![]() ![]() Ease cramps or afterpains with ibuprofen (such as Advil).Use pads instead of tampons for the bloody flow that may last as long as 2 weeks.It's important to focus on your healing and on taking care of your body after delivery. Most women need some time after delivery to return to their normal activities. For more information, see When to Call a Doctor. For more information, see the topic Breast Engorgement.Ĭall your doctor if you are concerned about any of your symptoms. Placing ice packs on your breasts, taking a hot shower, or using warm compresses may relieve the discomfort. Breast engorgementis common between the third and fourth days after delivery, when the breasts begin to fill with milk.If you had a cesarean (C-section), you may have pain in your lower belly and may need pain medicine for 1 to 2 weeks.Soreness may be worse if you had a perineal tear or episiotomy. Vaginal soreness, including pain, discomfort, and numbness, is common after vaginal birth.Bleeding and vaginal discharge (lochia) may last for 2 to 4 weeks and can come and go for about 2 months.The soreness should go away in a few days. This is because of the hard work of labor. Sore muscles (especially in the arms, neck, or jaw) are common after childbirth.Shrinking of the uterus to its prepregnancy size may take 6 to 8 weeks. Contractions called afterpains shrink the uterus for several days after childbirth.The changes in your body may include sore muscles and bleeding. As with pregnancy changes, postpartum changes are different for every woman. What should I know about newborn care and development?ĭuring the days and weeks after the delivery of your baby (postpartum period), your body will change as it returns to its nonpregnant condition.How can I stay active when I have young children?.When should I think about birth control after childbirth?.What should I expect during the first weeks after childbirth?.You naturally develop an emotional bond with your baby simply by spending time together, being physically close, and responding to his or her cues. These are all normal, and they may even make you smile. They may make sudden gasps, jerk themselves awake, or look like they have crossed eyes. Soon you may get to know what each cry means and be able to figure out what your baby needs and wants.Īt first, babies often sleep during the day and are awake at night. It's normal to wonder if you know what you are doing, especially if this is your first child. What should you know about newborn care?ĭuring your baby's first few weeks, you will spend most of your time feeding, diapering, and comforting your baby. Sometimes medicine also can help.įor more information, see the topic Postpartum Depression. If you have the blues for more than a few days, or if you have thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby, call your doctor right away. The "baby blues" usually peak around the fourth day and then ease up in less than 2 weeks. Many women get the "baby blues" during the first few days after childbirth. But at the same time, you may feel exhausted from a lack of sleep and your new responsibilities. You may look at your wondrous little baby and feel happy. The first few weeks after your baby is born can be a time of excitement-and of being very tired. How does postpartum affect your emotions? He or she also will tell you how to manage pain and swelling while your body heals. Your doctor will tell you when it's okay to exercise, have sex, and use tampons. Your doctor will tell you how to care for your body as you recover. Drink extra fluids if you are breastfeeding.Plan small trips to get out of the house.Plan for child care if you have other children.Let family and friends bring you meals or do chores.Ask another adult to be with you for a few days after delivery.It is easy to get too tired and overwhelmed during the first weeks after childbirth. ![]() Over the next few days and weeks, you may have some bleeding and afterpains as your uterus shrinks. It may take 4 to 6 weeks to feel like yourself again, and possibly longer if you had a cesarean (or C-section) birth. You likely will feel sore for a few days and very tired for several weeks. What happens to your body during the postpartum period? This is a good time to discuss any concerns, including birth control. Your doctor will want to see you for a checkup 2 to 6 weeks after delivery. The first weeks after childbirth also are a time to bond with your baby and set up a routine for caring for your baby. These changes are different for every woman. Your body goes through many changes as you recover. This is called postpartum (or the postpartum period). During the first weeks after giving birth, your body begins to heal and adjust to not being pregnant. ![]()
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