Women are considered post-natal up until 8 weeks after giving birth.
Some complications from giving birth include:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Infections - which can cause vaginal discharge, sweats, fevers
- Complications from abdominal surgery - for those who have had a caesarean section - such as severe abdominal pain
- Urinary tract infections - which can cause pain when urinating
- Blood clots - either in the lungs or the legs. This can cause swollen and painful legs, or difficulty breathing.
- A condition called pre-eclampsia. This can cause headaches, vision changes and vomiting.
Some of these conditions should be seen and assessed via the Maternity Assessment Unit (MAU) who also see women post-partum. Patients can visit A&E if they are unsure.