Physical You
The image portrayed by the media of the postpartum woman is one that is glowing, back to normal strength and shape within a week of delivery. Baby sleeps through the night and mom is back at the helm of her family and keeping everything ticking over nicely. Her sex drive has returned and everything is just peachy. The reality is that you have just worked the equivalent of running a marathon to deliver your baby, your body is healing and your hormones seem to have sent your tear glands into over drive. Now is the time that you realize that Hollywood lied to you about regaining your pre-pregnancy shape in a week and you don’t always have time for a shower, never mind make up and hair sessions. The closet filled with your pre-pregnant clothes stands there and mocks you as you try to feel good in elasticated waists or sweat pants. Once we get these misconceptions out of the way, we realize that WE are the norm and all of the above can only be achieved with time and the occasional bit of help. As your body returns to its pre-pregnant condition, there are changes you can expect during the days and weeks after delivery (postpartum period). Like pregnancy, postpartum changes are different for every woman.
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Chills - You may experience shaking chills right after delivery. This is a common reaction in the hours after delivery. A warm blanket may help you feel more comfortable.
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After pains - As your uterus shrinks back to its non-pregnant size, you may have contractions (after pains) for the first few postpartum days. The sharpest pains usually subside during the third day. After pains are nonexistent to mild following a first childbirth and are more painful with each successive pregnancy. They are especially noticeable during breast-feeding; breast-feeding triggers the release of oxytocin, which in turn causes the uterus to contract. Motrin or Tylenol can help. The uterus takes about 6 weeks to return to its non-pregnant size. If this was your first pregnancy, your uterus will remain slightly larger than it was before you got pregnant.
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Lochia - Immediately after delivery, you will have a bloody discharge (lochia) from the vagina. This will turn pinkish within a week and become paler after about 10 days. Lochia may last for 2 to 6 weeks and can come and go for about 2 months. Don't be concerned if you pass occasional blood clots, as long as they are smaller than a golf ball. Use pads, rather than tampons, during this time. If you find that your lochia turns from pale to bright red again, you are probably over doing it and need to rest more. Any unusual fever or odour should be investigated by your care provider. If you have a perineal tear or episiotomy that is healing, change the pad at least every 4 hours to help prevent irritation and infection.
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Elimination - You may have some difficulty urinating for a day or two after delivery. You may also have constipation or discomfort with bowel movements for a few days after delivery. Drink plenty of water and juices to ease constipation and help you stay more comfortable. In the days and sometimes weeks after delivery, it is not unusual to urinate more frequently than usual. Your body is ridding itself of the extra fluid from pregnancy. Some women also sweat heavily as they lose their extra fluid.
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Sore muscles - It is not unusual to have sore muscles (especially in your arms, neck, or jaw) after delivery. This is from the hard work of labor, and it should go away in a few days. You may also have bloodshot eyes or facial bruising from vigorous pushing. You may have pain, discomfort, or numbness around your vagina. Sitz baths containing herbal preparations containing comfrey can help with swelling and discomfort. If you had a cesarean delivery (C-section), an episiotomy, or a tear in your vagina, you may have discomfort when you sit or walk, and your first bowel movement may be quite uncomfortable. Taking stool softeners for the first few days after birth and drinking lots of fluids can help soften stools and ease pain.
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Breast changes – within a few days of delivery, your breasts begin to fill with milk. This can cause breast discomfort and swelling (engorgement). Placing ice packs or green cabbage leaves (only until discomfort subsides) on your breasts may relieve the discomfort of engorgement. Some women find a hot shower or warm compresses on the breasts are more comforting.
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Hair – Your hair stops shedding as much during pregnancy and will start the shedding cycle again after birth. You may feel like you are losing too much but it will balance itself out. Now is the time to have a new, easy to manage hair style.