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What to expect physically after birthNormal vaginal bleedingWhether your baby is born vaginally or in a Cesarean birth, you will bleed from the vagina, rather like a menstrual period, for a period of time -- possibly several weeks. This is caused by the gradual healing inside your uterus at the site of the placenta and to the gradual tightening of the muscles of your uterus as it returns to nearly its pre-pregnancy size. When will you start menstruating again?There is no way to accurately predict when your period will resume. If you are not breastfeeding, your period will probably resume within four to six weeks after the birth of your baby. If you are breastfeeding, your period may not resume for three months or longer. Remember, you can still become pregnant! Some mothers don't begin menstruating again until after they have weaned their baby from nursing. When your period does begin again, it may be heavier than normal for a while. Episiotomy and perineal careIf you have an episiotomy, the stitches will dissolve and do not need to be taken out. The site of the stitches may feel sore and bruised at first, but it should heal in about three to four weeks. Your perineum (the vulva, vagina and area covered by pubic hair) may feel sore from pushing and birth.
After-birth painsYour uterus will continue to have contractions -- although much milder than those in labor -- to help it shrink and to help the placenta site heal. These may feel like cramps, or they may feel quite strong, especially if this is not your first baby. If you are breastfeeding, you may feel these cramps more when you are nursing. Typically, these "after-birth pains" feel stronger during the first few hours after birth, and then last off-and-on for several days.
Your health care provider may recommend any of a variety of medicines to help you with pain relief after birth. Be honest with your health care provider about the amount of discomfort you are feeling. Talk about what you can do for the best relief. Ask how medicine can affect your breastfeeding. ConstipationConstipation after giving birth is common. It can be caused by being less active and by using pain medicine.
PerspirationHeavy perspiration or sweating, especially at night, is common during the first week after birth. This is due to changes in your hormones. Try lighter weight nightclothes and drink plenty of fluids. Placing a small fan in your room to circulate the air should help, too. Breast care for non-nursing mothersEven if you have decided not to breastfeed your baby, your breasts still need special care at this time:
Follow-up care with your health care providerYour health care provider will tell you when your postpartum check-up should be scheduled. If you have any questions or concerns before that visit, call your health care provider or the birth center at your hospital. After a Cesarean birthIf you go through hours of labor and then have a Cesarean birth, you will be recovering from the physical exertion of labor and from major surgery. Remember that your recovery will take longer than that of a woman who has a vaginal birth. You'll have surgery, anesthesia and blood loss during the birth. You'll feel more tired and need more time to rest and recuperate. Related Links Pregnancy & Parenting eMagazine: What to expect from a C-section Source: Allina Patient Education, Beginnings: Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond, fourth edition, ISBN 1-931876-14-2 First published: 10/04/2002 Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts
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