Postpartum

As your body heals, you may experience the following symptoms.

• Afterpains: Abdominal pain, called afterpains, occurs as your uterus returns to normal size, often intensifying during breastfeeding. Heat can help relieve discomfort.
• Constipation: Hormonal changes, medications and anesthesia can cause constipation. Drink water, eat fiber-rich foods and consult your doctor if you haven't had a bowel movement by day four postpartum.
• Hair loss: Postpartum hair loss, caused by falling estrogen levels, usually starts three to four months after birth and resolves within 6–12 months. Avoid tight hairstyles and heavy hair products to reduce shedding.
• Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids from pregnancy or pushing during delivery may cause pain and bleeding. They typically shrink over time, and fiber, water and over-the-counter creams can help.
• Perineal soreness: Soreness in the perineum from tearing or an episiotomy can last a few weeks. Use ice packs, warm rinses and avoid long periods of sitting or standing for relief.
• Postpartum swelling (edema): Swelling in your legs and feet is common due to water retention, lasting about a week. Elevating your feet can help.
• Lochia (vaginal bleeding): Lochia, or postpartum bleeding, lasts up to six weeks. Use pads, not tampons, and contact your doctor if you pass clots larger than a quarter.

After having a baby, your hormones are in flux, and you’re likely feeling tired and a little overwhelmed. All these feelings are normal. As you adjust to life with your infant, pay as much attention to your mental health as your physical health, and talk to your OBGYN if mental health concerns interfere with your ability to care for or bond with your baby. 

Mental health conditions occur in about 20% of women during or after pregnancy. These conditions include postpartum anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and a rare condition called postpartum psychosis.

• Baby blues: After childbirth, up to 80% of new parents experience the "baby blues" due to changing hormone levels and adjusting to life with a newborn. You may feel sad, have mood swings, trouble sleeping or cry a lot. These feelings usually start a few days after birth and last up to two weeks. Talking to family and friends can help, and no specific treatment is usually needed. However, if these feelings last longer or make it hard to care for your baby, speak with your OBGYN to check for postpartum depression.
• Postpartum depression: This is more severe than the baby blues and can happen anytime during the first year after childbirth. Symptoms include sadness, irritability, low energy, physical aches and feeling disconnected from your baby. It can affect your relationship with your baby and their development. Treatment, like therapy and medication, is available, so reach out to your healthcare provider if you're struggling.
• Postpartum anxiety: Excessive worry after having a baby, sometimes paired with physical symptoms like loss of sleep or heart palpitations, is known as postpartum anxiety. It often occurs alongside postpartum depression. Treatment may include medication or therapy.
• Weight loss: After giving birth, you'll lose 6 to 12 pounds, but losing the rest of your baby weight may take a few months. Breastfeeding can help burn calories but don't rush to lose weight too fast, as it may affect your milk supply. If you're breastfeeding, wait until your baby is about two months old before focusing on weight loss. Even then, you'll still need around 500 extra calories a day, so focus on healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein.