Almost half of new mothers in the UK are not made aware of potentially fatal conditions which could kill them or their newborn, a poll suggests.

Forty-seven per cent of mothers said they were not told about crucial signs and symptoms within 24 hours of giving birth, according to the Netmums survey.

And only a quarter of mothers recalled receiving information about symptoms that could alert them to danger.

Meanwhile, midwives are “frustrated” at not having enough time to spend with mothers and their newborns after birth, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) said.

New mothers need to be aware of a number of symptoms which could mean they are suffering excess bleeding, infections or blood clots, among other possible complications, the RCM said.

They also need to be aware of the signs that could point towards something being wrong with their babies, a spokeswoman added.

The College’s poll of 2,000 midwives, 950 student midwives and 100 maternity support workers found that 36% would like to “do more” for women and their babies.

Almost two-thirds of midwives said the time they spend with a new mother is based on a hospital’s “organisational pressures” – only 24per cent said the time spent is determined by the needs of the mother.

The College said midwives must be trusted to make decisions about the appropriate time spent with a new mother and her baby.

These decisions should be based on need rather than organisational or financial constraints, the RCM said.

Meanwhile, the Netmums survey of 500 women found that most did not know what information they should get from midwives.

The RCM advises that, within the first 24 hours after birth, a mother should be informed of potentially life-threatening conditions both to herself and her baby.

A spokeswoman said the majority of maternal deaths in the UK happen after birth so addressing the concerns around post-natal care is of “paramount importance”.

Symptoms to look for after birth

A new poll has found that almost half of new mothers do not recall being made aware about potentially fatal conditions for themselves or their new babies in the 24 hours after birth.

Here is a list of some of the signs and symptoms new mothers need to look out for in themselves and their babies.

The Royal College of Midwives said signs and symptoms which indicate something could be wrong with the woman include:

:: Faintness, dizziness, palpitations or a racing pulse.

:: Fever, shivering or abdominal pain.

:: A widespread rash.

:: Bleeding from abdominal wound.

:: Shortness of breath or chest pain.

:: Pains or swelling in her legs, particularly the calves.

:: Difficulty or pain passing urine.

:: Headaches accompanied by visual disturbance, nausea or vomiting.

:: Sudden, profuse or persistent vaginal bleeding as well as the normal process of changes in vaginal blood loss over the first week.

:: Swelling and pain in the vulval or perineal areas.

There are also some signs and symptoms new mothers need to look for in their babies – some of which could indicate a lack of oxygen, infection, dehydration or jaundice. The RCM advises that if a mother notices these signs in her baby, especially in the first three months, they should get a health professional to do an assessment.

:: Being less active, less responsive or more irritable than usual.

:: Breathing faster than usual or grunting when breathing.

:: Feeding less than usual.

:: Nappies much less wet than usual.

:: Has blue lips.

:: Is floppy.

:: Has a fit.

:: Has a rash.

:: Vomits green fluid.

:: Has blood in their stools.

:: Has a bulging or very depressed fontanelle (the soft part at the top of a baby's head).

:: Has a temperature higher than 38C (100.4F).

:: With the exception of hands and feet, feels cold when dressed appropriately.

:: Does not pass urine or faeces or develops a yellow skin colour.