The postpartum period lasts about six weeks and involves major changes as the body adjusts to not being pregnant. Women may experience cramping, bleeding, breastfeeding, mood disturbances, pain, and recovery from surgery. Doctors evaluate new mothers six weeks after birth to ensure a healthy recovery.
The postpartum period begins immediately after giving birth and lasts about six weeks. During this time, major changes occur as the body adjusts to being “not pregnant” and the uterus returns to its normal size. Many other changes occur during this time, including the decline in pregnancy hormones, the initiation of breastfeeding, and the gradual recovery from pregnancy and the trauma of a vaginal or cesarean birth. Some issues may arise during the postpartum period and require quick attention.
The uterus is designed to expand during pregnancy and return to normal size once it no longer holds a fetus. In the first few weeks of the postpartum period, women may experience cramping and most have bleeding comparable to a very heavy menstrual period. Bleeding tends to continue if women are very active during this time, but it also becomes lighter. Bright red, extremely heavy bleeding is not normal and could be an indication of uterine bleeding; should be reported to a doctor right away. Usually, within the first six weeks, the bleeding will ease up and then stop altogether.
A big change occurs during the postpartum period when breastfeeding begins. In the early days, women have a thin secretion called colostrum from the breasts that is full of immune-boosting properties that the baby can benefit from. About three or four days after a baby is born or earlier, the milk runs down, which can be a very uncomfortable feeling at first, with the breasts prone to sudden leaks or splashes. This feeling passes when supply and demand are worked out between mother and child, or if a woman does not breastfeed.
Another bodily change in the postpartum period is the decline in pregnancy hormones, which tends to cause some mood disturbance. Most women will experience a few days of despondency, depression or moodiness, often called bablues. For some women, this condition becomes more severe and their mood doesn’t improve, which is called postpartum depression. Because it can be potentially serious, women should get help right away. A very rare complication is postpartum psychosis, and anyone with a severe mood disorder that thinks they are harming themselves or the baby needs medical attention.
In the first few weeks of the postpartum period, women experience pain, especially if they are recovering from episiotomies or tears in the perineal tissue. Constipation is common, can cause further discomfort, and is best managed by drinking plenty of fluids and eating high-fiber foods. Recovery from surgery takes even longer, and most women need to refrain from most physical activities for several weeks if they’ve had a C-section. Doctors also ask women to refrain from sexual activity until the end of the postpartum period.
Doctors generally make an appointment with new mothers for six weeks after the birth. This gives them the opportunity to evaluate the moms for any additional issues and to determine the size of the uterus. In most cases, the body has recovered from pregnancy and the postpartum period is considered over.
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