The postpartum time period spans from the moment after a baby is born. This is the time after your baby is born until the first six to eight weeks, or until your body returns to its pre-pregnancy state. There are multiple physical and emotional symptoms that are caused in the postpartum period including post pregnancy depression, recovery post c section, postpartum blues, postpartum hair loss, weight loss after delivery and more…

Childbirth is a significant physical and emotional challenge. The postpartum period marks major changes to the body and life. Certain changes are physiological, including breast engorgement and vaginal bleeding. Over the course of a year, your body experiences massive changes. Some may take months to go away after you give birth.

The changes from shifting hormones, new motherhood, and life with an infant can be incredibly challenging. Returning to health after childbirth requires rest, time for your body to heal and the right kinds of food.

Notice your mood after the baby comes, and tell your doctor if it doesn’t feel right. Aside from your baby, you need to prioritize rest and self-care.

You need to keep going back for postpartum check-ups so that your doctor can check in on your recovery and healing. At check-ups, your doctor can catch potential complications. This is also a time when you can ask questions and have honest conversations about your healing and bring up contraception.

Postpartum Recovery

  • Uterus shrinks back to its original size: This results in cramping and vaginal bleeding.
  • Hormonal fluctuations: May lead to hot flushes, mood changes, and headaches.
  • Production of breast milk: You might have pained and swollen breasts.
  • Perineal pain: If you had a vaginal birth, you might feel pain in the perineal area (the area between the vagina and anus).
  • C-section recovery: If you had a C-section, you may be particularly sore around the incision site for a few days.
  • Decrease in swelling: Pregnancy related swelling will also go down in a week.
  • Fatigue/exhaustion: Given labor, childbirth and the need to tend to a new-born, exhaustion is inevitable.
  • Rest: Staying rested will allow you to recover sooner.

Three Stages of Postpartum

1. Acute Phase (First six—twelve hours after child birth)

  • Can result in postpartum hemorrhage and other complications.
  • In addition to checking for bleeding and swelling, your technician will monitor your blood pressure and heart rate.

2. Sub acute Phase (24 hours to six weeks after delivery)

  • Your body is still healing, but the risk of complications is much less severe at this stage.
  • The doctor will have to rule out other conditions like postpartum depression and urinary incontinence.

3. Delayed Phase (Six weeks to six months post-delivery) 

  • The body’s muscles and tissues gradually recover to a state similar to what they were before the pregnancy.
  • Patients can develop pelvic floor dysfunction, dyspareunia (painful intercourse), and uterine prolapse.
  • Your physician will advise you about how to recover from the problems.

Physical Symptoms in the Postpartum Period

Perineum Soreness and Pain 

  • This area of the body experiences tenderness and inflammation from the rupturing and stretching that occurs when a vaginal delivery takes place.
  • Comfort after the first week can be helped with sitting on a pillow, squirting warm water, and using a cold sanitary pad.

Vaginal Discharge (Lochia) 

  • Following birth, you will have vaginal bleeding, in normal delivery as well as C- section.
  • It starts off as red and later brownish and brownish white discharge for a duration of up to six weeks.
  • Use sanitary pads, use of tampons is to be avoided in post natal period.

Uterine Involution

  • The uterus slowly shrinks back to its pre-pregnancy size — which can take as long as six weeks.
  • You may experience afterbirth pains (intense cramps), especially while nursing.

Breast fullness and nipple discomfort

  • For at least several days, your breasts may feel swollen and painful.
  • If you have some trouble in breastfeeding- cracked nipples, engorgement, seek your doctor’s advice, make sure you do not stop breast feeding.

Constipation

  • You may have difficulties passing stool after childbirth.
  • Doctors frequently recommend Some laxatives to relieve this problem.
  • Haemorrhoids are another typical issue in the postpartum period
  • An epidural can slow down the movements of the bowel, and the anxiety about pushing can worsen constipation.

C-Section Recovery

  • C-section stitches take around 10 days to heal, and deeper tissues may take a maximum of 12 weeks.
  • Watch for signs of infection, like pus oozing from the incision or a fever.

Hair Loss

Hormonal changes may lead to hair fall in postpartum phase.

Emotional Symptoms

Baby Blues

After giving birth, it’s normal f to feel sad and cry sometime you may feel like crying , which subsides in couple of weeks.

Postpartum Depression

  • Some women feel profound sadness and hopelessness, it is called post natal depression.
  • Postpartum depression, unlike baby blues, usually needs to be treated with medication or therapy.

Weight Loss

  • Your body would have changed significantly during pregnancy and post-child birth.
  • Sagging skin, stretch marks and excess weight are common.
  • You can expect to lose approximately 4-7 Kg before leaving hospital.
  • Remember that healthy eating and self-care are more important than fast weight loss

Postpartum Period – Complications

Doctors monitor mothers closely after delivery for possible complications. Some symptoms are normal, while others may indicate a problem.

Serious Postpartum Conditions Are :

  • Postpartum haemorrhage
  • DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Rage or postpartum  psychosis

Contact a Doctor In case You Have :

  • Heavy vaginal bleeding (saturating a pad every hour for several hours)
  • Larger than one inch size blood clots
  • A fever higher than 101°F (38°C)
  • Aggravating Abdominal Pain.
  • An unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge
  • Leg/ankle swelling or pain
  • Pus or blood from a caesarean section incision
  • Changes in vision or dizziness
  • Strong and continuous headaches
  • Trouble breathing or persistent chest pain

Self-Care and Recovery In Post-Partum Period

Rest & Healing: Allow your body sufficient time to heal.

Ask for Help: Do not be afraid to request help with childcare, house cleaning, or meal prep.

Limit visitors : so that you can rest, get better, and not be stressed.

Nutrition: Hydrate and consume nourishing foods: lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains.

Perineal care: If you had a vaginal delivery, rinse with warm water & keep stitches clean.

Exercise: You can slowly return to exercise, but only when your doctor says so.

Mental health support: If you feel overwhelmed, anxious or sad, talk to a friend, family member or health care provider.

A Note from the Expert

The postpartum phase is a time of transition and adjustment. Remember, you are not alone! The postpartum period is equally important, even if pregnancy tends to get more attention.

You are figuring out your own physical and emotional changes as you also learn to care for your newborn. More you know about postpartum and newborn care, the more confident you will be.

Remember to be kind to yourself, to nourish your health, and to reach out to your family, friends and doctor for help.

Disclaimer :

This article is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the site. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Consult a healthcare professional for concerns about symptoms or complications.