What To Expect After Delivery

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.

Bleeding

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.

Pain Relief

Postpartum Pain After delivery, you may experience pain. This can be from uterine cramping as your uterus returns back to normal pre-pregnancy size. You may notice that the contraction pain increases when you breastfeed as your body releases a hormone called oxytocin. This pain is best managed with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Taking this medication on a regular schedule will provide the best relief and reduce the need for other medications such as narcotics.

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.

Constipation

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

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.

Engorged Breasts

Y Getting into a breastfeeding rhythm with baby can reduce engorgement our breasts will fill with milk 2-4 days after delivery. This may cause your breasts to feel very full, hard, and tender. This is called engorgement. If you are breastfeeding, this will improve as you and your baby get into a good pattern with breastfeeding. Be sure to switch sides with each feeding to help relieve the pain. If you are formula feeding, your engorgement will be less severe as you have not had nipple stimulation. This may take 7-10 days to resolve. Wearing a tight-fitting sports bra and using ice packs can help with discomfort. Avoid stimulating your nipples or squeezing your nipples to release milk as this may stimulate breast milk production. If you believe the pain and soreness you feel is more than engorgement, call our office to make an appointment with one of our providers.

Sore Nipples

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.

Fatigue

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.

Baby Blues

New Moms experience baby blues; Moreland OBGYN is here to help Changing hormones after birth cause many women to feel more emotional after delivery. This is called the “baby blues.” It typically starts a few days after birth and usually resolves within 1-2 weeks. Women may feel more anxious, sad, or upset during this time. If you don’t feel like your mood is improving or it is affecting your ability to function at home, please contact us. Make sure to talk with friends or family about how you are feeling, ask for help if you feel overwhelmed, and make time for yourself.

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.

Why Choose Moreland OB-GYN?

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.