5 conditions black women need to watch out for after giving birth

Giving birth is one in all the riskiest things a lady can do, especially if she is black. Once labor is over, it could look like the toughest part is over, but for some recent moms, that is not the case. Recurring headlines tell the story of black women who return home after giving birth, only to find yourself within the hospital or die from complications.

Because that is such a standard occurrence, it’s imperative that women pay attention to the signs that something could also be flawed after giving birth. We spoke with Tiffany Bates, board-certified OB-GYN and member of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, to share five things women should concentrate to after giving birth.

Postpartum preeclampsia

Bates says a standard condition to take into account is postpartum preeclampsia, which the study found National Library of Medicine.

“Postpartum preeclampsia is a condition that develops after giving birth and is diagnosed when you have high blood pressure and excess protein in your urine,” Bates says. “I’m sure you have heard of preeclampsia, which could be very similar but normally develops while pregnant and typically goes away over time. [the] birth of a toddler.”

Some signs and symptoms to pay attention to include severe headaches, hypertension, visual disturbances, and upper abdominal pain.

“It requires prompt treatment, and if left untreated, it can lead to seizures or eclampsia and other serious complications,” Bates warns.

Postpartum hemorrhage

Bleeding after delivery will likely be normal, especially in the primary few days. However, if the bleeding is heavy, postpartum hemorrhage may occur.

“This usually occurs within 24 hours of delivery, but can occur up to 12 weeks after delivery,” says Bates. “And this is true regardless of whether the delivery was vaginal or cesarean.”

Bates adds that an indication of postpartum hemorrhage is 2 pads soaking through in an hour for up to one or two hours. Other symptoms related to bleeding include low blood pressure, dizziness, rapid heartbeat or blurred vision. Another sign is feeling like you would like to pass out.

“Depending in your skin tone, your skin may grow to be tacky or pale. You might also experience increasing abdominal or pelvic pain, Bates adds.

Postpartum endometritis

Postpartum endometritis is an infection that affects a lady’s uterus. According to Bates, additionally it is probably the most common infections that may occur after giving birth. A risk factor for developing this infection is infection during delivery. The example Bates gives is chorioamnionitis, an infection that usually begins within the cervix and vagina.

“It’s more likely to happen if you’ve had a cesarean section, if your water has broken for a long time, or if you test positive for group B streptococci,” she says.

Some symptoms to look out for after giving birth include increasing pelvic pain, fever, constipation, chills, and body aches. Additionally, increased vaginal bleeding or foul-smelling vaginal discharge can even trigger warning signs.

Mastitis

An infection akin to mastitis can sometimes cause inflammation or swelling of the breasts. People who develop this condition may experience redness, hardness and swelling of the breasts. Other associated signs and symptoms include hard lumps within the breast and flu-like symptoms.

“Mastitis can occur in anyone, but is most common in women and people assigned female at birth who are breastfeeding or breastfeeding,” Bates says.

She continues: “This usually happens in women who have hyperlactation or excess milk supply, so it’s worth calling your doctor and discussing this as well.”

Postpartum mood disorders

Many women experience postpartum depression after bringing their recent life into the world.

“Everyone knows that having a baby is a major life-changing experience and for everyone it is a huge change, usually filled with many moments of excitement and joy, but also extreme exhaustion,” says Bates.

That said, it is important to know when the mood changes from bluesy to something more serious. Baby blues are hormonal changes experienced by recent moms that may cause anxiety and crying, but normally only last two weeks. However, some features of postpartum mood disorder include depression, difficulty concentrating, trouble sleeping, and changes in appetite. If left untreated, the disorder can disrupt the mother’s ability to care for herself and her baby and affect the bonding period.

If you might be combating among the symptoms listed, talk to your doctor.

Bates says health professionals screen for postnatal mood disorders using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. The scale consists of 10 questions related to symptoms of depression, akin to feelings of unhappiness, anxiety or guilt.

“You have to be honest if you take a look at that depression screen. If we do not know, we do not know, and it’s higher to just talk truthfully and transparently along with your OB/GYN or health care providers so we are able to enable you to,” Bates explains.

Postpartum mood disorders affect between 6.5% and 20% of women, so while they will make you are feeling lonely and isolated, they usually are not abnormal.

“It’s important to know that this is a very common occurrence,” notes Bates. “You’re not alone, it’s not your fault. There are things to help you cope and feel better.”