The weeks after birth are a blur of feeding, diapers and very little sleep. Your body is healing, your hormones are shifting and everyone is asking about the baby. It is easy to brush off your own symptoms. But some symptoms are not part of normal recovery, and getting help quickly can save a life. This guide explains the warning signs, using the CDC’s Hear Her campaign, so that you and the people around you know what to look for.
⚡ The short answer
The CDC says some symptoms during pregnancy and up to a year after delivery need urgent medical care. They include a severe headache that will not go away, fainting or dizziness, vision changes, a fever of 100.4°F or higher, trouble breathing, chest pain, severe belly pain, heavy bleeding, extreme swelling, painful leg swelling and thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. If you have one, get medical care right away and tell the staff you were pregnant in the past year. Call 911 for an emergency.
Below are the signs, what to do, how to speak up, a plan to make before you leave the hospital and how partners and family can help.
This is general information, not medical advice. It does not list every possible problem and cannot diagnose anything. If you think something is wrong, trust your instincts and get care. If you cannot reach your provider, go to an emergency room. If you are in danger, call 911. 🚑
“You Know Your Body Best”
The CDC’s Hear Her campaign has a simple message: you know your body best. If something feels unusual, or you feel that something is wrong, speak up and get care. It also asks the people who support new mothers to listen when a mother says she is worried.
The campaign was created to prevent pregnancy-related deaths. It shares urgent maternal warning signs, because some serious conditions can be treated if they are caught early.
💡 You do not need to be sure
You do not need to know what is wrong or whether it is “serious enough.” If you are worried, call. It is better to be checked and told everything is fine than to wait.
How Long After Birth Do the Warning Signs Apply?
The CDC says urgent warning signs can occur during pregnancy and up to a year after delivery. That is longer than many people expect. Problems are not limited to the first few days or weeks.
This is also why the CDC encourages you to tell any health care provider, including an emergency room team, that you are pregnant or were pregnant within the last year. That detail changes what tests and treatments are needed.
The CDC’s Urgent Maternal Warning Signs
The CDC lists these signs and symptoms. Some apply to pregnancy, and some to the time after birth.
| Warning sign | What you might notice | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Severe headache that does not go away or gets worse | A headache that is severe, comes on suddenly or comes with blurry vision or dizziness | Get medical care right away |
| Dizziness or fainting | Feeling faint, passing out or ongoing lightheadedness | Get medical care right away |
| Changes in vision | Flashes of light, blind spots, blurriness or double vision | Get medical care right away |
| Fever of 100.4°F or higher | A high temperature, chills | Get medical care right away |
| Extreme swelling | Swelling of the face or hands, trouble bending fingers, rings that will not fit, trouble opening your eyes | Get medical care right away |
| Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby | Feeling hopeless, or scary, intrusive thoughts | Get help immediately: call or text 988, or call 911 |
| Trouble breathing | Sudden shortness of breath, chest tightness, not being able to breathe lying flat | Call 911 |
| Chest pain or fast or irregular heartbeat | Pressure or tightness in the chest, pain that spreads to the back, neck or arm, or a pounding heartbeat | Call 911 |
| Severe belly pain | Sharp, stabbing or cramp-like pain that gets worse | Get medical care right away |
| Heavy bleeding after birth | Soaking pads very quickly or passing large clots | Get medical care right away |
| Severe nausea and vomiting | Not being able to keep fluids down | Get medical care right away |
| Swelling, redness or pain in a leg or arm | Often one-sided swelling, warmth or pain in the leg, arm or calf | Get medical care right away |
What to take from the table: these are the signs the CDC highlights, not a full list. Any symptom that worries you deserves a call, and a few, such as trouble breathing or chest pain, need 911.
Two signs on the CDC list apply only during pregnancy: baby moving less than usual and vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. If you are still pregnant and notice either, call your provider right away.
⚠️ When to call 911
Call 911 if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, a seizure, you are unresponsive, you are bleeding heavily or you feel you might harm yourself or your baby and cannot stay safe. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint, dizzy or very unwell.
What to Do If You Have a Warning Sign
- Do not wait. If you have a warning sign, do not wait to see whether it passes.
- Call your provider or go to the emergency room. If you cannot reach your provider quickly, go to an emergency room. Call 911 for severe symptoms.
- Say it clearly. Say, “I had a baby on [date],” or “I was pregnant in the last year,” and describe your symptoms.
- Ask for a full check. If you feel you are not being heard, say so calmly. Ask what tests are being done and why.
- Bring someone. If possible, have a partner, friend or relative come with you. Bring your baby’s care plan or have someone arrange care.
Why this works: saying that you gave birth recently helps staff think of conditions that are specific to pregnancy and postpartum. A support person can speak up if you feel too unwell to do it yourself.
Mental Health Warning Signs
Postpartum mood changes are common, and some need prompt care. The CDC lists thoughts of harming yourself or your baby as an urgent warning sign, including intrusive scary thoughts and feelings of hopelessness.
- Call or text 988. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free and open 24 hours a day.
- Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. The HRSA says you can call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for free, confidential support at any time, for pregnant and postpartum mothers and their loved ones, in English, Spanish and many other languages.
- Call your provider. Tell them how you are feeling. Postpartum depression and anxiety are common and treatable.
- Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or cannot stay safe.
Having scary thoughts does not mean you are a bad mother. It means you need support and care.
Making a Plan Before You Leave the Hospital
It is much easier to make a plan when you are calm than in the middle of a crisis. Try to do these things before you go home, or as soon as you can.
| Task | Why it matters | Who can help |
|---|---|---|
| Ask your provider what symptoms need an urgent call | Your situation may add specific concerns | Your provider |
| Save phone numbers | You will not want to search in a crisis | You or your partner |
| Know where you will go | The nearest emergency room and how to get there | You and your partner |
| Share the list of warning signs | Others can notice what you cannot | Partner, family, friends |
| Arrange who will care for the baby in an emergency | You can go to care without worrying | Family or a friend |
| Schedule your follow-up visits | Follow-ups help catch problems | Your provider |
What to take from the table: a plan takes ten minutes and may save hours in an emergency. Put the list on the fridge and in your phone.
📌 Numbers to save
Your provider’s office and after-hours line. 911. 988 (call or text). The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). Poison Help, 1-800-222-1222.
How Partners and Family Can Help
The Hear Her campaign asks the people around new mothers to listen. If you are a partner, parent or friend:
- Ask how she is doing and listen without judging.
- Take her symptoms seriously. Even if she says she is “probably fine,” encourage her to call.
- Learn the warning signs. Read the list and keep it handy.
- Offer to make the call. Calling a provider can feel like too much when you are exhausted.
- Take her to care. Offer to drive, wait with her and watch the baby.
- Watch for mood changes. Hopelessness, scary thoughts or withdrawal need prompt attention.
- Share the load. Take on night shifts, meals and chores.
- Call 911 if she has trouble breathing, chest pain, a seizure or is not responsive.
If something feels wrong, say so. You know your body best, and asking for help is never an overreaction.
Questions to Ask at Your Postpartum Visit
Your follow-up visits are a chance to talk about how you are really doing. Bring a list. Here are questions many parents find useful. Your provider may have others for your situation.
- “Which symptoms should make me call you right away?” Ask for a clear list and an after-hours number.
- “What should I expect during my recovery?” Healing differs after vaginal birth, cesarean birth and complicated births.
- “When can I start exercising, driving and other activities again?”
- “How is my mood, and what should I watch for?” Share any sadness, anxiety or scary thoughts.
- “Do I need any tests or follow-up?” Ask about blood pressure checks and other follow-up if you had complications.
- “What medicines or supplements are safe for me, especially if I am breastfeeding?”
- “Who can I call between visits?” Ask for a direct number or a nurse line.
Write down the answers, and ask a support person to come with you if possible.
If You Had a Complicated Pregnancy or Birth
Some parents have extra risks after birth because of conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, a cesarean birth or other complications. If that is you:
- Ask for specific instructions before you leave the hospital, in writing.
- Make sure you know who follows up with you and when.
- Share your history with every provider you see, including urgent care and the emergency room.
- Do not skip follow-up visits. Extra checks are there for a reason.
- Tell your support people what to watch for and what to do.
These steps do not replace your care team’s advice, which is based on your own medical history.
Tracking Symptoms Without Overthinking
It can help to jot down what you notice so you can describe it clearly. A simple notebook is enough.
- Write the date and time. When did the symptom start?
- Describe the symptom. Where is it, how bad is it and what makes it better or worse?
- Take your temperature if you feel hot or have chills, and write down the number.
- Note bleeding. How often are you changing pads, and are there clots?
- Record your questions. Write them down as they come to mind, so you do not forget them at your appointment.
- Do not delay care to track. If you have a warning sign, get help first and write later.
Tools That Can Help
These are examples. We did not test them for this article. The details come from the Amazon listings (checked October 4, 2026), and listings can change. No product replaces medical care.
Pick 1 · A digital thermometer to check for fever
Vicks SpeedRead Digital Thermometer for Baby, Kids and Adults
May suit: Households that want one digital thermometer for checking a fever in a baby, a child or an adult.
A reliable fever check. Why it works: the CDC lists a fever of 100.4°F or higher as an urgent warning sign after pregnancy, and a quick digital reading tells you the number. Best for: postpartum recovery and sick days. Problem it solves: guessing whether you have a fever.
- Result in about 8 seconds, per the listing
- Works orally, rectally or under the arm, per the listing
- Memory feature that recalls the last reading, per the listing
- Color-coded Fever InSight display, per the listing
- Speed
- About 8 seconds (per listing)
- Methods
- Oral, rectal or underarm (per listing)
- Memory
- Recalls last reading (per listing)
- Display
- Color-coded: green, yellow, red (per listing)
- Brand
- Vicks
Strengths
- One thermometer for the whole family
- Fast reading helps with squirmy kids
- Simple color display
Limitations
- Use separate thermometers or clean thoroughly between oral and rectal use, as the instructions direct
- A thermometer reading does not replace medical advice
Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Pick 2 · A notebook for symptoms, questions and appointments
RETTACY Lined Journal Notebook (A5, 192 numbered pages, hardcover)
May suit: Anyone who wants a place to jot questions for the doctor, sleep notes, mood check-ins or to-do lists.
A simple place to write things down. Why it works: writing down symptoms, questions and feelings makes appointments and busy days easier. Best for: new parents and anyone tracking habits. Problem it solves: forgetting what to ask.
- A5 size, about 5.7 by 8.3 inches, per the listing
- 192 numbered pages, college-ruled, per the listing
- Leather-look hardcover, per the listing
- Lay-flat design, per the listing
- Size
- A5 (5.7 x 8.3 in), per listing
- Pages
- 192, numbered (per listing)
- Ruling
- 7 mm college ruled (per listing)
- Paper
- 100 GSM, acid-free (per listing)
- Cover
- Hardcover (per listing)
Strengths
- Numbered pages make it easy to find notes
- Lies flat when open
- Fits in a bag or by the bed
Limitations
- Any notebook works, so choose one you will actually use
- Do not store private health notes where others can read them if privacy matters
Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
8 Common Postpartum Mistakes (and Easy Fixes)
❌ Mistake 1: Waiting to see if symptoms pass
✅ Fix: Call your provider or go to the emergency room if you have a warning sign.
❌ Mistake 2: Assuming it is “just tiredness”
✅ Fix: Tell your provider about symptoms that feel unusual or severe.
❌ Mistake 3: Not saying you recently gave birth
✅ Fix: Tell every provider you were pregnant in the past year.
❌ Mistake 4: Thinking warning signs only happen in the first week
✅ Fix: The CDC says they can occur up to a year after delivery.
❌ Mistake 5: Hiding scary thoughts
✅ Fix: Tell someone and call 988 or the maternal mental health hotline.
❌ Mistake 6: Going to care alone
✅ Fix: Bring a partner or friend if you can.
❌ Mistake 7: Skipping follow-up visits
✅ Fix: Keep your appointments and bring your questions.
❌ Mistake 8: Not having numbers saved
✅ Fix: Save your provider, 988 and the hotline in your phone.
Why these fixes work: they make it easier to speak up early and get the right help.
Pro Tips for Speaking Up
- Use clear words. “I think something is wrong, and I need to be seen.” Best for: emergency rooms.
- Write down your symptoms before you go. Best for: when you are foggy.
- Repeat yourself if needed. Best for: busy settings.
- Ask a support person to speak up too. Best for: when you feel too unwell.
- Ask for follow-up instructions in writing. Best for: sleep-deprived memory.
Real-Life Examples: Three Stories
These are illustrative examples based on common situations. They are not real customer reviews or quotes.
Example 1: The headache
A mother a week after birth has a headache that will not go away and blurry vision. She calls her provider right away and is told to come in. What worked: not waiting.
Example 2: The fever
A mom checks her temperature and sees 100.4°F or higher. She calls her doctor immediately. What worked: having a thermometer and acting quickly.
Example 3: The partner’s call
A father notices his wife is very short of breath and calls 911. What worked: a family member who knew the warning signs.
💡 The pattern
Know the signs, say you recently gave birth and get help quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after birth can warning signs happen?
The CDC says urgent maternal warning signs can occur during pregnancy and up to a year after delivery.
What should I tell the emergency room?
Tell them you are pregnant or were pregnant within the last year, and describe your symptoms clearly.
What temperature counts as a fever after birth?
The CDC lists a fever of 100.4°F or higher as an urgent warning sign.
Who can I call if I have scary thoughts?
Call or text 988, or call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
What if I am not sure my symptom is serious?
Call anyway. If you are worried, you should be checked. Trust your instincts.
Is this list complete?
No. It lists signs the CDC highlights. Ask your provider about other symptoms that worry you.
Your Postpartum Safety Checklist (and Final Thoughts)
- Learn the CDC’s urgent warning signs.
- Save your provider’s number, 911, 988 and the maternal mental health hotline.
- Tell every provider you recently gave birth.
- Share the warning signs with your partner or support person.
- Make a plan for who will help with the baby in an emergency.
- Check your temperature if you feel unwell.
- Go to the emergency room if you cannot reach your provider quickly.
- Keep your follow-up appointments.
🛒 Planning your recovery and getting organized? Try the postpartum prioritizer.
Final thoughts
You deserve care too. Your baby needs you healthy, and your own body is worth listening to. If something does not feel right, say so and get help.
Keep this list close, share it with the people who support you and remember: asking for help is never an overreaction. 💛
Affiliate note: some links in this article are Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See our Affiliate Disclosure. Product details were checked on Amazon.com on October 4, 2026 and may change.
Sources and further reading
This article is general information, not medical advice. It does not replace guidance from your doctor, midwife, pediatrician or other qualified professional. Read our health information disclaimer.
