Life After Delivering Your Baby

You're still in for some big changes, as your body recovers from the pregnancy and labor and adjusts to its new demands. Here's a guide on what to expect.

Swelling

What: Edema
When: Immediately after delivery
Why: Pushing during labor also pushes those extra fluids that you've been carrying to your face and extremities.

Women who have c-sections are also likely to find themselves swollen, thanks to the IV fluids they received. Fortunately, within five days of delivery, your kidneys will kick into overdrive, and you'll start peeing and sweating out this water. If your legs, ankles, or feet resemble those of the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man, elevate them above your heart with a pillow while lying down.

Vaginal Soreness

What: Soreness in your vaginal region
When: From delivery to 6 weeks
Why: Really, wouldn't it be more surprising if you weren't sore? When you give birth vaginally, your perineum (the area between your vagina and anus) will swell and may even tear, or you might have an episiotomy.

Recovery time varies, but nearly all new moms see the soreness dissipate within six weeks. Until then, you can sit on doughnut pillows, which provide cushioning but also don't apply direct contact to the vaginal region; sink into a sitz bath, a shallow basin that allows you to soak only your bottom; or relax for a spell in a regular bath. And use the ice packs and witch hazel pads offered in the hospital. They'll help ease the swelling and relieve pain temporarily.

BLEEDING, BREAST ENGORGEMENT & BLADDER ISSUES

Vaginal Bleeding

What: Lochia
When: From delivery to 6 weeks
Why: After labor, whether you've delivered vaginally or by c-section, your uterus will slough off tissue from its lining, which results in what might seem like a monthlong period. In most women, it changes from bright or dark red blood to a pink blood, then to a clear or yellowish discharge over the first few weeks. Some women will stop bleeding for a day or so, but the bleeding can start up again as you engage in more activity. As long as there is no fever or abdominal or uterine pain, discharge and mild bleeding in the first six weeks is normal.

Swollen Breasts