Pregnancy brings many changes to your body in more ways than you can imagine. These changes continue even after the baby is born. If you have had a normal delivery (vaginal delivery), vaginal soreness and vaginal discharge are the immediate changes you will experience. Other major changes include incontinence, continued contractions, pain and tenderness in the breasts, changes in bowel movements, mood changes, and fluctuating weight. In this health article, we bring to your attention some effective care tips to follow after a normal delivery.

Managing vaginal soreness

  • Sit on a padded ring or a pillow
  • Cool the sore area with an ice pack or place a cooling gel pack between a sanitary napkin and the perineum (the area between your vaginal opening and anus)
  • Splash warm water with a squeeze bottle over the perineum while passing urine
  • Sit in warm water (or cold water if you find it soothing) and bathe deep enough to cover your hips for five minutes 
  • Ask your healthcare provider to prescribe you pain-relieving medications and laxatives/stool softeners to avoid constipation
  • Consult your healthcare provider without delay if you're experiencing severe, persistent, or increasing pain as it could be a sign of infection

Managing vaginal discharge

  • Wear a sanitary pad 
  • Contact your health care provider if you have heavy vaginal bleeding soaking a pad in less than an hour 
  • Consult your healthcare provider without a delay if you're experiencing vaginal discharge accompanied by pelvic pain, fever, or tenderness

Managing incontinence

Incontinence usually improves within a few weeks of delivery but might persist long-term. You can wear sanitary pads or adult diapers and do pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegels) to help tone your pelvic floor muscles and strengthen your bladder muscles. 

Managing continued contractions

Occasional continued contractions are also called afterpains and you may experience them during the first few days after delivery and during breastfeeding. You may ask your healthcare provider for pain-relieving medications.

Managing painful or tender breasts

  • Frequent breastfeeding on both breasts to avoid or minimize tightness and engorgement
  • Hand express or a breast pump to express a small amount of breast milk before breastfeeding to ensure easy latching and sucking by the baby
  • Ease your breast discomfort by applying warm washcloths to the breasts before breastfeeding or expressing, it helps in easy milk removal 
  • Use cold wash clothes
  • Place cold washcloths on your breasts between feedings
  • If you're not breastfeeding, wear a supportive bra, such as a sports bra
  • Ask your healthcare provider to prescribe you pain-relieving medications 

Managing the changes in bowel movements and hemorrhoids

  • Apply a  cream or a suppository prescribed by your doctor
  • Use pads containing a numbing agent
  • Sit in a warm water bath deep enough to cover your hips for 10 to 15 minutes two to three times a day
  • Include food rich in fiber in your diet
  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Use a stool softener or laxative if needed

Managing mood swings and postpartum depression

Many new moms experience mood swings and a transient period of feeling down or anxious, called the baby blues. The baby blues typically subside within two weeks (or may continue for a long). Postpartum depression may also happen a few weeks or even months after the delivery. To manage postpartum depression:

  • Take good care of yourself
  • Be open about your feelings
  • Ask your partner and other family members to share baby responsibilities
  • Contact your healthcare provider if you think you might be depressed, having thoughts of self-harming or harming your baby, or if you have trouble caring for your baby and completing daily tasks

Managing weight

  • Eat a healthy diet
  • Eat in moderation
  • Exercise regularly
  • Avoid junk foods, processed, and deep-fried foods
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Be active throughout the day

Take home message - Physical, hormonal, and emotional changes are very common during pregnancy and postpartum. Postpartum care is an ongoing process. Take good care of yourself and visit your healthcare provider within the first three weeks following the delivery and for a comprehensive postpartum evaluation within 12 weeks after delivery.

Disclaimer: The content (video/text) presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.