What Happens After Delivery: Things to Expect

Welcoming a newborn into the world is a joyous and transformative experience that every mother feels. However, the journey does not end in delivery. It’s just the beginning of another phase filled with significant changes. These changes can be breasts filling with milk or experiencing heightened stress levels. Understanding what to expect post-delivery will help you navigate this period with care and confidence.   

Common expectations after delivery 

• Vaginal bleeding: Whether you have a normal or C-section, vaginal bleeding is common as your body needs to remove tissue and blood that was there inside the uterus. A new mother may expect heavy bleeding in the first ten days after delivery. Over time, the flow becomes lighter in colour and lessens. Light bleeding and spotting may potentially last up to six weeks post-delivery. Using sanitary pads is a good option during this period. Avoid using tampons or cups during this time.  
• Constipation: Following childbirth, it is common to get constipated. This may happen when painkillers or anaesthesia are administered during a hospital stay. Postpartum constipation can sometimes be caused by fear, particularly if you have stitches which are made after an incision between the vagina and anus to widen the vaginal opening for childbirth. To overcome postpartum constipation, one must consume foods high in fibre and drink lots of water. 
• Abdominal pain: After childbirth, it is common to experience cramps or abdominal pain, which is also called afterbirth pain. These cramps are caused by the contraction of the uterus to resize back to its pre-pregnancy size. One may experience more pain during breastfeeding. This is because breastfeeding stimulates oxytocin, which causes the uterus to contract. If cramps are severe or worsening day by day, it is high time to consult your doctor.  
• Baby blues: Many new mothers experience the emotional distress called baby blues shortly after childbirth. This feeling is featured with mood swings and feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritability and overwhelming. The reason for baby blues is due to hormonal changes in the mother, which are combined with physical and emotional demands for caring for the newborn. Seek support and help from your friends and family. If this feeling continues for more weeks, the mother may suffer from a very serious condition called postpartum depression. Taking care of yourself and your baby while maintaining a positive mindset is crucial for overcoming such challenges during this phase. 
• Hair loss: During pregnancy, high hormone levels can cause less hair to fall out, whereas, after childbirth, many new mothers might experience hair loss, but this is only temporary. This hair loss typically stops after six months of childbirth. After one year, your hair may return to its fullness as oestrogen stabilises. 
• Sore breasts and nipples: During the first few days of breastfeeding, it is a common occurrence. However, if the discomfort lasts beyond this period, it might be due to the baby not latching properly. Adjusting your nursing position or seeking guidance from a lactation consultant can help resolve the issue. Early correction of the problem will prevent painful cracks in your nipples, which might make breastfeeding more difficult. 

The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends that infants, when possible, be breastfed or receive expressed breast milk exclusively for the first six months. Thereafter, they can continue breastfeeding, complemented with solid foods from their first year of life. 

Postpartum symptoms that require immediate attention 

It is important to contact your doctor if you experience the following symptoms: 

• Heavy menstrual bleeding that soaks more than one pad after an hour 
• Fever and chills higher than 104 °F 
• Feeling fainting and dizziness 
• Redness, pus or swelling near the area of the C-section 
• Worsening swelling of the body 
• Vomiting 
• Chest pain, heart palpitation or trouble breathing 
• Painful or difficult urination 

Certain signs such as hair fall, vaginal bleeding and cramps are common after childbirth which are temporary and can be managed with proper care, knowledge and support from family. However, when women suffer from symptoms such as vomiting, chest pain, pus or infection at the site of the C-section, it is important to consult a doctor for timely care.