Urgent Maternal Warning Signs

Thank you for prioritizing your health and wellbeing. Our goal for this page is to direct pregnant and postpartum people, their support system, and clinical team members to appropriate resources to address urgent maternal warning signs.

The list of Urgent Maternal Warning Signs is not meant to cover every symptom you might have. If you feel like something isn’t right, or you aren’t sure if it’s serious, it’s always best to tell your care provider and get the help you need.

Download the Urgent Maternal Warning Signs poster >

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need immediate support (available 24/7), please contact the following:

Option 1: 988 / NH Rapid Response Access: 1-833-710-6477

Option 2: National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)

AIM's Urgent Maternal Warning Signs

Recognizing the urgent warning signs during or after pregnancy can help prevent serious complications. The Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) offers an interactive webpage to help individuals and families know what to look for—and provides printable posters in multiple languages that can be used at home or displayed in clinical settings.

Additional Resources:

Know When to Reach Out—and How

If something doesn’t feel right during or after pregnancy, it’s important to speak up—even if it’s hard to find the words. The CDC offers guidance on how to start the conversation with your healthcare provider and share your concerns with confidence.

Tips for Providing Support for Pregnant or Postpartum Women

Whether you’re a partner, friend, or family member, knowing how to support someone during pregnancy or after childbirth can make a big difference. The CDC has put together helpful suggestions to guide you in offering care, encouragement, and understanding.

Webinar: Urgent Maternal Warning Signs for NH Professionals

Available for continuing education credit, this webinar is designed to help professionals around New Hampshire to recognize urgent maternal warning signs in order to support pregnant and postpartum patients.

Some Urgent Maternal Warning Sign Resources for Clinical Providers:

Resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) HEAR HER Campaign: Health Care Professionals | HEAR HER Campaign | CDC
Tips for “Starting the Conversation” and how to share your concerns with your provider: Pregnant and Postpartum Women | HEAR HER Campaign | CDC
Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) POST-BIRTH Warning Signs Campaign – Course (with continuing education credit offered), Resources and Materials (handouts and magnets), Baby360 Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care: POST-BIRTH Warning Signs Education Program – AWHONN
AIM Maternal Early Warning System Implementation and Resource Kit for clinical teams: Maternal Early Warning System Implementation Resource Kit | AIM
CDC’s HEAR HER Disparities and Resilience for Clinical Learning: Health Care Professionals Who Serve American Indian and Alaska Native Women Who Are Pregnant or Postpartum | HEAR HER Campaign | CDC

Questions or Feedback?

If you have additional questions or feedback for this topic, please contact Maddie at Madalynne.M.Bridge@hitchcock.org and Emily at Emily.C.Brayton@hitchcock.org.

Urgent Maternal Warning Signs

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