Postpartum recovery timeline:
Are you wondering how long the postpartum recovery period is for vaginal births? Your body will typically recover between six to eight weeks after birth. However, although the healing process may take up to eight weeks, some of the physical side effects of pregnancy and birth (such as abdominal separation or postpartum hair loss) can last for months after delivery, and it can take as long to lose the baby weight, if that's your goal. Not to mention that it might take up to three months (or longer)—also known as the fourth trimester—to adjust to life with a newborn. It is critical to go slowly and avoid normal activities likesex and exercise until your healthcare practitioner has cleared you.What to expect during postpartum recovery?
Each person's physical postpartum recovery will be unique, depending on their own delivery experience. If you pushed for three hours or tore while giving birth to an 11-pound baby, your postpartum recovery would most certainly be longer than if you pushed for 30 minutes with your perineum intact. However, regardless of how your labour and delivery went, the postpartum period can be pretty rough. Even if you didn't rip, you pushed, and something enormous came out of your vagina (a kid!), so basic activities like sitting and peeing may be a big deal.Here's what to anticipate during postpartum recovery:
1. Vaginal haemorrhage and discharge:
You will have vaginal discharge, known as lochia, for up to six weeks after giving birth. It is typical to see a lot of bright red blood in the beginning as your body struggles to get rid of the blood and tissue that was within the uterus. This is why super-absorbent maxi pads (yep, the ones you used in junior high) will become your new best friend. Let your doctor know if you're soaking through more than one pad each hour or passing blood clots larger than a plum tomato.2. Vaginal irritation, discomfort, and oedema:
General vaginal discomfort and swelling are common during postpartum recovery—after all, the area saw a huge increase in blood flow and fluid and birthing is hard on your vaginal tissue. Tears may also cause increased blood flow and oedema. Discomfort normally subsides after four to six weeks, however, this time frame may be extended if you have major tears. Vaginal sutures after delivery or an episiotomy might be painful at first and later irritating, but they normally go away within 7 to 10 days.3. Trouble going to the washroom:
It's fairly unusual to have constipation or difficulty urinating soon after giving birth. The tissue surrounding your bladder and urethra may be swollen or bruised, making it difficult to urinate for many weeks. In addition, if you had pain-relieving opioids (such as an epidural) in the hospital, they may impede your bowel motions. Constipation may also be caused by iron supplements needed to get your blood count back up to normal, or by not drinking enough fluids during nursing and being dehydrated. It will pass (pun intended), but in the meantime, stay hydrated and consume high-fibre meals, and notify your doctor if you haven't had a bowel movement in two to three days.4. Trouble getting to the loo:
However, many women have urine incontinence during the postpartum period. Childbirth may compress the pelvic nerves and impair the pelvic floor muscles that regulate the bladder. In addition, the pressure from the uterus can change the angle of the urethra and cause loss of urine. So, as humiliating as it may seem, a little leaking while coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting heavy things is normal. Urinary incontinence should disappear as your body recovers, generally within six weeks.5. Haemorrhoids:
Even if you avoided haemorrhoids throughout pregnancy, the force of pushing after birth might cause a bulging vein in or near the anus. Postpartum haemorrhoids may be itchy and unpleasant, but they should subside within six weeks after delivery.6. Contractions:
Not quite—you may have small contractions, known as afterpains, for many days after birth, especially if you nurse. Don't let it scare you. This is a good thing you're experiencing your uterus decreasing back to its usual size and shape. Your uterus weighs roughly 2.5 pounds shortly after delivery, but it will only weigh 2 ounces six weeks later.While postpartum recovery might be difficult, remember you're not alone. This too will pass, and if you need help, contact your loved ones, your healthcare practitioner, or a mental health professional.Medically approved by Dr. Avir Sarkar, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NIIMS (Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences College & HospitalFAQs on Everything to Know About Postpartum Recovery After a Vaginal Birth:
- How long does it take vaginal sutures to heal?Second-degree rips usually need sutures. This is often done in the delivery room. Healing normally takes three to four weeks.
- How long does it take the uterus to shrink after childbirth?Uterus involution is a natural process in which the pregnant uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy condition. The procedure starts after you birth your baby and placenta and takes around six weeks to finish.
