The postpartum period is often called the “fourth trimester.” Moreland OB-GYN wants to provide you with information about the physical and mental changes the body will go through after delivery, as well as adjusting to parenthood. Our providers are always available to answer any questions or concerns our patients may have regarding their postpartum recovery. Below are symptoms and conditions of what a woman might expect after delivering a baby.
After giving birth, the uterus sheds tissue and blood that lined the uterus. This is known as lochia. The lochia will start as bright red heavy flow. You may even pass a few small clots. Over the next two weeks, the lochia will fade to pink, and then eventually turn brown. You may still notice occasional bright red discharge or a small gush of bleeding, especially while breastfeeding. This occurs due to contractions of your uterus. Typically, lochia will go away by 6-8 weeks postpartum. During this time, you should only use absorbent pads and avoid tampon use. If you are experiencing bleeding that is soaking more than one pad an hour for more than two hours, you should call our office.
You should abstain from intercourse until you are cleared at your 6-week postpartum doctor’s appointment. If you do have intercourse prior to your appointment, make sure to use contraception such as condoms to prevent unintended pregnancy. Even if you are breastfeeding, this is not 100% protective against pregnancy and your body needs time to heal before you conceive again.
If you are not breastfeeding, your period may return 6-8 weeks after giving birth. If you are breastfeeding, your period may not return for months. Some women will not get a period until they have fully weaned their baby.
If you delivered via vaginal delivery, you may have pain on your perineum (the area between your vagina and anus). This area stretches during childbirth to allow for delivery of your baby’s head. You may have a minor tear in this area that will heal on its own or a tear that required stitches. You may have a few weeks of swelling or pain as this area heals. Ice packs, sitz baths, and NSAID medication can help with pain in this area. Some women want to look at their vagina after delivery and should know that the area will be swollen and look different as it heals.
If you delivered via a c-section, you will have pain on your incision for a few weeks after delivery. Taking scheduled NSAID medication will help with pain relief. A heating pad or abdominal binder may help with pain control.
It may be hard to have a bowel movement the first few days after delivery. This may be due to slow bowels from surgery or narcotic pain medication. It can also be related to an empty stomach after not eating in labor. Walking will help to stimulate your bowel function. Eat high-fiber foods and stay well hydrated. You may also take a stool softener, such as docusate sodium.
Hemorrhoids are quite common after delivery. For relief, you may take a sitz bath—sitting in warm water to help increase blood flow to increase healing and relieve pain. You can also use witch hazel pads or sprays that contain lidocaine for additional relief. The hemorrhoids should reduce after a few weeks postpartum, but if you are concerned, give our office a call. Straining with bowel movements can make hemorrhoids worse so it is important to avoid becoming constipated. Taking a stool softener, such as docusate sodium will help prevent this.
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As you adjust to breastfeeding or pumping, your nipples may become sore, dry, or cracked from the extra use and stimulation. This pain and soreness can be relieved with nipple creams. It’s important to note that many creams are baby-safe meaning they do not need to be removed before you breastfeed.
In addition to physical changes a woman’s body experiences during postpartum recovery, extreme tiredness and fatigue are common. New feeding schedules, caring for the new baby, and recovery are very exhausting. Don’t forget to ask and accept help from others. You and your baby’s well-being are important. Eating healthy and staying hydrated can also help you restore your energy levels.
If at any time you have thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else, you should call 911.
Postpartum depression can occur up to one year after giving birth. You are more likely to have postpartum depression if you have a history of depression or anxiety, lack of support from family and friends, have a preterm delivery, a traumatic birth experience, or problems with breastfeeding. If you think you may have postpartum depression, please reach out to your OBGYN doctor as we can help with referrals for therapy or medications.
At Moreland OB-GYN, we specialize in women’s health care and prioritize the needs of our patients at all ages and stages of life. We hope you’ll connect with us to answer your questions and we hope you’ll turn to our experts as a trusted source for information.
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