After Pregnancy

Your body goes through lots of changes after you give birth. It is important to rest as much as you can to let your body heal. Learn more about recovering from delivery.

Here are common physical impacts you may experience:

  • Sore or engorged breasts. This happens as your milk comes in.
  • Pain or soreness in the vaginal area. If your perineum was cut or torn during birth, the stitches may also be painful. If you had a C-section, it can take longer to recover because it was a major surgery.
  • Constipation. It may be difficult to poop after delivery. Hemorrhoids (swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anus) are also common.
  • Some vaginal discharge (lochia). This can start bloody but fades to white or yellow before stopping.

When to Call the Doctor 

  • Have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or above
  • Soak more than one sanitary napkin an hour, pass large clots (larger than a quarter), or if the bleeding increases
  • Had a C-section or episiotomy and the incision becomes very red or swollen or drains pus
  • Have new pain, swelling, or tenderness in your legs
  • Have hot, red, sore breasts or any cracking or bleeding from the nipple or areola
  • Your vaginal discharge becomes foul-smelling
  • Have painful urination, a sudden urge to pee, or are unable to control urination
  • Have increasing pain in the vaginal area or new or worsening belly pain
  • Develop a cough or chest pain, nausea, or vomiting
  • Have bad headaches or vision changes
  • Become depressed or have hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, or any thoughts of harming your baby

Postpartum Checkup

 Visit your provider 3-6 weeks after delivery. They will make sure you are recovering, see how you are doing emotionally, answer questions and check on any needs you might have.

Postpartum Mental Health

Many people feel the “baby blues” after their baby is born. This can include mild mood changes and feeling exhausted, worried or overwhelmed. The baby blues can last a few days to a couple of weeks. The baby blues are mild symptoms and brief periods of mood swings. They are are temporary and go away for many people.

Postpartum Depression

Nearly one in eight new moms suffer from postpartum depression (PPD). PPD can be mistaken for the baby blues at first. The symptoms of PPD are more intense than the baby blues. It often impairs your ability to function on a daily basis. PPD can last for many months or longer if it is not treated.

Postpartum Anxiety

About one in 10 women develop postpartum anxiety (PPA). PPA is more than the normal worrying that can happen after giving birth. It is a constant worry or fear that something bad is going to happen. It includes racing thoughts, not being able to sleep, and can lead to panic attacks. We don’t hear as much about PPA as we do with PPD, but it can be just as debilitating.

Resources

Call your provider right away if you feel like something is “off”. Our Nurse Advice Line is also here for you if you are not sure what care you need.

Questions? Call our Mom and Baby Beginnings Team at 1-833-230-2034 (TTY: 711). We are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.