A ? +
Pregnancy Outcomes · Anonamed
From conception to postpartum – understanding risk, not replacing care.
Pregnancy Outcomes
From conception to postpartum – understanding risk, not replacing care.
After birth

Postnatal outcomes and risks – physical, emotional and social

Care and outcomes remain important after the baby is born. The first days and weeks after birth carry risks of bleeding, infection, blood clots, feeding problems and significant mood changes – including postnatal depression and, rarely, post‑partum psychosis.

Bleeding & infection Blood clots Pain & wound healing Breastfeeding challenges Postnatal depression & anxiety Post‑partum psychosis (rare emergency)
Physical health

Bleeding, infection, clots and wound healing

Bleeding after birth
  • Some vaginal bleeding (lochia) is normal and gradually becomes lighter over weeks.
  • Sudden heavy bleeding, large clots or soaking pads every hour are not normal and need urgent review.
  • Retained placenta or infection can cause ongoing bleeding and pain.
Wounds, tears & infection
  • Perineal tears, episiotomy and caesarean wounds can become infected.
  • Signs include increasing pain, redness, swelling, pus or fever.
  • Prompt antibiotics and wound care usually prevent more serious complications.
Blood clots (VTE)
  • Pregnancy and the postnatal period carry a higher risk of clots in the legs or lungs.
  • Higher risk with obesity, caesarean birth, long bed rest, previous clots or some conditions.
  • Symptoms such as sudden chest pain, breathlessness or a painful, swollen leg need emergency assessment.
Feeding & sleep

Breastfeeding, bottle feeding and exhaustion

Feeding a newborn is physically and emotionally demanding, whether breast, formula or mixed feeding is used. Difficulties are common and do not mean you are failing as a parent.

Breastfeeding challenges
  • Painful nipples, mastitis and low milk supply are frequent early problems.
  • Lactation consultants, midwives and peer‑support groups can provide practical strategies.
  • Sometimes mixed feeding or stopping breastfeeding is the safest option for a parent’s health.
Formula feeding & mixed feeding
  • Formula feeding can be a valid, healthy choice or a medical necessity.
  • Safe preparation, storage and responsive feeding are key to reducing risk.
  • Parents can experience pressure or stigma whatever feeding method they use.
Sleep, fatigue & safety
  • Severe sleep deprivation increases risk of accidents, mood problems and relationship strain.
  • Safe‑sleep guidelines aim to reduce the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI).
  • Sharing night‑time care with partners or trusted supports may reduce exhaustion.
Mental health

Postnatal depression, anxiety and psychosis

Emotional changes after birth are common. “Baby blues” usually settle within days. More severe or persistent symptoms can signal postnatal depression, anxiety or – rarely – post‑partum psychosis, which is a psychiatric emergency.

Baby blues vs depression
  • Baby blues: tearfulness, irritability and emotional swings in the first week, usually resolving without treatment.
  • Postnatal depression: low mood, hopelessness, guilt, loss of pleasure and difficulty bonding with baby lasting weeks or months.
  • Screening tools and honest conversations with GPs, midwives or child‑health nurses can help pick this up early.
Postnatal anxiety & intrusive thoughts
  • Excessive worries, racing thoughts, panic attacks or constant checking can indicate anxiety disorders.
  • Intrusive thoughts of harm can be very distressing but do not always mean someone will act on them.
  • Specialist perinatal mental health services can offer therapy, medication or both.
Post‑partum psychosis (emergency)
  • Symptoms may include severe confusion, strange beliefs, hallucinations, extreme mood swings or agitation.
  • This is a medical emergency requiring urgent psychiatric assessment, often in hospital.
  • Partners, family and friends should seek help immediately if they are worried about safety.
Relationships & support

Partners, family, culture and safety at home

Changing relationships
  • New roles and responsibilities can strain even stable relationships.
  • Clear communication about sleep, feeding, household work and time out is important.
  • Counselling can help couples navigate conflict, expectations and intimacy after birth.
Domestic and family violence
  • Pregnancy and the postnatal period are high‑risk times for the start or escalation of abuse.
  • Abuse may be physical, emotional, sexual, financial or controlling behaviours.
  • Specialist services and confidential helplines can support safety planning and escape.
Building a support network
  • Friends, family, parent groups and community or faith networks can reduce isolation.
  • Online peer‑support spaces may be particularly important for parents in rural or remote areas.
  • It is appropriate to ask for practical help – meals, childcare, transport – not just emotional support.