Source :NEWS18 NEWS
Last Updated:May 10, 2025, 13:04 IST
Discover the top 5 health warning signs new and expectant moms shouldn’t ignore, plus essential check-ups to ensure a safe, healthy postpartum journey – for both mother and baby.
Regular health screenings and check-ups are crucial for new and expectant moms.
Motherhood is one of life’s most rewarding journeys, but it can also be physically and emotionally overwhelming. In the constant cycle of feeding, soothing, and sleepless nights, many new and expectant mothers tend to put their well-being on the back burner. A healthy mom lays the foundation for a thriving environment. It becomes important for new moms and expecting mothers to stay alert to key warning signs and commit to regular check-ups.
Dr Lynsel, Consultant OBG at KMC Hospital, Dr B R Ambedkar Circle in Mangalore, shares five crucial health red flags every mother should watch out for and why timely medical care matters.
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Persistent Fatigue or Shortness of Breath
If exhaustion goes beyond typical new-mom tiredness or you feel breathless with minimal effort, don’t brush it off. It may signal anaemia, thyroid issues, or even cardiac concerns—conditions that need medical attention.
Severe Headaches or Vision Changes
These could indicate postpartum preeclampsia, especially if you had high blood pressure during pregnancy. Seek immediate care, as untreated preeclampsia can become life-threatening.
Heavy Bleeding Beyond 6 Weeks Post-delivery
Light spotting is normal, but soaking through pads or passing large clots after the initial post-delivery period warrants urgent evaluation for infection or retained placental tissue.
Breast Redness or Pain
Mastitis, a common but serious breast infection, can develop quickly during breastfeeding. Early treatment with antibiotics prevents complications and supports continued nursing.
Mood Swings, Anxiety, or Depression
Baby blues are common, but if sadness, irritability, or disconnection persist, it may be postpartum depression. Early mental health support makes a significant difference.
Dr. Harpreet Kaur, Senior Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecologist, Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneshwar, adds, “To maintain good health, mothers should prioritise regular health screening, which includes monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and thyroid function tests. Cancer screenings, including mammograms, Pap smears, and colonoscopies, are also necessary for early detection of breast cancer and gynaecological cancers like cervical and uterine cancer. Bone density tests are also recommended for women, especially after menopause, to prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures.”
Must-Do Check-Ups For Expectant Mothers
- Regular Antenatal Check-ups: Every 4 weeks for first 28 weeks of pregnancy, then 2 weekly up to 36 weeks of pregnancy and beyond 36 weeks, every weekly till delivery for a low risk pregnancy. For High risk pregnancies, the check-ups would be more frequent.
- First Trimester Screenings (10–13 weeks): Blood work and ultrasound for chromosomal risk assessment.
- Anomaly Scan (18–22 weeks): Detailed ultrasound to evaluate fetal structure and placental position.
- Glucose Challenge Test (24–28 weeks): Checks for gestational diabetes.
- Postnatal Visit (6 weeks postpartum): Ensures your physical and emotional recovery is on track.
- Location :
Delhi, India, India
- First Published:
May 10, 2025, 13:04 IST
SOURCE : NEWS 18
