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Recover from Delivery
So, you’ve finally given birth! Getting home and being proactive for your new bundle of joy may be the first thing on your mind. However, just as their body needs time to grow, yours needs time to heal. You may find yourself asking: “How long till I feel like me again?” Follow our guide below to help pinpoint an answer.
How Long Will I Take to Recover After Delivery?
The answer to this question may vary, as there’s a variety of complications that have their own healing time. The list below will separate the most common postpartum complications as well as how long they take to heal, on average. If all those back aches, and foot aches from pregnancy weren’t enough, now you have to deal with postpartum. However, regular checkups can help you. This is what some of the physical therapists, and experts in podiatry in Singapore have to say about postpartum problems.
Abdominal Pain
During your pregnancy, your uterus will expand to accommodate your baby’s passage on the big day. However, it will also need to shrink back to its normal size once the baby has been delivered. The pain this will cause you if often referred to as “afterpains.” The afterpains may hurt the most within the first week of your postpartum period. However, they usually subside around ten days postpartum. If these pains continue or are too much to bear, please consult your doctor.
Baby Blues
Childbirth comes with a lot of hormonal changes. And in the case of 10-20% of women postpartum, this results in a condition called the “baby blues.” Mood swings and frequent bouts of crying are among the common symptoms. Baby blues will often subside within the first few months after delivery. However, if these feelings progress into more severe postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis, it’s important to seek professional help.
Vaginal Bleeding/Lochia
Postpartum vaginal bleeding and discharge may be present throughout the entirety of your postpartum period. It will be heavier at first as your body sheds all the extra blood and tissue that was stored for the baby. Around ten days postpartum the blood and spotting will begin to lessen but will still be prominent for up to six weeks postpartum. However, if the blood flow is heavy and consistent (soaking a pad in less than an hour), you should consult your doctor. It’s also important to note that using tampons during this time is not beneficial, as they can introduce unwanted bacteria. Stick to the sanitary pads!
Weight Loss
One of the biggest parts of healing and really feeling like yourself again is returning to your pre-pregnancy weight. However, this may take more time than you probably had hoped. Initially after birthing, you will lose the weight of your baby, typically around 6-7 pounds. But the rest depends on your metabolism and how much weight you gained during your pregnancy. Healing from certain childbirth complications may also hinder weight-loss efforts.
Breast and Vaginal Soreness
Vaginal soreness will undoubtedly be one of your most prominent sources of pain during your postpartum period. In some cases, women may experience a tear in the vagina and/or the perineum that may require stitches. These wounds can typically be expected to heal within ten days, but soreness and discomfort may persist for a few weeks or even months. Sitting down on a cold pack may help alleviate some of the discomfort. If you notice any signs of infection, please consult your doctor.
Summary
Pinpointing an exact postpartum recovery date depends on far too many factors. So, in the long run, it’s better to take it slow. Don’t rush your body. It just overcame a very large feat. On average, however, you can expect to recover over the course of a few months. And in between now and then, don’t forget to take care of both yourself and that little bundle of joy!
