When Birth is Over but Risks Remain: Postpartum Hemorrhage and Postpartum Preeclampsia

When most people think about the risks of pregnancy and birth, they picture complications that happen during labor. The truth is, we lose more women and babies after birth, often when parents least expect it. But don't be fearful or worried, we are going to share what you need to know to keep yourself or your partner safe.

Two of the most concerning conditions are postpartum hemorrhage (excessive bleeding) and postpartum preeclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure after delivery). Both can develop in the hours, days, or even weeks after birth, and both require immediate attention.

At The Jacksonville Baby Company, we believe every parent deserves not just love and care, but also the knowledge and support to spot complications early. What's it like having us there to support you as you transition home? Imagine being a ball of nerves as you leave the hospital with your most cherished and precious gift (your baby), experiencing the beginning stages of exhaustion, and a magical unicorn comes alongside you to shoulder all of that worry so that you can focus solely and freely on resting and bonding with your baby and partner. That's what it's like with us by your side!

What Is Postpartum Hemorrhage?

Postpartum hemorrhage is heavy, uncontrolled bleeding after birth. While some bleeding is completely normal, and bleeding a little heavier after birthing a second or third baby, postpartum hemorrhage is much more than that. It can happen right after delivery, or it can occur days or weeks later once you’re home. 40% of hemorrhages occur without any risk factors. Primary postpartum hemorrhage occurs within the first 24 hours after delivery. Secondary or late postpartum hemorrhage occurs 24 hours to 12 weeks after delivery.

Warning Signs of Postpartum Hemorrhage

• Thoroughly soaking a 1-2 pads in an hour or less

• Passing large blood clots (larger than a golf ball)

• Feeling faint, dizzy, or weak

• Rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath

• Skin feeling clammy

• Suddenly appearing pale

What Is Postpartum Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is most often associated with pregnancy, but it can develop after birth, too, even if you never had high blood pressure during pregnancy. Most commonly, postpartum preeclampsia appears within 48 hours after delivery, but it can develop up to six weeks or more postpartum. This is known as late postpartum preeclampsia. 

Warning Signs of Postpartum Preeclampsia

• Bad headaches that don’t go away

• Vision changes (blurred vision, flashes/spots of lights)

• Swelling in your hands, face, or legs (especially on one side)

• Upper abdominal pain (typically under the ribs)

• Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain

• Nausea and vomiting

• Decreased urination

Why Support at Home Matters for Postpartum Hemorrhage and Postpartum Preeclampsia

Here’s the challenge: in those fragile first weeks, it’s easy to overlook symptoms. Parents are sleep-deprived, healing, and laser-focused on caring for their baby. Something that seems like “just exhaustion” or "no big deal" could actually be a life-threatening red flag.

This is another situation where having The Jacksonville Baby Company by your side makes all the difference.

How The Jax Baby Co Supports Families

• Overnight support means another set of trained, experienced eyes watching for anything unusual — whether it’s your baby’s behavior or your own recovery. Even better still, your specialist has immediate access to the entire JBC team, and we all have eyes on it!

• Compassionate guidance helps you decide when something is worth a call to your provider.

• Whole-family support ensures that if you do need urgent care or end up being admitted to the hospital, your baby and household are cared for while you focus on getting well.

• Peace of mind knowing you don’t have to navigate the unknowns of postpartum alone.

Easing the Transition Into Parenthood

At The Jacksonville Baby Company, we do more than change diapers and rock babies (though we do plenty of that, too!). We help families transition into parenthood with confidence, rest, and reassurance. By being part of your postpartum home team, we make sure you don’t miss critical warning signs, while also helping you feel less anxious and more supported in daily life. Because the truth is, you don’t know what you don’t know. And you were never meant to figure it all out alone.

Postpartum Hemorrhage and Postpartum Preeclampsia Are Rare, But Serious

Knowing the warning signs and having the right support system in place can make all the difference. We're here to ease your transition, support your recovery, and give your family the peace of mind it deserves.

Your job is to heal, bond, and rest. Ours is to make that possible; safely, compassionately, and with the expert care you can trust.

Want to learn more?

Schedule a Discovery Call Today

Authored by Elizabeth Luke

Elizabeth is the founder and CEO of The Jacksonville Baby Company. Elizabeth and her husband and best friend, Richard, are parents to four children. With certifications in Postpartum and Infant Care Support, Childbirth and Newborn Care Education, Lactation Support, and Infant Sleep, she is a wealth of knowledge and has a heart that is passionate about helping parents live their best lives while also ensuring their children are safe, happy, and leading their healthiest lives possible! Contact us today to book support!