Labor Lensby LlaMamma

What is normal? — Postpartum Warning Signs — When to Call, When to Go In

What's usually within range, and when to call.

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Below are common situations related to Postpartum Warning Signs — When to Call, When to Go In. Each pairs a plain-language "usually within the range of normal" note with concrete signs to call your care team. If something feels wrong that isn't listed, call anyway.

  • Bleeding — soaking a pad in an hour, passing large clots, or bleeding turning bright red again after slowing

    Within the range of normal

    Lochia is heavier for the first few days, tapers, and can briefly increase after activity or the first shower.

    Call your healthcare team if

    You soak a full maxi pad in an hour for two hours in a row, pass a clot bigger than a lemon, feel lightheaded, or bleeding suddenly turns bright red and heavy after it had slowed.

  • Headache that won't go away, or vision changes / upper-belly pain

    Within the range of normal

    Mild sleep-deprivation and dehydration headaches are common.

    Call your healthcare team if

    A headache doesn't respond to fluids and acetaminophen within a few hours, you see spots/blurring, you have pain under your right ribs, or your blood pressure is 140/90 or higher — go in, not the phone. Late postpartum preeclampsia can strike up to 6 weeks after birth.

  • Chest pain, shortness of breath, or fast heartbeat at rest

    Within the range of normal

    Being winded going up stairs in the first weeks with anemia is common.

    Call your healthcare team if

    Chest pain, trouble breathing lying flat, coughing up pink froth, or a resting heart rate above 110 — 911 or ER. This can be postpartum cardiomyopathy or a pulmonary embolism.

  • One calf red, warm, swollen, or painful

    Within the range of normal

    Some ankle/foot swelling from pregnancy fluid takes 1–2 weeks to resolve, usually symmetric.

    Call your healthcare team if

    Swelling, warmth, or pain in ONE calf — same day, in person. Postpartum is a high-risk window for DVT.

  • Fever over 100.4°F (38°C), chills, foul-smelling discharge, or wound redness

    Within the range of normal

    Milk 'coming in' can cause a low-grade warmth for a day.

    Call your healthcare team if

    Fever ≥100.4°F, foul discharge, red streaks around a c-section incision or perineal repair, or one breast painful, red, and warm — call same day. Postpartum endometritis, wound infection, and mastitis all need treatment.

  • Thoughts of harming yourself or the baby, or feeling disconnected from reality

    Within the range of normal

    Fleeting intrusive thoughts ("what if I dropped the baby") that upset you are common with postpartum OCD and are treatable.

    Call your healthcare team if

    You are making a plan, hearing voices, feeling paranoid, or not sleeping at all — same-day help. Call PSI (1-800-944-4773), 988, or go to the ER. Postpartum psychosis is an emergency.