Recovering from Childbirth

Childbirth is one of the most beautiful and life-changing events a woman will experience in her life. It is a natural process and despite the information now available about the pain and discomfort of delivery and the various possible complications that may arise, it is not, for a woman in normal health, a dangerous or unpleasant experience. If you are expecting or are planning a family, the sooner you talk to your OB/GYN about what you need to do to care for your health and that of your unborn child, the better. You should also talk to the doctor about postpartum or recovery after childbirth.

A Long Process

It has taken 9 months, but your baby is now here. It is natural for you to focus on your baby but that does not mean that you can ignore your own health. Your baby needs you to be in good health so that you can give the care he or she deserves. Irrespective of how easy or tough your delivery was, the fact remains that your body suffered trauma. And that means that it will need to recover. In many cases, a woman will feel she has recovered within 6 to 8 weeks. However, that feeling may be deceptive and underlying problems may remain. While your doctor will tell you what you can and cannot do, remember that your mind sees the clock and calendar, but your body does not. Rest when you can and do not be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Also, after delivery, your hormone levels will fluctuate and this will take time to settle down. This may result in emotional reactions to situations rather than logical ones. Talk to those you trust about your feelings and emotions to get the support you need until you are back to normal.

Common Postpartum Problems

• Abdominal Pain: With your uterus returning to its original size, you will feel pain in the lower abdomen. The pain may be dull or sharp and may get worse when breastfeeding. It is due to a chemical reaction that results in the contraction of the uterus. If applying a hot water bottle to the area does not help, ask your doctor about medication.
• Depression or “Baby Blues”: Bringing your baby home is exciting, but it can also cause mixed emotions. About 70% of new mothers struggle with bouts of sudden sadness, known as “baby blues”. These are caused by fluctuating hormones that normally fade away after a few weeks. If the condition gets worse or continues for an extended period, talk to your doctor about treatment options.
• Constipation: This is among the most common of postpartum problems. It is usually caused by the medication you received during your stay at the hospital. It could also be due to the anesthesia you received during delivery. If you had an episiotomy, or a tear happened during childbirth, the fear of pain may result in withholding bowel movements. Drinking lots of water and eating foods rich in dietary fibre may help. If that does not help, ask your doctor to prescribe medication to relieve the problem.
• Perineum Soreness: The perineum is the area between the anus and the vagina. The surgical process may require a small incision in the perineum, or the tissue may have naturally torn during the delivery process. Even if the perineum is not damaged, it will still feel sore after delivery. This normal discomfort can last for up to 10 weeks. Applying a cold compress and gently cleaning the perineum after going to the toilet will often help relieve the pain. If the pain does not fade away naturally over time, inform your doctor.
• Stitches or Staples: If stitches or staples have been used to close a torn perineum, it is important to keep the stitches clean by gently cleaning the area with water after using the toilet. Do not keep touching the stitches as this may cause infection. If the stitches are painful or if there is discharge, contact your doctor.
• Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids (or piles) are a very painful swelling of a vein in the rectum. It can develop during pregnancy or it may be caused by the straining and pushing that are part of the delivery process. The condition can cause pain and bleeding during a bowel movement. Severe itching in the area is also common. Over-the-counter hemorrhoids medication will often treat the condition, but if there is no improvement, consult your doctor.
• Sore Nipples and Breasts: This is normal when breastfeeding begins and will slowly fade away. Because you are breastfeeding, do not apply any cream or lotion to the nipples, as the baby will ingest this. Also, avoid taking any pain or soreness medication. If the condition becomes unbearable, ask your doctor for guidance on what you can do.

• Vaginal Bleeding: This is normal even after a C-section. This is the body getting rid of the excess blood and tissue that helped nourish the baby, but is now no longer needed. The bleeding and discharge may be heavy at first, but it will normally taper off after 10 days to 2 weeks. Light bleeding and spotting may continue for up to 6 weeks. Passing some small blood clots is also common. Pay special attention to vaginal hygiene during this time. Contact your doctor if the bleeding and discharge do not reduce over time.
• Weight Loss: The fetus leaving the body will result in immediate weight loss, but after that, the weight you put on while pregnant will gradually reduce with time. Focus on eating nutritious meals and avoid trying weight loss diets as long as you are breastfeeding. Do not try to diet to lose weight or exercise excessively.
• Water Retention: During pregnancy, water retention will cause your hands, legs and feet to swell. This will typically disappear within a week of delivery. Contact your doctor if it does not.

Remember that your baby’s health is dependent on your health. Your doctor will answer all your questions about pre- and post-delivery issues that may affect your health. If you are consulting an OB/GYN at a leading multispecialty hospital like New Medical Centre, you can be sure that you are in good hands. Not only will you be under the care and supervision of the best doctors, but the obstetrics and gynaecology department along with the paediatrics department will have all the medical equipment, technology and services needed to give you and your unborn child the care you both need. And after delivery, the doctors who have been with you through the whole process will be on hand to guide and care for you while you recover from the delivery.

Aftercare Tips | C-section Surgery

Postpartum Recovery Guide: Answers Every New Mother Needs

1. How long does it take to recover after childbirth?
   Initial recovery usually takes 6 to 8 weeks, but complete physical and emotional recovery may take several months. Every woman’s body heals at a different pace depending on health, delivery type, and support during recovery.
2. Is postpartum pain normal after delivery?
   Yes. Abdominal pain, perineal soreness, breast tenderness, and general body discomfort are normal postpartum symptoms as the body heals and organs return to their original positions.
3. What causes abdominal pain after childbirth?
   Abdominal pain is caused by the uterus contracting and shrinking back to its original size. This pain may increase during breastfeeding due to hormonal responses that stimulate uterine contraction.
4. What are “baby blues” and are they normal?
   “Baby blues” are temporary mood swings, sadness, and emotional sensitivity caused by hormonal changes after childbirth. They affect up to 70% of new mothers and usually resolve within a few weeks.
5. When does postpartum depression become a concern?
   If sadness, anxiety, emotional distress, or hopelessness last longer than two weeks, worsen over time, or interfere with daily functioning and baby care, medical consultation is essential.
6. Is vaginal bleeding normal after childbirth?
   Yes. Postpartum bleeding (lochia) is normal even after a C-section. It usually reduces within 10–14 days and may continue lightly for up to 6 weeks.