or fast-beating heart
Heavy vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid that smells bad after pregnancy

Severe belly pain that doesn't go away
Swelling, redness, or pain of your leg
Trouble breathing
Severe nausea and throwing up (not like morning sickness)
Overwhelming tiredness
Changes in your vision

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Department Resources

Thriving After Baby’s Birth: Caring for Mothers

What to Expect at Your Postpartum Checkups

Urgent Postpartum Warning Signs

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Hear Personal Stories of Pregnancy-Related Complications

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