Which symptom is a red flag that requires urgent medical evaluation in the postpartum period?

• A. Mild fatigue after activity.
• B. Sporadic sneezing.
• C. Night sweats.
• D. Sudden heavy vaginal bleeding with a boggy uterus.

Answer: (D)

Heavy vaginal bleeding with a boggy uterus in the postpartum period is a red flag for postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony. After delivery, the uterus should contract firmly to compress blood vessels at the placental site; if it remains soft and fails to contract (boggy), bleeding can continue or worsen rapidly, risking shock. This combination requires urgent assessment and prompt intervention to stop the hemorrhage and stabilize the patient, including measures to stimulate uterine contraction and support circulation.

Mild fatigue after activity, sporadic sneezing, and night sweats can be normal postpartum experiences related to physical exertion and hormonal changes. They do not indicate an acute emergency like hemorrhage.