Problems After Delivery Of Your Baby: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Do you have a change in your bowel habits?

See significance of a change in your bowel habits 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

Have you had a bowel movement that is mostly blood, but you do not have signs of shock?

Yes

Do you have constipation with other symptoms, such as fever, shaking chills, or vomiting?

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

Yes

Have you had a bowel movement that is black and tarry or a bowel movement in which less than half of the stool is blood, but you do not have signs of shock?

Yes

Have you noticed blood in the toilet water after having a bowel movement?

Yes

Do you have pain caused by constipation?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have you had a small amount of bleeding or bleeding that comes and goes for longer than 1 week?

Yes

Have you had a small amount of bleeding in your stool more than one time?

Yes

Do you have constipation without other symptoms that has not gotten better after 1 week 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