Kirsten Fisch
Co-Founder at - Momentum Health NetworkKirsten Fisch, MSN, RNC-MNN, IBCLC, LCCE Kirsten is a women's health nurse who specializes in high-risk pregnancy and postpartum care. She is certified in Maternal Newborn Nursing, a board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC), and a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator. She works with women from conception through the postpartum period. Passionate about empowering women throughout their reproductive journeys, Kirsten combines evidence-based care with compassionate support to promote the health and well-being of mothers and babies.
Bringing a new baby into the world is life-changing, but it’s also a time when a mother’s body is vulnerable. Most pregnancies and recoveries go smoothly, but sometimes warning signs appear that mean something is seriously wrong.
These are called urgent maternal warning signs. Recognizing them and acting quickly can save a life.
1. Severe Headache That Won’t Go Away
If you have a headache that feels different from anything you’ve had before, especially if it doesn’t improve with rest or medicine, it could be a sign of high blood pressure or preeclampsia.
2. Vision Changes
Seeing spots, flashing lights, or sudden blurred vision should never be ignored. These can also be signs of high blood pressure or stroke.
3. Chest Pain or Shortness of Breath
Any pain in your chest, difficulty breathing, or sudden shortness of breath could signal a blood clot, heart problem, or another serious complication. Call 911 immediately.
4. Heavy Vaginal Bleeding
Some bleeding is normal after birth, but soaking through one or more pads in an hour, passing large clots, or bleeding that gets heavier instead of lighter needs urgent attention.
5. Severe Abdominal or Leg Pain
Sharp, persistent abdominal pain could be a sign of infection or internal bleeding. Pain, swelling, or redness in your legs may indicate a potentially dangerous blood clot.
6. Swelling of the Face or Hands
While some swelling is common in pregnancy, sudden or extreme swelling of your face, hands, or around your eyes may indicate preeclampsia.
7. Extreme Fatigue, Dizziness, or Fainting
If you feel unusually weak, dizzy, or as though you might pass out, it could indicate blood loss, infection, or heart problems.
8. High Fever or Chills
A fever above 100.4°F (38°C), especially accompanied by chills, may be a sign of an infection. Infections after childbirth can become serious very quickly.
9. Thoughts of Harming Yourself or Your Baby
Maternal mental health is just as important as physical health. If you feel overwhelmed, hopeless, or have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, this is an emergency. Call for help right away.
10. Something Feels Wrong
You know your body best. If something doesn’t feel right, even if it’s not on this list, trust your instincts and get checked.
What to Do If You Notice a Warning Sign
- Call 911 if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, or thoughts of self-harm.
- Call your provider right away if you notice any of the other warning signs.
- Inform your partner, family, or friends about what to look for so they can assist you if you’re unable to speak up for yourself.
Share to Save a Life
The more people who know these urgent maternal warning signs, the more lives we can save. Share this list with anyone pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or supporting a new parent.
Because every mother deserves the chance not just to survive childbirth but to thrive.
Kirsten Fisch, MSN, RNC-MNN, IBCLC, LCCE Kirsten is a women's health nurse who specializes in high-risk pregnancy and postpartum care. She is certified in Maternal Newborn Nursing, a board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC), and a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator. She works with women from conception through the postpartum period. Passionate about empowering women throughout their reproductive journeys, Kirsten combines evidence-based care with compassionate support to promote the health and well-being of mothers and babies.
