Signs & Symptoms

Know the Signs of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM)

Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare but serious form of heart failure that can happen during the last month of pregnancy or in the months after giving birth. Many symptoms are often mistaken for “normal” pregnancy or postpartum changes — but they can be life-threatening if ignored.

At LetsTalkPPCM, we believe early recognition saves lives.

Common Signs & Symptoms of PPCM

Shortness of Breath

Difficulty breathing while resting, laying flat, walking short distances, or during normal daily activities.

Extreme Fatigue

Feeling unusually exhausted, weak, or unable to recover energy even after resting.

Swelling in the Legs, Feet, or Face

Swelling that becomes severe, painful, sudden, or continues after delivery may be a warning sign.

Rapid Heartbeat or Heart Palpitations

Feeling like your heart is racing, pounding, fluttering, or skipping beats.

Chest Pain or Pressure

Chest discomfort should never be ignored during pregnancy or postpartum recovery.

Persistent Cough

Especially a cough that worsens at night or produces pink or frothy mucus.

Difficulty Sleeping Flat

Needing multiple pillows or waking up gasping for air can be a sign of fluid buildup around the lungs.

Sudden Weight Gain

Rapid weight gain over a short period due to fluid retention.

Dizziness or Fainting

Feeling lightheaded, weak, or passing out unexpectedly.

PPCM Can Happen:

During the last month of pregnancy
Immediately after delivery
Weeks or even months postpartum
To women with no previous heart history

When to Seek Emergency Care

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

Severe shortness of breath
Chest pain
Fainting
Blue lips or fingertips
Rapid worsening swelling
Trouble breathing while resting

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if symptoms feel severe or sudden.

Why Awareness Matters

Many women diagnosed with PPCM were first told their symptoms were “normal postpartum changes.” Early diagnosis can improve outcomes and help prevent severe heart damage or death.

Educational Support Through LetsTalkPPCM

Our educational workshops and awareness curriculum include medical insights from M.D.s, healthcare professionals, survivors, and advocates working to improve maternal heart health outcomes.

We also provide:

You Know Your Body Best

If something feels wrong, continue advocating for yourself and ask questions. PPCM awareness can save lives.

Learn More & Support Awareness

Email info@letstalkppcm.org - Know the Signs of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM)

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Awareness Week in Texas is May 10- May 17, thanks to our founder, Brianna Harris-Henderson for submitting a request to the Texas governor for a proclamation in 2022.

Link to healthcare providers familiar with PPCM:

PCN Locations - PPCM Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Network

Hear Her TX - DSHS

"We all have a role to play in preventing maternal deaths. The loss of one mother is one too many. Learn about urgent maternal warning signs and discover how you can help."

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Why Your Support Matters

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is one of the most overlooked maternal health conditions affecting pregnant and postpartum women. Too many mothers are told their symptoms are “normal,” leading to delayed diagnosis, medical trauma, lifelong heart complications, or loss of life.

At LetsTalkPPCM, we are working to change that through education, awareness, advocacy, and direct community outreach.

Unlike many organizations, our mission is led by real survivors and families personally impacted by PPCM. We understand the fear, confusion, and isolation that many women experience after diagnosis, because we have lived it ourselves.

Your donations help us:

Provide free PPCM educational materials to hospitals and clinics
Create awareness campaigns that reach pregnant and postpartum women
Offer survivor support and advocacy resources
Educate healthcare professionals and birth workers
Expand workshops focused on maternal heart health
Promote earlier recognition of life-threatening symptoms
Support outreach in underserved communities
Develop tools and resources that help bridge gaps in maternal healthcare

We also work to amplify survivor voices across the nation, helping women turn their pain into purpose and advocacy.

Why This Work Is Urgent

Many PPCM survivors face:

Delayed diagnosis
Lack of transportation to cardiac rehab
Limited postpartum support
Financial hardship after medical emergencies
Mental and emotional stress during recovery
Fear of not being heard by medical providers

For some women, simply attending follow-up appointments or accessing proper care becomes a daily challenge. That is why we believe awareness alone is not enough. Families need education, support, resources, and community.

Health Equity & Maternal Outcomes

LetsTalkPPCM is committed to addressing disparities in maternal healthcare and ensuring all women feel seen, heard, and supported.

Studies and lived experiences continue to show that Black women face higher maternal mortality rates and are often at greater risk of having symptoms dismissed or overlooked. Through education and advocacy, we aim to encourage earlier conversations, better support systems, and stronger patient advocacy.

Every mother deserves to feel safe seeking care.

Every Donation Makes a Difference

Your support helps us continue:

Donating awareness materials
Expanding educational workshops
Supporting PPCM survivors and families
Increasing nationwide awareness
Building stronger maternal health advocacy initiatives

Together, we can help more women recognize the warning signs before it is too late.

Help Us Save Mothers’ Lives

Donate to LetsTalkPPCM

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