Women can have life-threatening pregnancy-related complications up to a year after birth — and new mothers may not connect a health problem to their recent pregnancy. Pediatricians, pediatric nurses and other pediatric staff see them often, and can help connect them to care.
Listen for warning signs
- At infant visits, ask mothers about — and listen for — urgent maternal warning signs: among others, extreme exhaustion, swelling, or thoughts of harming herself or her baby.
- Any urgent warning sign after birth means the mother should get medical care immediately.
- Connect her to what she needs: emergency care, referral to another medical professional, or other support services.
- Screen for depression: the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends routine screening for postpartum depression at well-child visits at 1, 2, 4 and 6 months of age.
Support mothers
- Use infant check-ups to teach new parents the warning signs.
- Encourage mothers to keep their own postpartum visits with their maternal health care provider and to speak up about any concerns.
The urgent maternal warning signs
| During or after pregnancy | During pregnancy | After pregnancy |
|---|---|---|
| Severe headache · dizziness or fainting · changes in vision · fever · trouble breathing · overwhelming tiredness · chest pain or fast-beating heart · severe belly pain · severe nausea · severe swelling · thoughts about harming self or baby | baby's movement stopping or slowing · vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking | vaginal bleeding or discharge |
Resources
Sources
Based on "Pediatricians," Hear Her, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, citing the American Academy of Pediatrics, "Incorporating Recognition and Management of Perinatal Depression Into Pediatric Practice"; a work of the United States government in the public domain. A stock photograph is left out.
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