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The postdelivery
(postpartum) period is the 6 weeks after delivery of a baby, when
the mother's body returns to its prepregnancy state.
After delivery, the mother can expect to have some symptoms, but they are usually mild and temporary. Complications are rare. Nonetheless, the doctor, hospital staff members, or health care plan usually sets up a program of follow-up office or home visits.
The most common complications are the following: Postpartum hemorrhage may occur soon after delivery but may occur up to 6 weeks later.
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| After Delivery: The Body's Return to Normal |
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Area Affected
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What Happens
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Discharge from the vagina
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New mothers have a bloody discharge, occasionally with blood clots, for 3 or 4 days. The discharge becomes pale brown for about 10 to 12 days, then yellowish white. The discharge may continue for up to about 6 weeks after delivery.
About a week or two after delivery, part of the remaining placenta may separate, causing vaginal bleeding of up to about a cup.
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Breasts
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During the early stages of milk production (lactation), the breasts become engorged with milk, sometimes making them feel tight and sore.
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Heart rate
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The heart rate, which increased during pregnancy, starts to decrease within the first 24 hours and returns to normal soon thereafter.
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Temperature
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Body temperature may increase slightly during the first 24 hours, usually returning to normal by the second day.
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Uterus
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After delivery, the uterus contracts, beginning to return to its prepregnancy size and position.
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Genital area
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The area around the vaginal opening is usually sore. Tears during delivery and repair may also make the area sore. The area may sting while urinating.
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Urination
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Urine production often increases greatly, but temporarily, after delivery.
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Bowel movements
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The first bowel movement after delivery may be difficult, partly because the abdominal and pelvic muscles used have been stretched and stressed. Also, the mother may be concerned about stitches or may have pain due to tearing or hemorrhoids.
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Hemorrhoids
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The pushing required for delivery can lead to or worsen hemorrhoids.
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Abdomen
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Muscle tone is low after delivery but gradually increases.
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Skin
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Stretch marks do not go away, but they may fade, turning from red to silver, but sometimes not for years. Other darkened areas of the skin may also fade.
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Weight
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Most new mothers lose only about 13 pounds after delivery. They at first look as if they are still pregnant. They may lose more during the first week as extra fluids are eliminated.
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Mood
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Many new mothers feel blue or mildly depressed. The sad mood or baby blues usually passes after about 2 weeks.
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Last full review/revision November 2008 by Julie S. Moldenhauer, MD
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