Little Helpers · Her
Your first weeks, one step at a time.
A gentle checklist for your recovery: what to expect, when to check in, what to ask, and the signs that mean call now.
The first days
By 2 to 3 weeks
By 6 to 12 weeks
Questions for your checkup.
Tick the ones you want to ask, and add your own.
Your care team, close at hand.
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). Free, confidential, 24/7, in English and Spanish.
Get care right away if.
These signs matter during pregnancy and for up to a year after birth. If you have any of them, seek medical care right away and tell them you recently had a baby.
- Headache that won't go away or gets worse over time
- Dizziness or fainting
- Changes in your vision
- Fever of 100.4°F or higher
- Extreme swelling of your hands or face
- Thoughts about harming yourself or your baby
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain or fast-beating heart
- Severe nausea and throwing up
- Severe belly pain that doesn't go away
- Vaginal bleeding or discharge after pregnancy
- Severe swelling, redness or pain of your leg or arm
- Overwhelming tiredness
If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, call 911 or call or text 988 right away.
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Where this comes from
This helper shares general information. It doesn't replace care from your doctor, midwife or your baby's pediatrician.
- Postpartum care: What to expect after a vaginal birth, Mayo Clinic
- Recovering from birth, Office on Women's Health
- Urgent Maternal Warning Signs, HEAR HER Campaign, CDC
- National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, HRSA