10 Overlooked Postpartum Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

When I had my daughter, I expected the usual postpartum struggles—sleepless nights, sore muscles, and a rollercoaster of emotions.  As a new mum, the tendency is to focus on the baby’s well-being more than your own, so you largely write these off as “normal”.  However, when my metatarsals began to ache, I was caught off-guard and promptly scheduled an appointment with my doctor.

Although it was nothing to worry about (she prescribed a calcium supplement), I realised that there are many symptoms that are typically ignored, and deserve more attention.

Here are ten commonly overlooked postpartum symptoms that you should discuss with your healthcare provider.

1. Persistent Pelvic Pain or Pressure

Many women think that pushing during a normal delivery causes a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvis.  However, if this persists it could be a sign of pelvic organ prolapse, perineal trauma, or pelvic floor dysfunction.  All these are treatable (you don’t have to live with the discomfort) by a trained physiotherapist.  You may need to make some lifestyle adjustments in addition to the physiotherapy.

2. Incontinence

This is one of the most common symptoms, and can be fixed!  Pelvic floor therapy can help restore bladder and bowel control and prevent long-term issues by strengthening the deep pelvic muscles.

3. Severe Fatigue

Exhaustion is expected with a newborn, everyone goes through it.  But for many women it doesn’t go away no matter how much they rest.  This needs to be checked because it can be a sign of postpartum thyroiditis, anemia, or nutrient depletion.  Your doctor will prescribe a simple blood test and suggest a course of treatment.  Also read my blog about the postnatal repletion diet I followed after reading ‘The Postnatal Depletion Cure’ by Dr. Oscar Serrallach.

4. Major Mood Swings

I remember I was on edge post childbirth – and reconciled it to my raging hormones.  But for many women feelings of anxiety, sadness, rage, or intrusive thoughts persist for a long time, threatening their and their baby’s wellbeing.  Postpartum depression and anxiety is quite common, but the good news is there are many professionals who are skilled at helping new mothers with these.

5. Painful/Difficult Intercourse

If sex is painful after delivery, it might be due to vaginal dryness (common with breastfeeding), scar tissue, or pelvic floor tightness. A combination of gentle stretching, lubrication, and pelvic therapy can make a world of difference.

6. Unexplained Pain

We would all like to workout with the same intensity as we used to pre-pregnancy.  However, for most women this isn’t possible because of a growing body, added weight, and the fatigue brought on by hormones.  Post pregnancy this can lead to “Mommy’s wrist” (De Quervain’s tenosynovitis), back pain from core weakness, or lingering joint stiffness from pregnancy hormones.  This can be remedied through well-planned fitness routines with qualified professionals.

7. Heavy Bleeding (Not Lochia)

Lochia gradually tapers off. But if your bleeding doesn’t and you’re soaking through pads within an hour or passing large clots then you need to consult your doctor.  (This may indicate retained placental tissue or delayed postpartum hemorrhage.)

8. Hair Loss Beyond Normal Shedding

If postpartum hair shedding continues beyond a year, it could signal thyroid imbalances or deficiencies in iron, biotin, or vitamin D. Diet and supplementation are key to correcting these imbalances.  I resumed my pre-pregnancy hair multivitamin (after consulting with my doctor) and it helped me immensely.

9. Numbness or Tingling in Hands or Feet

Tingling or numbness in the hands, particularly at night, could be postpartum carpal tunnel syndrome caused by fluid retention. Postpartum massages and time help in reducing fluid retention.  In addition to this, light yoga and stretching can help.

10. Unresolved Digestive Issues (Constipation, Gas, Bloating)

Most women get the download on the old wives’ tales about what to eat so that you lactate better and your milk doesn’t cause digestive issues for your bub.  But digestive issues can be more than just what you’re eating.  They can also indicate an unhealed diastasis recti, pelvic floor dysfunction, or even gut imbalances. Once again, speaking to a pelvic floor specialist and a nutritionist can help.

Listen to Your Body

Just like we’re cognisant of every little thing our baby needs, we need to be attentive of our needs.  Most of these symptoms are rarely understood, much less discussed in mom forums.  Let’s normalise these conversations and support women on this journey to recovery.