When should I go to the ER postpartum?

Last reviewed June 19, 2026 by Dr. Sapna Jadhav, General Physician. Sources from ACOG, NHS, Mayo Clinic, CDC, NICE, NIH, Cochrane, and peer-reviewed journals.

Bottom lineGo to the ER or call emergency services for postpartum heavy bleeding, chest pain or breathlessness, a severe headache or vision changes, signs of serious infection, calf pain or swelling, a seizure, or thoughts of harm - these can be life-threatening and need immediate care.

Go to the emergency department - or call emergency services - if you have heavy bleeding, chest pain or trouble breathing, a severe headache or vision changes, signs of a serious infection, a seizure, or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. These can be life-threatening and need immediate care.

Call emergency services or go to the ER for

• Heavy bleeding: Soaking more than one pad an hour, or passing large clots
• Chest pain, trouble breathing, or shortness of breath
• A severe headache that won't ease, or vision changes (possible postpartum preeclampsia)
• A seizure, fainting, or confusion
• Signs of serious infection: High fever, a very fast heartbeat, severe pain, or feeling extremely unwell
• Calf pain, redness, or swelling, especially in one leg (possible blood clot)
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, or feeling disconnected from reality

Why it matters

Serious postpartum complications - hemorrhage, blood clots, preeclampsia, infection or sepsis, and severe mental health crises - can develop in the days and weeks after birth, often after you've gone home. They are treatable, but speed matters.

When in doubt

If something feels seriously wrong, don't wait or downplay it. Trust your instincts and seek emergency care - it's always okay to get checked.

Femora helps you keep a clear record of symptoms to share with emergency clinicians.