Postpartum: First 6 Weeks After Childbirth

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You have sudden, severe pain in your belly.
• You passed out (lost consciousness).

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have severe vaginal bleeding. You are passing blood clots and soaking through a pad each hour for 2 or more hours.
• Your vaginal bleeding seems to be getting heavier or is still bright red 4 days after delivery, or you pass blood clots larger than the size of a golf ball.
• You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
• You are vomiting or cannot keep fluids down.
• You have a fever.
• You have new or more belly pain.
• Your breast or breasts have hard, red, or tender areas.
• You have an urgent or frequent need to urinate, along with a burning feeling.
• You have severe pain, tenderness, or swelling in your vagina or the area between your rectum and vagina.
• You have severe pains in your chest, belly, back, or legs.
• You have feelings of severe despair or great anxiety.

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