Labor and delivery (11)
- Signs of labor: Know what to expect
- Episiotomy: Can you deliver a baby without one?
- Inducing labor: When to wait, when to induce
- see all in Labor and delivery
Postpartum care (7)
- Exercise after pregnancy: How to get started
- Maternity leave: Tips for returning to work
- Weight loss after pregnancy: Reclaiming your body
- see all in Postpartum care
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Postpartum care: What to expect after a vaginal birth
Bowel movements
You may find yourself avoiding bowel movements out of fear of hurting your perineum or aggravating the pain of hemorrhoids or your episiotomy wound. To keep your stools soft and regular, eat foods high in fiber, drink plenty of water and remain as physically active as possible. Ask your health care provider about a stool softener or fiber laxative, if needed.
Another potential problem for new moms is the inability to control bowel movements (fecal incontinence) — especially if you had an unusually long labor. Frequent Kegel exercises can help. If you have persistent trouble controlling bowel movements, consult your health care provider.
Sore breasts and leaking milk
Several days after delivery, your breasts may become heavy, swollen and tender. This is known as engorgement. The discomfort usually lasts less than three days. In the meantime, it helps to express milk — preferably by feeding your baby. If your baby isn't able to nurse, use a breast pump to ease engorgement. You may also want to apply warm or cold washcloths or ice packs to your breasts, or take a warm bath or shower. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) may help, too.
If you're not breast-feeding your baby, wear a firm, supportive bra. Compressing your breasts will help stop milk production. In the meantime, don't pump your breasts or express the milk. This only tells your breasts to produce more milk.
Leaky breasts are another common problem for new moms. You can't do anything to stop the leaking, but nursing pads worn inside your bra can help keep your shirt dry. Avoid pads that are lined or backed with plastic, which can irritate your nipples. Change pads after each feeding and whenever they get wet. If nighttime leaking is a problem, place a towel under your breasts at night.
Hair loss
During pregnancy, elevated hormone levels put normal hair loss on hold. The result is often an extra-lush head of hair. But now it's payback time. After delivery, your body sheds the excess hair all at once. Within six months, your hair will most likely be back to normal. In the meantime, shampoo only when necessary, and find a hairstyle that's easy to maintain. Avoid hair dryers, curling irons and harsh chemicals.
Skin changes
You may notice small red spots on your face. These are caused by small blood vessels breaking during the pushing stage of labor. Expect the spots to disappear in about a week.
Stretch marks won't disappear after delivery, but eventually they'll fade from reddish purple to silver or white. Any skin that darkened during pregnancy — such as the line down your abdomen (linea nigra) — may slowly fade as well.
Mood changes
In addition to physical changes, childbirth triggers a jumble of powerful emotions. Mood swings, irritability, sadness and anxiety are common. Many new moms experience a mild depression, sometimes called the baby blues. The baby blues typically subside within seven to 10 days. In the meantime, take good care of yourself. Try to get as much sleep as possible. If your depression deepens or you feel hopeless and sad most of the time, contact your health care provider. Prompt treatment is important.
Weight loss
After you give birth, you'll probably feel flabby and out of shape. You may even look like you're still pregnant. Don't worry. This is perfectly normal. Most women lose about 10 pounds during birth, including the weight of the baby, placenta and amniotic fluid. During the first week after delivery, you'll lose additional weight from leftover fluids. After that, healthy eating and regular exercise can help you gradually return to your pre-pregnancy weight.
The postpartum checkup
About six weeks after the birth, your health care provider will check your vagina, cervix and uterus to make sure you're healing well. He or she may do a breast exam and check your weight and blood pressure, too. This is a great time to talk about birth control, breast-feeding and how you're adjusting to life with a new baby.
Share any concerns you may have about your physical or emotional health. Chances are, what you're feeling is entirely normal. Look to your health care provider for assurance as you enter this new phase of life.
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