Feeling unwell
Infections
Infections following birth are rare; however some women may contract infections which require treatment with antibiotics. Infections may occur in perineal stitches, caesarean section wounds, the uterus, breasts or in urine and can worsen rapidly.
Signs/symptoms:
- a high temperature (more than 37.5°C)
- feeling unusually hot or cold/shivery
- feeling unusually lethargic and sleepy
- flu-like aches and pains in the body.
Stitches or caesarean wound infection
If your stitches or wound are infected you may notice pus, an offensive smell or an unusual amount of pain or tenderness in the area. You may also notice the skin is red and hot to touch.
Uterine infection
An infection in the uterus may cause symptoms of excessive vaginal bleeding, passing of clots and offensive smelling blood loss. You may also note severe pain and/or heat on touching the lower abdomen.
Breast infection
If breasts become infected (known as mastitis) they may appear red, swollen and be painful/hot to touch. You may notice a burning sensation during feeds. Seek help urgently and read more about this here.
Urinary infections
Symptoms include the increased need to pass urine or pain on passing urine.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms please speak to your midwife or GP urgently, or attend the local maternity triage/assessment unit where you had your baby.
Other infections
If you experience other infections not directly linked to having had a baby, like a severe cold/flu or chest infection, or diarrhoea and vomiting, seek help urgently.
Deep vein thrombosis/Pulmonary embolism
Read more about this here.