Urgent Maternal Warning Signs
During the 2025 legislative session, a new law was passed requiring Tennessee mothers to be provided information about post-birth warning signs. Post-birth warning signs, also known as urgent maternal warning signs, are signs and symptoms that may indicate a life-threatening condition during pregnancy and postpartum, up to one year after delivery. It is important that all pregnant and postpartum women, their families, and all healthcare providers be aware of the urgent maternal warning signs.
If you have any of the urgent maternal warning signs or symptoms during or after pregnancy, contact your health care provider and get help right away. If you can’t reach your provider, go to the emergency room or call 911. Always remember to say that you’re pregnant or have been pregnant within the last year when getting help.
Additional Resources:
For Patients
(Scroll down on the page that opens to find the additional languages available.)
For Providers
Post Partum Warning Signs Poster (AIM)
Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) - AIM developed downloadable urgent maternal warning signs materials.
Expanded Version English Flyer
Recognize Postpartum Warning Signs for Non-Obstetrical Clinical Staff (English)
(Scroll down on the page that opens to find the additional languages available.)
CDC HearHer - CDC launched the Hear Her® campaign to raise awareness of potentially life-threatening warning signs during and after pregnancy.
Signs and Symptoms of Urgent Maternal Warnings Signs
Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) - AWHONN has developed a POST-BIRTH Warning Signs online course and program resources to educate nurses and clinicians about postpartum maternal morbidity and mortality crisis in the United States, and provide a respectful, evidence-based approach to postpartum pre- and post-discharge education for all patients, regardless of risk factors.