{
  "release_id": "cb1244a2c7003676",
  "id": "maternal:guide-warning-signs-after-birth",
  "owner": "maternal",
  "kind": "patient_guide",
  "slug": "warning-signs-after-birth",
  "name": "Some warning signs after birth: mood, preeclampsia and sepsis",
  "aliases": [],
  "atlases": [
    "maternal"
  ],
  "summary_plain": "What MedlinePlus and WHO say about some warning signs in the mother after birth: mood, preeclampsia and sepsis.",
  "summary_technical": "Static guide for the mother, from MedlinePlus health topic pages, a WHO guideline and a US report. It does not list the signs on the CDC page that MedlinePlus links, because that page was not read.",
  "editorial_state": "draft",
  "last_substantive_edit": "2026-10-15",
  "last_evidence_check": "2026-10-15",
  "next_review_due": "2027-04-15",
  "identifiers": [],
  "navigation": {
    "maternal": {
      "life-stage": [
        "postpartum"
      ],
      "care-area": [
        "postpartum-recovery"
      ]
    }
  },
  "payload": {
    "purpose": "urgent_signs",
    "audience": "People who have given birth, and the people with them",
    "about": [
      "maternal:postpartum-warning-signs",
      "maternal:postpartum-depression",
      "maternal:postpartum-psychosis",
      "maternal:preeclampsia",
      "maternal:eclampsia",
      "maternal:outcome-pregnancy-related-death"
    ],
    "reading_grade_target": 10,
    "scope_note": "Written from MedlinePlus health topic pages, a WHO guideline and a US surveillance report. It covers the mother, not the baby. It does not cover the signs on the CDC urgent maternal warning signs page that MedlinePlus links, and it is not a complete list of warning signs.",
    "warning_blocks": [
      {
        "heading": "Signs of postpartum psychosis",
        "signs": [
          {
            "id": "ps-1",
            "text": "MedlinePlus lists confusion as a possible symptom of postpartum psychosis.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-postpartum-depression-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?, postpartum psychosis"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "ps-2",
            "text": "MedlinePlus also lists hallucinations, meaning seeing or hearing things that are not real.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-postpartum-depression-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?, postpartum psychosis"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "ps-3",
            "text": "MedlinePlus also lists dangerous behaviors.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-postpartum-depression-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?, postpartum psychosis"
              }
            ]
          }
        ],
        "act_now": [
          {
            "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-postpartum-depression-2026-10-15",
            "locator": "What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?, postpartum psychosis",
            "words": "Very rarely, a new mother may develop postpartum psychosis, a medical emergency."
          },
          {
            "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-postpartum-depression-2026-10-15",
            "locator": "What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?, postpartum psychosis",
            "words": "Symptoms may include confusion, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real), or dangerous behaviors."
          },
          {
            "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-postpartum-depression-2026-10-15",
            "locator": "What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?, postpartum psychosis",
            "words": "Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away if this happens."
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "heading": "Thoughts of suicide or of harming oneself or the baby",
        "signs": [
          {
            "id": "sg-1",
            "text": "MedlinePlus lists thinking of harming oneself or the baby as a symptom of postpartum depression.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-postpartum-depression-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?, list"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "sg-2",
            "text": "MedlinePlus also names thoughts about suicide in its section on symptoms.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-postpartum-depression-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?, get help right away"
              }
            ]
          }
        ],
        "act_now": [
          {
            "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-postpartum-depression-2026-10-15",
            "locator": "What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?, get help right away",
            "words": "If you have thoughts about suicide, or hurting yourself or your baby get help right away:"
          },
          {
            "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-postpartum-depression-2026-10-15",
            "locator": "What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?, get help right away",
            "words": "Call 911 or go to your local emergency room"
          },
          {
            "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-postpartum-depression-2026-10-15",
            "locator": "What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?, get help right away",
            "words": "Contact a crisis hotline. In the United States, you can reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at any time:"
          },
          {
            "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-postpartum-depression-2026-10-15",
            "locator": "What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?, get help right away",
            "words": "Call or text 988"
          },
          {
            "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-postpartum-depression-2026-10-15",
            "locator": "What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?, get help right away",
            "words": "Chat online with Lifeline Chat"
          },
          {
            "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-postpartum-depression-2026-10-15",
            "locator": "What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?, get help right away",
            "words": "TTY users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988"
          },
          {
            "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-postpartum-depression-2026-10-15",
            "locator": "What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?, get help right away",
            "words": "Veterans can contact the Veterans Crisis Line:"
          },
          {
            "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-postpartum-depression-2026-10-15",
            "locator": "What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?, get help right away",
            "words": "Call 988, then press 1"
          },
          {
            "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-postpartum-depression-2026-10-15",
            "locator": "What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?, get help right away",
            "words": "Text 838255"
          },
          {
            "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-postpartum-depression-2026-10-15",
            "locator": "What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?, get help right away",
            "words": "Chat online"
          },
          {
            "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-postpartum-depression-2026-10-15",
            "locator": "What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?, get help right away",
            "words": "Call your mental health provider or other health care provider"
          },
          {
            "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-postpartum-depression-2026-10-15",
            "locator": "What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?, get help right away",
            "words": "Reach out to a loved one or close friend"
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "heading": "Signs of sepsis, from a page about sepsis in general",
        "signs": [
          {
            "id": "sp-1",
            "text": "For sepsis in general, MedlinePlus lists rapid breathing and heart rate.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-sepsis-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What are the symptoms of sepsis?, list"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "sp-2",
            "text": "For sepsis in general, MedlinePlus also lists shortness of breath.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-sepsis-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What are the symptoms of sepsis?, list"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "sp-3",
            "text": "For sepsis in general, MedlinePlus also lists confusion or disorientation.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-sepsis-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What are the symptoms of sepsis?, list"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "sp-4",
            "text": "For sepsis in general, MedlinePlus also lists extreme pain or discomfort.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-sepsis-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What are the symptoms of sepsis?, list"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "sp-5",
            "text": "For sepsis in general, MedlinePlus also lists fever, shivering, or feeling very cold.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-sepsis-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What are the symptoms of sepsis?, list"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "sp-6",
            "text": "For sepsis in general, MedlinePlus also lists clammy or sweaty skin.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-sepsis-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What are the symptoms of sepsis?, list"
              }
            ]
          }
        ],
        "act_now": [
          {
            "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-sepsis-2026-10-15",
            "locator": "What are the symptoms of sepsis?, get medical care right away",
            "words": "get medical care right away if you think you might have sepsis or if your infection is not getting better or is getting worse"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "sections": [
      {
        "heading": "What this guide does not cover",
        "statements": [
          {
            "id": "oth-1",
            "text": "Other serious warning signs after birth exist, and this guide does not list them.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "claim": "maternal:claim-who-2022-advise-women-on-danger-signs"
              },
              {
                "claim": "maternal:claim-medlineplus-lists-cdc-urgent-maternal-warning-signs-page"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "cdc-1",
            "text": "The MedlinePlus Postpartum Care page links, under its Symptoms heading, to a CDC page about urgent maternal warning signs.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "claim": "maternal:claim-medlineplus-lists-cdc-urgent-maternal-warning-signs-page"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "cdc-2",
            "text": "The atlas has not recorded which signs that CDC page lists.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "claim": "maternal:claim-medlineplus-lists-cdc-urgent-maternal-warning-signs-page"
              }
            ]
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "heading": "Mood after birth",
        "statements": [
          {
            "id": "mh-1",
            "text": "MedlinePlus says the baby blues usually go away within a few days to a week.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-postpartum-depression-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What is postpartum depression?, paragraph 1"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "mh-2",
            "text": "MedlinePlus calls postpartum depression a common but serious mood disorder.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-postpartum-depression-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What is postpartum depression?, paragraph 3"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "mh-3",
            "text": "MedlinePlus says postpartum depression can begin anytime within the first year after childbirth.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-postpartum-depression-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What is postpartum depression?, paragraph 3"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "mh-4",
            "text": "MedlinePlus says postpartum depression symptoms are more intense and last longer than the baby blues.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-postpartum-depression-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?, paragraph 1"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "mh-5",
            "text": "Without treatment, MedlinePlus says, symptoms may make it hard to care for the baby or manage daily tasks.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-postpartum-depression-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What is postpartum depression?, paragraph 3"
              }
            ]
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "heading": "Preeclampsia and eclampsia, as MedlinePlus describes them",
        "statements": [
          {
            "id": "bp-1",
            "text": "MedlinePlus says preeclampsia symptoms may, in rare cases, not start until after delivery.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-high-blood-pressure-in-pregnancy-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What are the types of high blood pressure in pregnancy?, list"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "bp-2",
            "text": "MedlinePlus calls preeclampsia that starts after delivery postpartum preeclampsia.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-high-blood-pressure-in-pregnancy-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What are the types of high blood pressure in pregnancy?, list"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "bp-3",
            "text": "MedlinePlus says postpartum preeclampsia that becomes more severe and causes a seizure is known as postpartum eclampsia.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-high-blood-pressure-in-pregnancy-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What are the types of high blood pressure in pregnancy?, list"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "bp-4",
            "text": "MedlinePlus says preeclampsia can be serious or even life-threatening for both the mother and the baby.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-high-blood-pressure-in-pregnancy-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What are the types of high blood pressure in pregnancy?, list"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "bp-5",
            "text": "For preeclampsia in general, MedlinePlus lists a headache that does not go away.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-high-blood-pressure-in-pregnancy-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What are the symptoms of high blood pressure in pregnancy?, preeclampsia list"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "bp-6",
            "text": "For preeclampsia in general, MedlinePlus lists vision problems, such as blurred vision or seeing spots.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-high-blood-pressure-in-pregnancy-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What are the symptoms of high blood pressure in pregnancy?, preeclampsia list"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "bp-7",
            "text": "For preeclampsia in general, MedlinePlus lists pain in the upper right abdomen.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-high-blood-pressure-in-pregnancy-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What are the symptoms of high blood pressure in pregnancy?, preeclampsia list"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "bp-8",
            "text": "For preeclampsia in general, MedlinePlus also lists trouble breathing.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-high-blood-pressure-in-pregnancy-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What are the symptoms of high blood pressure in pregnancy?, preeclampsia list"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "bp-9",
            "text": "For preeclampsia in general, MedlinePlus also lists swelling in the face and hands, and too much protein in the urine.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-high-blood-pressure-in-pregnancy-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What are the symptoms of high blood pressure in pregnancy?, preeclampsia list"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "bp-10",
            "text": "MedlinePlus says eclampsia can also cause seizures, nausea or vomiting, and low urine output.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-high-blood-pressure-in-pregnancy-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What are the symptoms of high blood pressure in pregnancy?, eclampsia"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "bp-11",
            "text": "MedlinePlus says the symptoms of preeclampsia can last after delivery, but they usually go away within 6 weeks.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-high-blood-pressure-in-pregnancy-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What are the treatments for high blood pressure in pregnancy?, closing paragraph"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "bp-12",
            "text": "MedlinePlus says HELLP syndrome is the name for liver and blood cell damage in a person with preeclampsia or eclampsia.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-high-blood-pressure-in-pregnancy-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What are the types of high blood pressure in pregnancy?, list"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "bp-13",
            "text": "MedlinePlus says a person with eclampsia, HELLP syndrome or severe preeclampsia will most likely need hospital care.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-high-blood-pressure-in-pregnancy-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What are the treatments for high blood pressure in pregnancy?, paragraph 2"
              }
            ]
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "heading": "Infection and sepsis",
        "statements": [
          {
            "id": "sepsis-1",
            "text": "MedlinePlus describes sepsis as the body's extreme response to an infection.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-sepsis-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What is sepsis?, paragraph 1"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "sepsis-2",
            "text": "MedlinePlus describes sepsis as a life-threatening medical emergency.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-sepsis-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What is sepsis?, paragraph 1"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "sepsis-3",
            "text": "MedlinePlus says anyone with an infection could get sepsis.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-sepsis-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "Who is more likely to develop sepsis?, paragraph 1"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "sepsis-4",
            "text": "MedlinePlus lists pregnant women among the people more likely to develop sepsis.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-sepsis-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "Who is more likely to develop sepsis?, list"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "sepsis-5",
            "text": "MedlinePlus says other medical conditions can cause many of the signs and symptoms of sepsis.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-sepsis-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "How is sepsis diagnosed?, closing paragraph"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "sepsis-6",
            "text": "MedlinePlus says sepsis may be hard to diagnose in its early stages.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-sepsis-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "How is sepsis diagnosed?, closing paragraph"
              }
            ]
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "heading": "What WHO says about telling women about danger signs",
        "statements": [
          {
            "id": "who-1",
            "text": "In remarks beside two of its recommendations, WHO says women should be advised about danger signs and symptoms.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "claim": "maternal:claim-who-2022-advise-women-on-danger-signs"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "who-2",
            "text": "WHO gives worsening perineal pain as an example of a danger sign.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "claim": "maternal:claim-who-2022-advise-women-on-danger-signs"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "who-3",
            "text": "WHO also gives worsening uterine pain as an example of a danger sign.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "claim": "maternal:claim-who-2022-advise-women-on-danger-signs"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "who-4",
            "text": "These are examples that WHO gives in remarks, not a full list of danger signs.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "claim": "maternal:claim-who-2022-advise-women-on-danger-signs"
              }
            ]
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "heading": "Deaths up to a year after birth, in one US report",
        "statements": [
          {
            "id": "us-1",
            "text": "A US report on 2011 to 2015 data found pregnancy-related deaths during pregnancy, around delivery, and up to 1 year after birth.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "claim": "maternal:claim-us-pregnancy-related-deaths-2011-15"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "us-2",
            "text": "In that report, the leading causes included cardiovascular conditions, infection and hemorrhage.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "claim": "maternal:claim-us-pregnancy-related-deaths-2011-15"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "us-3",
            "text": "In that report, the causes varied by when the death happened.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "claim": "maternal:claim-us-pregnancy-related-deaths-2011-15"
              }
            ]
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "checklists": [
      {
        "heading": "Topics MedlinePlus raises about care after birth",
        "items": [
          {
            "id": "ck-1",
            "text": "Treatment for high blood pressure before, during and after pregnancy, which MedlinePlus calls important.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-high-blood-pressure-in-pregnancy-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What is high blood pressure in pregnancy?, paragraph 2"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "ck-2",
            "text": "Early postpartum checkups, which MedlinePlus links to finding and treating postpartum depression symptoms sooner.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-postpartum-depression-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "Can postpartum depression be prevented?, list"
              }
            ]
          },
          {
            "id": "ck-3",
            "text": "Whether the patient is breastfeeding, which MedlinePlus links to choosing the safest treatment options for postpartum depression.",
            "cites": [
              {
                "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-postpartum-depression-2026-10-15",
                "locator": "What is the treatment for postpartum depression?, paragraph 2"
              }
            ]
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "questions": [
      {
        "text": "Which symptoms after birth are expected, and which need care right away?",
        "grounded_in": [
          "who-1",
          "bp-5",
          "sepsis-2"
        ]
      },
      {
        "text": "Which symptoms could point to preeclampsia, and how long after delivery can it start?",
        "grounded_in": [
          "bp-1",
          "bp-5",
          "bp-6"
        ]
      },
      {
        "text": "How long do blood pressure problems last after delivery, and what follow-up is planned?",
        "grounded_in": [
          "bp-11"
        ]
      },
      {
        "text": "How does worsening perineal or uterine pain differ from expected pain after birth?",
        "grounded_in": [
          "who-2",
          "who-3"
        ]
      },
      {
        "text": "Which symptoms of infection matter after birth, and who should be told?",
        "grounded_in": [
          "sepsis-4",
          "sepsis-5"
        ]
      },
      {
        "text": "How can the baby blues be told apart from postpartum depression?",
        "grounded_in": [
          "mh-1",
          "mh-3",
          "mh-4"
        ]
      }
    ]
  },
  "content_digest": "6b98b94eaa8cb4d4199096ae9ea3734107a167e86ee6fc1fcb808a9928c91445",
  "review": {
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    "current": [],
    "conflicting": [],
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    "inactive": []
  },
  "claims": [],
  "decisions": [],
  "milestones": [],
  "relationships": {
    "outgoing": [],
    "incoming": []
  },
  "page_path": "guides/warning-signs-after-birth/",
  "context_path": "api/v1/context/maternal--guide-warning-signs-after-birth.md"
}