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As your body returns to its nonpregnant condition, there are changes
you can expect during the days and weeks after delivery (postpartum period).
Like pregnancy, postpartum changes are different for every woman. Chills You may experience shaking chills right after delivery. This is a
common reaction in the hours after delivery. A warm blanket may help you feel
more comfortable. Afterpains As your uterus shrinks back to its nonpregnant size, you may have
contractions (afterpains) for the first few postpartum days. The sharpest pains
usually subside during the third day. Afterpains are nonexistent to mild
following a first childbirth and are more painful with each successive
pregnancy. They are especially noticeable during breast-feeding; breast-feeding
triggers the release of oxytocin, which in turn causes the uterus to contract.
The uterus takes about 6 weeks to return to its nonpregnant size. If
this was your first pregnancy, your uterus will remain slightly larger than it
was before you got pregnant. Lochia Immediately after delivery, you will have a bloody discharge (lochia)
from the vagina. This will turn pinkish within a week and become white or
yellowish after about 10 days. Lochia may last for 2 to 4 weeks and can come
and go for about 2 months. Don't be concerned if you pass occasional blood clots, as long as
they are smaller than a golf ball. Use pads, rather than tampons, during this
time. If you have a perineal tear or
episiotomy that is healing, change the pad at least
every 4 hours to help prevent irritation and infection. Elimination You may have some difficulty urinating for a day or two after
delivery. You may also have constipation or discomfort with bowel movements for
a few days after delivery. Drink plenty of water and juices to
ease constipation and help you stay more
comfortable. In the days and sometimes weeks after delivery, it is not unusual to
urinate more frequently than usual. Your body is ridding itself of the extra
fluid from pregnancy. Some women also sweat heavily as they lose their extra
fluid. Sore muscles It is not unusual to have sore muscles (especially in your arms,
neck, or jaw) after delivery. This is from the hard work of labor, and it
should go away in a few days. You may also have bloodshot eyes or facial
bruising from vigorous pushing. You may have pain, discomfort, or numbness around your vagina.
If you had a
cesarean delivery (C-section), an episiotomy, or a
tear in your vagina, you may have discomfort when you sit or walk, and your
first bowel movement may be quite painful. Taking stool softeners
and drinking lots of fluids can help soften stools and ease pain. Breast changes Between the third and fourth days after delivery, your breasts begin
to fill with milk. This can cause breast discomfort and swelling (engorgement).
Placing ice packs on your breasts may relieve the discomfort of engorgement.
Some women find a hot shower or warm compresses on the breasts are more
comforting. For more information, see the topic Breast Engorgement. During the first days of breast-feeding, your nipples will probably
become tender or sore. However, as breast-feeding becomes more established, the
soreness usually goes away. For information about preventing undue soreness or
cracking, see the topic Breast-Feeding.
| Author | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | | Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA | | Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer | | Primary Medical Reviewer | Renée M. Crichlow, MD
- Family Medicine | | Specialist Medical Reviewer | Liisa Honey, MD, FRCSC
- Obstetrics and Gynecology | | Last Updated | August 7, 2006 |
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