MemorialCare - Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care

POSTPARTUM HEMORRHAGE Lochia during the postpartum period is normal. If you have a lot of heavy bleeding, you may have postpartum hemorrhage , which can happen any time during the 12 weeks after your baby’s birth. Hemorrhage can be hard to

identify. Pay attention if you experience a constant, steady flow of blood and not just a gush after physical activity or standing up.

Signs & Symptoms

Tell a nurse or your health care provider immediately if you: • Bleed through 1 pad in 1 hour or less • See blood clots egg-size or larger • Have signs of very low blood pressure: blurred vision, feeling faint, dizziness • Feel weak or have clammy skin Call 911 or have someone take you to the closest emergency room if you: ▶ Have a very fast heart rate ▶ Are extremely tired ▶ Feel mentally confused

INFECTION (SEPSIS) Maternal sepsis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to infection damages its own tissues and organs. Infectious toxins (usually from bacteria) may be

present in the bloodstream. If bacteria gets into the lining of the uterus during childbirth, it can cause an infection called endometritis . What to know • If not treated quickly, endometritis can lead to sepsis, shock, and organ failure • Endometritis typically happens 2 to 10 days after childbirth • Infection may also develop up to 6 weeks after giving birth Super-absorbent pads are the best choice to protect clothing from vaginal bleeding. To help lower infection risk, follow these guidelines for 6 weeks after giving birth : • Avoid tampons, menstrual cups, or discs • Don’t put anything in your vagina • Stay out of pools and hot tubs • Don’t douche

BLADDER For the first few days after giving birth, try to empty your bladder every 3 to 4 hours. When your bladder is full, it can put pressure on your uterus that may: • Prevent it from returning to normal size • Increase vaginal bleeding (lochia) Because your body is getting rid of the extra fluid it took on during pregnancy, it’s normal to pass large amounts of urine over the first few days. If you had a cesarean birth, you may have a catheter in your bladder after surgery. The goal is to have the catheter removed as soon as possible, typically 6 to 12 hours after giving birth. Urinary tract infection (UTI) It’s not uncommon to develop a urinary tract infection after giving birth, with or without any obvious signs or symptoms.

Signs & Symptoms

Signs & Symptoms

Tell a nurse or your health care provider immediately if you: • Notice lochia has a bad odor • Have severe pain or tenderness in abdomen • Run temperature of 100.4°F or higher or 96.8°F or lower • Experience shaking or chills • Feel warm or have clammy/sweaty skin Call 911 or have someone take you to the closest emergency room if you: ▶ Feel confused or disoriented

Tell a nurse or your health care provider immediately if you have: • Burning during urination • Pain in lower abdomen

• Elevated fever • Blood in urine • More frequent urination

Anytime you have signs and symptoms of complications and you can't reach your health care provider, go to the nearest emergency room .

▶ Have trouble breathing ▶ Experience a skin rash ▶ Are in severe pain or discomfort

6 Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care