Missed Maternal Red Flags: Critical Postpartum Emergencies in the First Year
Course Overview
The postpartum year is one of the most vulnerable periods in maternal health, yet many life-threatening complications emerge only after the patient has left the hospital. This episode explores the subtle and overt red flags of postpartum emergencies including delayed preeclampsia, cardiomyopathy, venous thromboembolism, infection, and mental health crises. Listeners will learn how nurses can strengthen assessment skills, reinforce effective discharge education, and support patients who may not recognize when their symptoms require urgent care. The discussion highlights practical approaches for improving safety, communication, and continuity of care during the first year after birth.
Listen, Learn, and Earn CE Hours with this podcast course. Available on Apple, Spotify, and other podcast apps.
Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the learner should be able to:
- Identify key postpartum red flags that require urgent evaluation, including signs of hypertensive disorders, hemorrhage, thromboembolic events, infection, and mental health emergencies.
- Distinguish normal postpartum recovery patterns from abnormal findings that indicate developing complications.
- Apply evidence-based discharge education strategies that empower postpartum patients and support persons to recognize and report concerning symptoms promptly.
About the Author/Presenter
Robin McCormick, RN, DNP
Robin McCormick is a registered nurse with a research focus in vulnerable populations, maternal-child outcomes, and adult health. She has over 20 years of clinical nursing experience working in medical-surgical nursing and critical care. She received a BSN from Troy University, MSN from the University of South Alabama, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice at Troy University. She worked an assistant professor of nursing at Troy University for over six years.
Allyssa Dolphin, RN, MSN-Ed
Allyssa Dolphin, RN, MSN-Ed, is a nurse and perinatal diabetes educator with a strong background in maternal-child health, including OB, NICU, and pediatrics. She has several years of experience teaching in both ADN and LPN nursing programs, where she developed a reputation for creating interactive learning experiences and helping students build real clinical confidence.
Alongside her clinical and teaching work, Allyssa is also a nurse writer. She creates clear, practical educational content for healthcare organizations, drawing on her bedside and teaching experience to make complex information easier to understand. She collaborates with education companies to create continuing education learning activities and other nursing education materials.
Allyssa is passionate about improving patient education, supporting new nurses, and helping families navigate pregnancy and postpartum with confidence.
Audience/Accreditations and Approvals
TRC Healthcare/ NetCE
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by TRC Healthcare/ NetCE. TRC Healthcare/NetCE is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
This course is designed for the following healthcare professions (select your profession for details):
Nursing
If you require special accommodations, please contact Colibri Healthcare Support by clicking here: Contact Us
