Many first-time mothers spend months researching what to expect during labor and delivery in order to prepare for the process. They also do their fair share of preparing to care for their newborn once he or she is finally here. However, the great majority of new moms never think much about the recovery process until they find themselves right smack in the middle of it.
Although a lot of what you’ll experience during your postpartum recovery period is more than manageable, it still may pose something of a surprise. Let’s take a look at some of what goes along with it so you’ll be prepared.
Vaginal Discharge
Many women are not prepared for the fact that they’re going to have quite a bit of vaginal discharge after delivery. This discharge is called lochia and it is part of the body’s way of getting rid of all the extra fluid, tissue, and blood that it accumulated while you were pregnant. It can be very similar to your period, although it will be significantly heavier and last much longer, starting out bright red and clot-heavy but fading to brown or yellow after a couple of weeks before stopping altogether. Use pads and not tampons to absorb the flow.
Issues Urinating or Defecating
For a little while after giving birth – especially if you had a vaginal birth – you may find that going to the toilet isn’t a particularly pleasant or reliable experience. Urinating can burn or be uncomfortable. You may also find that you’re constipated for a few days after giving birth as your body adjusts to no longer being pregnant. Some women have issues with mild incontinence if their labor was difficult. Others experience hemorrhoids, an extremely common occurrence despite the fact that so few women actually expect them.
Changes in Weight
Many women are surprised and disappointed to find that they still look pregnant once they’ve given birth, but it’s important to understand how normal this is. You will lose between 12 and 15 pounds during the birthing process due to the instant absence of your baby, the placenta, and the amniotic fluid. However, it usually takes a while before you begin to lose the rest of it. The good news is that a lot of it is merely water weight that will effortlessly come off during the first week or so of your postpartum period. Many women opt to wear transitional maternity clothes until their body returns to pre-pregnancy size.
After Pains
It takes some time for your uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy size and shape, so you will most likely notice some continued mild contractions for several days after giving birth. Although mild, these can be somewhat uncomfortable. They may also intensify a bit when you nurse your baby. If your after pains are more painful than you like, you can speak with your doctor about pain medication if you like.
“Baby Blues” and Postpartum Depression
It’s incredibly natural for new mothers to experience what are known as “baby blues” within the first week or so of mommyhood. These may manifest as crying, anxiety, irritability, or even just a general sense of feeling overwhelmed. It’s important to understand that caring for a newborn, recovering from a birth, and adjusting emotionally or mentally to your new role as a parent will take time to get used to, so go easy on yourself.
Nevertheless, it’s important to recognize when baby blues may be developing into postpartum depression, which is more serious. Postpartum depression (PPD) is something that happens to up to 25% of new mothers and involves prolonged periods of sadness, guilt, anxiety, or moodiness. It is more likely to occur in women with a personal or family history of depression and calls for a talk with your doctor.
Although recovering from the birth and delivery process can be a bit of a challenge, it’s not so bad when you know what to expect.
Catherine Adderson is the founder of Trendy Tummy Maternity ,an online maternity boutique, and writes about topics related to pregnancy.
