“Optimize your health prior to pregnancy, with heart-healthy nutrition, fitness, cancer screenings and immunizations,” Dr. Franklin said. “Optimize chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease, and understand your family history and your own risk factors.”

Once you are pregnant, start prenatal care early and don’t skip appointments.

After childbirth, make sure to go back to your OB-GYN or midwife for checkups, preferably within the first two to three weeks after being discharged from the hospital. If you had difficulty during your pregnancy, or you have underlying conditions like hypertension, diabetes or obesity, talk to your provider about an earlier check-in, more frequent calls or visits and transitioning to doctors who can manage your postnatal care.

If you have concerns, call your doctor. If providers dismiss your concerns but you don’t feel right, go to an emergency room.

Is it normal to feel weepy immediately after childbirth? What psychological symptoms should prompt immediate medical care?

Some new mothers may feel sad after childbearing, but this is usually a transient phenomenon. Seek help if feelings of sadness and hopelessness continue, or you think that you aren’t a good mother, or feel you have no control over your life and are constantly worried.

Get help immediately if you have thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby, or if intrusive thoughts pop into your head and you can’t get rid of them. Your regular health provider should be able to provide a referral; you can get more information at Postpartum Support International.