Postpartum experiences are as unique as the pregnancies that come before them. Because of this, it can be difficult to recognize what's normal and what could be a complication — even if you've given birth before.

The postpartum period is generally defined as the first six weeks after birth. "Postpartum begins immediately following birth and extends through the time when your body and mind are recovering from pregnancy and delivery," says Dr. Kylie Cooper, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Mayo Clinic.

Recovery isn't the same for everyone, and for some people, the postpartum timeline can be longer. While the spectrum of what is considered typical postpartum is wide, there are warning signs of complications you should never ignore.

Dr. Cooper discusses postpartum complications, how to recognize them and when to seek care.

The signs you shouldn't ignore

Dr. Cooper says consistent improvement is the best indicator of typical recovery: "In general, recovery should tend toward improvement. So, if you feel like things are getting worse, or new symptoms come up, we definitely want you to reach out for care."

The first two weeks after delivery carry the highest risk for serious complications, though they can sometimes occur later. "The most common complications we see in that time frame are high blood pressure, hemorrhage or bleeding complications, infection, anxiety and postpartum depression," says Dr. Cooper.

While many postpartum concerns are common and treatable, some rare but serious complications can develop during this time, which is why new or worsening symptoms should never be ignored.

"These include blood clots, like deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, as well as postpartum heart issues like cardiomyopathy," says Dr. Cooper.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek care as soon as possible because they can indicate serious complications:

Worsening pelvic or incision pain, or pain that doesn't improve.

New, heavy or increased bleeding.

Headaches that don't improve with medication.

Confusion or behavior changes.

Fever or flu-like symptoms.

Mood changes, anxiety or depression.

Extreme fatigue that doesn't improve with rest.

Shortness of breath, trouble breathing or chest pain.

"Symptoms related to pain, mood changes and energy levels can be dismissed as normal postpartum symptoms. While the postpartum time frame can be a challenging time, these symptoms shouldn't be dismissed," says Dr. Cooper.

Mental health-related postpartum complications

After delivery, your body undergoes a significant hormonal shift that can affect your mood and emotions in various ways. While this is expected, symptoms usually improve in a couple of weeks. When these feelings linger or cause depression or anxiety that doesn't improve, it could indicate postpartum depression. In rare cases, a serious and life-threatening condition called postpartum psychosis can develop.

"While 'baby blues' might initially cause people to feel off or be tearful, that should improve, and it should not persist," says Dr. Cooper.

She says these feelings can improve with treatment and support.

If you think you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of mental health-related postpartum complications, the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA) and Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988) offer free and confidential 24/7 resources.

After the six-week postpartum visit

After your six-week postpartum visit, your care will transition back to your primary care team. But this shouldn't mean the end of postpartum care.

"It's becoming increasingly recognized that this is a much longer process, extending up to a year after delivery. I think it's important that we acknowledge that many people are not done recovering at the six-week mark — not by a long shot," says Dr. Cooper.

If you had physical or mental health complications during the postpartum period, this transition is crucial to ensure your long-term wellness. "This is a really important time frame to ensure we help patients establish their preventive care because pregnancy complications can impact long-term health," says Dr. Cooper.

As you continue to monitor your health and well-being during this period, it's important to pay attention to symptoms that may arise or persist beyond the initial recovery phase, as these can often be treated. "Pelvic floor symptoms are often dismissed. For example, there's this misnomer that once you have children, you will have pelvic floor issues. And that's an accepted part of your future, but it shouldn't be," says Dr. Cooper. "These are issues that can be treated and improved."

Getting the support you need postpartum

Support plays an important role in recognizing postpartum complications. Partners, family members and caregivers may notice subtle changes before you do, especially during a time marked by sleep deprivation and physical recovery.

"Sometimes partners or family members are the first to recognize that something isn't right," says Dr. Cooper. "If you notice changes that concern you about your loved one, it's important to speak up and help them seek care."

Dr. Cooper emphasizes that it takes a village to provide postpartum support, and the fetal and maternal care team at Mayo Clinic aims to be part of that village. "In our practice, we have a team approach with obstetric providers, perinatal mood specialists, lactation consultants and pelvic floor physical therapists, and we all work together to make sure that the patient has the care they need."

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