<h2>What are&nbsp;the dangers of the postpartum and postbirth period?</h2>
The postpartum or postbirth period after the baby is born lasts for many months. The postbirth period is usually a happy time for most women but it can also be stressful, and possibly dangerous. There are many potential complications for a new mom which may even be life-threatening. You need to care for your new baby and at the same time, you have to remember that your body has undergone many changes that need to be addressed.
Over 1 in 2 maternal deaths happen after delivery:
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Unfortunately, many women don't know the signs of potentially life-threatening complications that can occur after you give birth. A few specific signs that you should watch for during the first year after giving birth include pain,&nbsp;shortness of breath, and thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby.
Take this quiz created by <a href="/about-dr-amos-grunebaum">Dr. Amos Grunebaum</a> to help guide you through potential symptoms and complications you may be experiencing during your postpartum period.
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Postpartum

Are you having vaginal bleeding soaking through one or more pads per hour? Or do you have blood clots the size of an egg or bigger on several occasions?

Are one or both breasts extremely painful, red, or have an abnormal discharge? Are there red streaks on your breasts or painful lumps in your breasts?

Do you have any foul-smelling vaginal discharge?

Do you have general signs of "shock" such as chills, clammy skin, dizziness, fainting, very low blood pressure, or a racing heart?

Is your blood pressure at or above 140 mmHg systolic OR at or above 90 mmHg diastolic?

Do you have a headache that does not improve, even after taking medicine, OR is there a bad headache with vision changes, OR do have so called "thunderclap" headache which is&nbsp;headache&nbsp;that is severe and sudden-onset&nbsp;and that takes seconds to minutes to reach maximum intensity?

Do you have a fever?&nbsp;A rectal, ear or temporal artery temperature of 100.4 (38 C) or higher, OR an oral temperature of 100.0 F (37.8 C) or higher, OR an armpit temperature of 99.0 F (37.2 C) or higher

Are you having one or both legs that are red or swollen, or that are painful or warm to touch?

If you had a cesarean delivery, is the incision very painful, red, or is there fluid or blood leaking from the incision, or is the wound not healing?

Do you have thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby?

Are you having intense feelings of sadness and worries that are lasting a long time after birth?&nbsp;

Do you have shortness of breath or difficulties breathing?

Do you have any of the following complaints or complications?

 Learn the signs of potential complications.

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What are the dangers of the postpartum and postbirth period?