How to recover after birth?

How to recover after birth?

uterine Contractions (trench)

After birth, labor contractions give way to the trench, uterine contractions that serve to reduce the size of the womb and avoid too much blood loss. However, the uterus will not resume its normal size until about 4 weeks after birth.

In the first few days, the trench looks like menstrual cramps. They are stronger during the in breastfeeding women. In general, they are more important at each new birth. If the trench causes a lot of discomfort, you can ask your doctor or midwife if you can use ibuprofen (Advil) to relieve your pain.

vaginal losses (lochies)

It is normal to sweat a lot after birth. This is due to hormonal changes and lower blood volume.

Immediately after birth, a new mother loses about 500 ml of blood. These blood losses will continue for about 2 weeks. In the first few days, they are light red and more abundant than during period. Some women may also lose blood clots.

After the first week, bleeding is decreasing and becoming less and less abundant. They also change color to switch from red to pink or brown then to yellow or white. These vaginal losses can last up to 6 weeks post-birth. Casual losses can also occur up to 2 months after birth.

It is recommended to use sanitary towels and avoid pads during this time. At first, change your toilet towel every 4 hours. If bleeding increases instead of decreasing and smell bad or fever, contact the place of birth where you gave birth to receive proper care.

Vagina and perineum pain

After giving birth, the vagina and perineum can be swollen and sore. This discomfort may be more important in the case of a tear or a episiotomy. These pains that can last a few weeks are more important when you walk or sit. If you’re uncomfortable, you can sit on a pillow or on a donut-shaped cushion.

In the first few days after birth, you can apply ice cream or a cold bag to the painful region. You can also take a seat bath in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, several times a day. Make sure that the bathtub is clean, don’t use oil or bubble bath and dry this area well before dressing.

If you’ve had stitches, you don’t have to be afraid they’ll give up when you go to the saddle. During the first few days, use a bottle of water to clean your vulva after you pee or go to the saddle.

Your doctor or wise may also suggest a pain pain in cream or ointment to apply locally. If you notice an unusual swelling, a pain that gets worse or the presence of pus, this may be a local infection. You should then consult a health care professional.

Hemorrhoids and constipation

The are stretched and swollen veins in the anus and rectum area. This is a pretty common complication following birth. They usually disappear a few days after birth. Seat baths can relieve the discomfort of hemorrhoids. donut-shaped cushions also reduce pain when you’re sitting.

The can be painful when it comes to the saddle. Therefore, we must avoid forcing and preventing constipation. It is normal not to go to the saddle for the first days following birth, but then the stool should be regular. Eat lots of fibers (fresh fruits, vegetables, salads, whole grain cereal, etc. ) and drinking lots of water can reduce constipation. prune juice and some over-the-counter drugs (Métamucil or CoIace) help to soften the stool. locally applied ointments (ex. : Anusol HC) can also help you.

urinary leaks

L during childbirth and birth injuries can have various urinary consequences. In the first few days, some women may have difficulty peeing and completely empty their bladder. Getting some hot water on the perineum or opening the tap to hear the water flow can help.

On the other hand, stretching muscles during childbirth can make urinary leaks more difficult, especially when the mother cough, laughs or makes a physical effort. The situation should get better over time. The exercises are also beneficial to reduce urinary leaks. While waiting for leaks to disappear, you can wear a toilet towel.

Fatigue

During pregnancy, hormones reduce hair fall. After birth, this effect disappears and this hair drops. Hair loss lasts about 6 months.

Most of the women who just gave birth feel a feeling of burnout for a few weeks. It can be tiring to walk and move. This situation can lead to frustration and a certain depression.

It is therefore important to take the necessary means to rest well. So, in the early stages, try to sleep when your baby is asleep. It is also best to limit visits. Also, feel free to ask your loved ones for meals, household chores and care for older children. Take time to relax with a book or music.

Sex relationship

It is best to wait 4 to 6 weeks after birth before having sex. This reduces the risk of abundant bleeding or infections and prevent injuries to the vagina or perineum. It is also normal to feel less desire in the first few months after birth.

Some women may feel discomfort or sensitivity at the time of first relationships after birth. Trying to relax will then be beneficial. In addition, breastfeeding can cause a certain vaginal drought. A water-based lubricating can then be used to make sex more enjoyable.

In addition, the use of a contraceptive is important to avoid a new unwanted pregnancy.

Weight loss

After birth, the new mother loses about 4 to 5 kg (9 lb), which matches the weight of the baby, placenta, and amniotic fluid. The stomach may remain soft for a while, as the muscles were stretched during pregnancy.

Several months will be needed to regain your pre-pregnancy weight. It is important to focus on a progressive weight loss. Try not to lose more than 1 to 2 kg (2 lb) per month. The best way to do this is simply to eat balanced and do 15 to 30 minutes of medium intensity physical activity every day. However, it is best to wait 2 weeks after birth to start the exercise.

Pick up after a c-section

Recovery can be longer after a c-section. You’ll probably feel a lot of pain in the first few days. So you might need pain meds for 1 to 2 weeks. In addition, even if you haven’t given birth to vaginally, you will experience vaginal blood loss and contractions for some time.

A few caution will also be needed during the first few weeks to help your recovery:

Avoid going up and down stairs;

Take care of shower and avoid baths or swimming pools;

Do not drive;

Avoid activities such as biking, jogging and aerobic exercises for the first 6 weeks;

Do not lift items heavier than your baby.