A postpartum reminder that could save your life 🥹
Sharing this simply for awareness, not fear. Postpartum sepsis and kidney infections can happen, and it’s important to listen to your body. ♥️
I thought I was dealing with normal postpartum back pain and hormonal changes but I ended up in the ER septic.
If you’re freshly postpartum and something doesn’t feel right, please don’t ignore it. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
I’m now a couple days into a hospital stay with IV antibiotics and fluids, all while having my 10-day-old at home. Pumping in the hospital and taking things one moment at a time. I’ve never felt the way I felt when I came in and hopefully will never feel that way again 🥹
Postpartum reminder: listen to your body. You know it better than anyone. #postpartum #sepsisawareness
My symptoms:
• back pain (I thought it was just normal muscle pain, getting used to have a newborn again, being in bed, post-epidural)
• chills (I had chills and night sweats with my first two babies so when it happened this time, I thought it was the same thing)
• fatigue (easy to miss, up at night with baby adjusting to a new schedule)
I had a postpartum visit a couple of days prior to admission and everything seemed fairly normal.
Symptoms I couldn’t ignore anymore:
• More severe right flank pain that was not relieved with ibuprofen or Tylenol
• Temp 103F+
• Heartrate 158+ (I felt like my heart was going to fly out of my chest)
• Dizziness
• Flushed
• Feeling “off”
Having gone through postpartum recovery myself, I can relate deeply to the experience of confusing serious symptoms with normal postpartum discomfort. Many new moms endure aches, fatigue, and mood swings after delivery, which are often attributed solely to hormonal changes and the demands of caring for a newborn. However, it’s crucial to stay vigilant for signs that go beyond typical postpartum recovery. One key takeaway is to track your symptoms carefully. For example, mild back pain is normal, especially after labor, but unrelenting or sharply increasing pain on one side—especially in the flank area—can signal a kidney infection or other serious complications like sepsis. Likewise, chills or night sweats are sometimes dismissed as hormonal fluctuations but could be early warning signals of infection. Pay close attention to your temperature. Fever above 103°F combined with rapid heartbeat and dizziness is a serious red flag. I learned that trusting your gut feeling when something “feels off” can be lifesaving. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider or visit the emergency room if you experience symptoms such as persistent high fever, extreme fatigue beyond typical exhaustion, or any rapid worsening of health. Additionally, it’s important to advocate for yourself during postpartum visits. Sometimes tests and exams may appear normal, yet symptoms can evolve quickly afterward. Keep a detailed record of your symptoms and their progression to share with your medical team. Support networks are invaluable during this time. Whether it’s family, friends, or postpartum support groups, having people who encourage you to prioritize your health and recognize warning signs can make a significant difference. I found that honestly sharing my experience and learning from others helped me better understand when to seek help early. In conclusion, postpartum sepsis and kidney infections are rare but serious conditions that require immediate attention. Listening carefully to your body and acting promptly on alarming symptoms can help protect your health and well-being during this vulnerable period. Remember, prioritizing self-care is not only essential for recovery but could be life-saving.
