After Delivery: The Body’s Return to Normal
Area Affected |
What Happens |
|
Discharge from the vagina |
New mothers have a bloody discharge, occasionally with blood clots, for 3 or 4 days. The discharge becomes pale brown for up to 2 weeks or more, then yellowish white. The discharge may continue for up to about 6 weeks after delivery. A scab forms over the site where the placenta was attached in the uterus. About a week or two after delivery, this scab comes off, causing vaginal bleeding of up to about a cup. |
|
Breasts |
During the early stages of milk production (lactation), the breasts become engorged with milk, sometimes making them feel tight and sore. |
|
Heart rate |
The heart rate, which increased during pregnancy, starts to decrease within the first 24 hours and returns to normal soon thereafter. |
|
Temperature |
Body temperature may increase slightly during the first 24 hours, usually returning to normal during the first few days. |
|
Uterus |
After delivery, the uterus contracts, beginning to return to its prepregnancy size and position. These contractions can be uncomfortable. The uterus may take several weeks to return to its prepregnancy size. |
|
Genital area |
The area around the vaginal opening is usually sore. Tears during delivery or an episiotomy (an incision that widens the opening of the vagina to make delivery easier) and repair of these tissues may also make the area sore. The area may sting when women urinate. |
|
Urination |
Urine production often increases greatly, but temporarily, after delivery. It usually returns to normal by about 2 weeks after delivery. |
|
Bowel movements |
The first bowel movement after delivery may be difficult, partly because the abdominal and pelvic muscles have been stretched and stressed. Also, the mother may be concerned about stitches or may have pain due to tearing or hemorrhoids. |
|
Hemorrhoids |
The pushing required for delivery can lead to or worsen hemorrhoids. |
|
Abdomen |
Muscle tone is low after delivery but gradually increases. |
|
Skin |
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. |
|
Weight |
Most new mothers lose only about 13 pounds after delivery. At first, they look as if they are still pregnant. They may lose more during the first week as extra fluids are eliminated. |
|
Mood |
Many new mothers feel blue or mildly depressed. The sad mood or baby blues usually passes after about 2 weeks. |