That moment you finally hold your baby… there’s nothing quite like it, is there? Pure magic. But then, as the initial whirlwind settles, you start noticing… well, you. Your body has just done something truly monumental, and now it’s on a new journey of its own. Many new moms I talk to in my practice are navigating a whole host of physical changes after delivery, and it’s so important to know what to expect and that you’re not alone in this.
It’s a time of healing and adjustment, often called the postpartum period. Think of it as your body’s recovery phase. It’s been working hard for nine months, and now it needs time to readjust. So, let’s talk about some of the common things you might experience.
Common Physical Changes After Delivery
It’s a pretty wide range, and everyone’s experience is a bit different. But here are some of the things we see most often.
That Vaginal Discharge: Understanding Lochia
You’ll notice a vaginal discharge called lochia. It’s perfectly normal and kind of like a very heavy period, at first.
- First few days (1-3): It’s usually dark red. You might see a few small blood clots, maybe about the size of a plum – that’s generally okay.
- Days 4-10: It’ll lighten up, becoming more watery and pinkish or brownish.
- Days 7-14 (and sometimes longer): It often turns creamy or yellowish.
You might find there’s a bit more lochia when you first get up, after you’ve been active, or while you’re breastfeeding. If you had a C-section, you might have a bit less lochia after the first day compared to a vaginal delivery. This bleeding usually stops within four to six weeks. And a little tip: stick to pads for now, not tampons. We want to give your body a clear six weeks before anything goes into the vagina.
Caring for an Incision
If you had a C-section or a tubal ligation (getting your tubes tied), a little bit of pink, watery drainage from the incision is common. The key is to keep that area clean and dry.
- Wash it gently with soap and warm water.
- Showering or bathing is usually fine.
- If the drainage doesn’t seem to be stopping, or if it looks infected, that’s when you give us a call.
Breast Changes: Leaks and Fullness
Your breasts are going through big changes too!
- Leaking: Whether you’re breastfeeding or not, your breasts might leak some fluid. If you’re not breastfeeding, this usually stops in a week or two. Breast pads in your bra can be a lifesaver for staying dry.
- Breast Engorgement: Oh, the fullness! Breast engorgement is when your breasts feel warm, hard, heavy, and swollen. This happens as your milk comes in, or if you miss a feeding if you’re breastfeeding. It’s due to increased blood flow.
- If you’re bottle-feeding: Pain medication (as we’ve discussed or as per your provider’s advice), ice packs, and a good supportive bra can really help.
- If you’re breastfeeding: Frequent feeds or pumping can prevent it. For relief, you can try a warm compress or a warm shower just before feeding or pumping to help milk flow. If that doesn’t help, don’t repeat it, as it might actually increase swelling. Ice packs can also be soothing. Sometimes an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen (again, as directed) can reduce swelling. And a supportive bra is your friend!
- If engorgement is really bothering you, please reach out. Your doctor, a lactation consultant, or a support group can offer wonderful help. If you see a red, wedge-shaped area, especially pointing towards the nipple, it could be an infection, so definitely call us.
Discomfort Down Below: The Perineal Area
The perineum – that’s the area of skin between your vagina and anus – can be quite sore, especially if you had an episiotomy (a small cut made during delivery) or a tear.
- Warm sitz baths are fantastic for this. Just a few inches of warm water in the tub. No bubbles or soaps in the bath itself, to avoid infection. You can also get special little basins that fit right onto your toilet.
- These sitz baths are also great for hemorrhoids, which can, unfortunately, be part of the postpartum picture too.
To keep that perineal area clean and comfortable, and to help prevent infection:
- After you use the bathroom or change your pad, use that little squirt bottle (peri bottle) they gave you at the hospital. Fill it with warm water.
- Gently squirt the water over the area, from front to back.
- Pat dry with toilet tissue – no rubbing!
- Change your pad frequently.
- Keep this up for about a week after delivery.
Those Uterine Contractions or “After-Pains”
Your uterus has been stretched, and now it’s working its way back to its usual size – about the size of a pear! Right after birth, the top of your uterus (we call it the fundus) is around your belly button level. It gradually gets lower each day. Breastfeeding can speed this up.
You’ll likely feel after-pains, which are cramps. They happen because your uterus is contracting to shrink down and also to stop bleeding where the placenta was attached. These can be more noticeable if this isn’t your first baby. They can be quite intense, especially when breastfeeding, maybe for about five minutes, but they do ease up.
To help with the discomfort:
- Try lying on your stomach with a pillow under your lower abdomen.
- A gentle walk might help.
- Pain medication, as recommended by your doctor, is okay.
- A sitz bath can be soothing.
- A heating pad on your tummy can also provide relief.
Going to the Loo: Urinary Changes
- Discomfort when urinating: This is pretty common initially. But if it’s actual pain, or if it’s hard to go, please let your doctor know.
- Incontinence: It’s also really common to experience a bit of urinary leakage, especially when you laugh, cough, or strain. Sometimes this can happen with bowel control too. This is because your muscles were stretched during delivery. Doing your Kegel exercises (squeezing those pelvic floor muscles) can make a big difference. This usually improves a few weeks after delivery. If it’s still an issue at your postpartum checkup, definitely talk to your doctor.
Dealing with Constipation
Your first bowel movement after delivery might not happen for a few days, maybe day three or four.
- Your doctor might suggest a stool softener to make things more comfortable.
- Eating plenty of fruits, veggies, and whole grains really helps.
- Drink up! Aim for at least 10-12 glasses of fluid a day.
- Be aware that some narcotic pain relievers can make constipation worse, so use them only as needed.
- Over-the-counter creams and those lovely sitz baths can help with hemorrhoid discomfort.
- If constipation just isn’t getting better, give your doctor a call.
Feeling Sweaty?
You might notice you’re sweating more, especially at night. This is your body adjusting to new hormone levels.
- Shower when you need to.
- Change your clothes and bed linens to stay comfortable and avoid chills.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
When Will Your Period Return?
This is a common question!
- If you’re breastfeeding: Your period might not come back until your baby starts weaning from the breast. But, and this is a big but, you can still get pregnant even if you don’t have a period. So, let’s talk contraception options!
- If you’re bottle-feeding: Your period will likely return about six to twelve weeks after delivery. Those first few periods might be a bit irregular.
When to Reach Out: Important Signs to Watch For
Most of these physical changes after delivery are normal parts of healing. But sometimes, things need a closer look. Please call your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:
- A fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or severe chills.
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
- Bright red bleeding that continues beyond the third day, or if you’re soaking through more than one sanitary pad an hour.
- Passing large blood clots (bigger than a plum).
- Pain, burning, or real trouble urinating.
- Severe cramping or abdominal pain that pain medication doesn’t touch.
- Increased redness, swelling, bruising, or pain in your perineum, or if your stitches seem to be separating.
- Blurred vision.
- Severe headaches or fainting spells.
- For C-section moms: Increased pain, redness, drainage, or separation of your abdominal incision.
- Severe pain, swelling, or redness in one leg or arm that’s more than the other.
- Warm, red, painful areas on your breast (could be mastitis, a breast infection).
- Difficulty breathing.
- Any signs of postpartum depression. This can look like:
- Feeling unable to cope with everyday situations.
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
- Feeling anxious, panicked, or scared most of the day. (Please know, help is available, and you are not alone).
Take-Home Message: Your Postpartum Recovery
Just a few key things to remember as you navigate these physical changes after delivery:
- Your body has done an amazing job and needs time to heal. Be patient with yourself.
- Lochia, breast changes, and some discomfort are normal, but know the signs that need attention.
- Don’t hesitate to use comfort measures like sitz baths and appropriate pain relief.
- Stay hydrated and eat well to support your recovery.
- Listen to your body. If something feels off, it’s always okay to call us.
- Remember, you can still get pregnant even if your periods haven’t returned, especially if breastfeeding.
This is such a special, and sometimes overwhelming, time. You’re doing great. We’re here to support you through all these adjustments, every step of the way. You’re not alone in this.