The post partum period begins after delivery and extends to six weeks. This is the time when your body returns
to the prepregnant or nearly prepregnant state. There are many changes that occur in your body during this period.
LOCHIA - Lochia is the vaginal discharge you have from your uterus.
Immediately following your delivery you will have bright red heavy bleeding for the first few days. Over the next
two to three weeks the flow will decrease and change in color from red to pink, then yellowish white, white, or brown.
CERVIX AND VAGINA - Your cervix will gradually shrink back down to it prepregnant size. The vagina will regain
its tone with exercise and time. The labia will remain somewhat more loose, larger, and darker than before pregnancy.
AFTERPAINS - After birth the uterus contracts down to normal size. Some women continue to feel these contractions
even after delivery. They are more noticeable during breastfeeding and more common if you have had other pregnancies.
They decrease after the first week.
CIRCULATORY CHANGES - During pregnancy your blood system had a larger than normal volume to accomodate your baby's needs.
After delivery this is no longer needed. Some blood volume is lost during delivery. The rest is lost over the
next several days. For the first 24 to 72 hours after delivery you will urinate large quantities of fluid and you may perspire
more than normal. As a result of this loss of fluid some women experience as much as a five pound weight loss.
ABDOMINAL AND SKIN CHANGES - Your abdominal muscles will feel soft and loose. In about six weeks you will begin
to notice the muscle tone returning. Exercise can speed up this process. If you experience stretch marks they
will begin to fade. If you had an increase in skin pigmentation it will fade also. There will be a gradual reversal
of any increase in hair growth.
Your body will go through a recovery period during the next few weeks. Here are some tips to help you during
this time:
REST
Rest is essential for a speedy recovery. Let family members help you as much as possible. When the baby sleeps
you should try to nap as much as you can.
- Don't lift anything heavier than 10 pounds.
- Driving a car can be resumed as soon as you desire. However, if you had a cesarean section, do not drive until after
your two weeks post partum check up.
PERINEAL/EPISIOTOMY CARE
If you had an episiotomy or perineal tear that was repaired, you will have stitches which will dissolve over a period of
time. Usually it takes approximately four weeks to heal. It is essential that you keep this area as clean as possible.
After urination you should rinse your perineal area with warm water and pat dry. Always wipe from front to back with
a bowel movement. To relieve swelling and soreness take warm soaking baths or use your sitz bath at least twice a day
for 20 minutes the first two weeks after delivery. Avoid tampons for douches until after six weeks.
HEMORRHOIDS
Hemorrhoids are very common after delivery, especially if you had a long pushing stage. To help them return to normal
try the following recommendations:
- Avoid constipation
- Try pelvic floor contraction exercises
- Sitz baths or warm tub soaks
- Tucks or Anusol HC cream for comfort
SEXUAL ADJUSTMENT
Resuming sexual intercourse is an individual decision. It is recommended to wait until after your six week check
up, especially if you had a cesarean section.
CESAREAN SECTION
If you had a cesarean section follow all of the same instructions discussed above. In addition to those there are
a few other instructions that are necessary to follow. Because you have had surgery it may take longer to regain your
strength. Rest is very important. Climb steps slowly. Do not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds.
A gradual increase in exercise can be started at 5 to 6 weeks. You will have steri strips placed on your abdominal incision
before you leave the hospital. They may fall off on their own or you can remove them after one week. You may shower
with them on. You will need to schedule a 2 week appointment in the office. Any time before your two week follow
up appointment you notice any redness, drainage or swelling from the incision site, please notify the office at once.
NOTIFY THE OFFICE FOR ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS:
- Heavy persistent bleeding that is bright red and heavier than a menstrual period.
- Have a foul odor to your vaginal discharge.
- Have a fever greater than 100 degrees.
- Have a persistant increase in pain.
- If you had a cesarean section and have redness, drainage, or swelling from the site.
