Problems After Delivery Of Your Baby: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Do you have breast problems?

See significance of breast problems if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have increasing redness in one area of the breast, or red streaks extending away from an area of the breast?

Yes

Do you have drainage of pus from the nipple or another area of the breast?

Yes

Do you have a fever of or higher?

Yes

Do you think you have a moderate to high fever, but you are unable to measure your temperature?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have increasing pain in one area of the breast?

Yes

Do you have swollen glands (lymph nodes) in the neck or armpit?

Yes

Do you have a fever less than ?

Yes

Do you think you have a mild fever but you are unable to measure your temperature?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Are your nipples cracked and bleeding after 24 hours of home treatment?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	August 06, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine, Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer