ObGyn Intelligence
Evidence Matters
Is This Normal After Delivery?
A postpartum warning signs checker. Know what's normal, when to call your doctor, and when to go to the ER.

Before We Start

This tool helps you figure out if what you're experiencing after delivery is normal recovery or a warning sign.

🚨 If ANY of these are happening RIGHT NOW, call 911:
â€ĸ Soaking through a maxi pad in less than 1 hour
â€ĸ Seizure or loss of consciousness
â€ĸ Chest pain or trouble breathing
â€ĸ Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
â€ĸ Fever over 104°F (40°C)
Step 1 of 8

When did you deliver?

The timing matters — what's normal at 2 days is different from what's normal at 2 weeks.

Step 2 of 8

How did you deliver?

Step 3 of 8 — Bleeding

Describe your bleeding right now

Bleeding after delivery (lochia) is normal and expected. What matters is how much, what color, and whether it's getting worse instead of better.

Step 4 of 8 — Blood Clots

Are you passing blood clots?

Some small clots are normal in the first few days. Size matters.

Step 5 of 8 — Infection

Do you have any of these?

Select all that apply.

✓Fever — 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
✓Chills, shaking, or feeling very ill
✓Incision/tear getting MORE red, swollen, or painful
✓Pus or foul drainage from incision or tear
✓Incision or tear opening up / separating
✓Vaginal discharge smells foul or rottenNormal lochia smells slightly metallic — foul smell is NOT normal
✓Burning or pain with urination
✓Red, hot, hard area on one breast + feverPossible mastitis — different from normal engorgement
✓None of these
Step 6 of 8 — Blood Pressure / Preeclampsia

Do you have any of these?

Critical fact most women are never told: Preeclampsia can START after delivery — even if your blood pressure was perfectly normal during pregnancy. It is a leading cause of maternal death in the weeks after delivery.

✓Severe headache that won't go away with Tylenol/ibuprofenFeels different from any normal headache
✓Vision changes — spots, flashing lights, blurriness
✓Pain in upper right abdomen (under the ribs)Can feel like heartburn — but it's your liver
✓Sudden new swelling of face or hands
✓Blood pressure over 140/90 (if you've checked)
✓None of these
Step 7 of 8 — Blood Clots in Legs / Lungs

Do you have any of these?

The weeks after delivery are the highest-risk time for dangerous blood clots (DVT and pulmonary embolism) — especially after C-section.

✓One leg much more swollen than the otherEspecially the calf — red, warm, or tender
✓Calf pain — worse when flexing foot upward
✓Chest pain, especially when breathing in
✓New shortness of breath at rest
✓Heart racing or pounding at rest
✓None of these
Step 8 of 8 — Emotional Health

How are you feeling emotionally?

Be honest — your feelings are valid and treatable. This is the most underdiagnosed postpartum problem. Select all that apply.

✓Tearful, mood swings — but I can still functionStarted in first 2 weeks after delivery
✓Persistent sadness or emptiness for more than 2 weeks
✓Difficulty bonding with baby — feeling detached
✓Intense anxiety, can't stop worrying, racing thoughts
✓Panic attacks
✓Can't sleep even when baby is sleeping
✓Frightening thoughts about bad things happening to babyUnwanted intrusive thoughts — very common and treatable
✓Thoughts of harming yourself or not wanting to be alive
✓Seeing/hearing things others don't, paranoia, severe confusion
✓I'm doing OK — manageable adjustment
OBMD.com — Evidence-based tools for women's health