Postpartum Wellness - What To Expect After Vaginal Delivery

Vaginal delivery recovery, also called postpartum recovery, takes time. Some women don’t feel like their pre-pregnancy selves again for a few months, though many feel mostly recovered after 6-8 weeks.

Here are some common frequently asked questions (FAQs) after vaginal delivery:

♥ How long does it take for vaginal soreness and swelling to subside?

Vaginal Soreness

During labor, your perineum, the area between your vagina and rectum may stretch and tear, which can hurt. The postpartum pain may be worse if you get an episiotomy when your doctor makes a small cut that widens your vagina to help your baby come out. This may take up to 6 weeks to heal. Your body will eventually absorb the stitches. In the meantime, don’t touch your stitches, and call your doctor if they get more painful or red or weep fluid.

• Applying cold packs or using warm sitz baths can help alleviate discomfort.
• Sit on a pillow instead of a hard surface.
• Always clean your vagina from front to back with a warm cloth after peeing or bowel moments.

♥ What can I do to relieve perineal pain and discomfort after delivery?

Contractions in your abdomen are normal after delivery which feels like cramps and cause discomfort. They happen because your uterus is shrinking back to its previous size, but not like the pre-pregnancy size. You may notice these pains more when you're nursing your baby since breastfeeding releases chemicals in your body that cause your uterus to tighten.

• You can put a heating pad on your belly or ask your doctor if it's OK to take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
• Using a cushion or pillow to sit on and wearing loose, breathable underwear can provide additional relief.

♥ How long does postpartum bleeding (lochia) typically last?

Postpartum bleeding, known as lochia, typically lasts for around 4-6 weeks after delivery. Initially, the bleeding will be heavy, similar to a heavy menstrual period, and gradually taper off. Discharge may be heaviest in the first 10 days. You may pass some clots too during the first week of delivery. Call your doctor if clots are bigger than a coin, or quarter. 

• It's important to use sanitary pads during this time and avoid using tampons.
• Keep yourself hydrated.

♥ What are some tips for managing Postpartum Hemorrhoids(Piles)?

A hemorrhoid is a painful swelling of a vein in the rectum. After having a baby - especially after vaginal delivery - many women develop Hemorrhoids, Piles.  Symptoms include pain, rectal itching, bleeding after having a bowel movement, or a swollen area around the anus. Most hemorrhoids clear up on their own within a few weeks, though some may stick around for months.

• To manage postpartum hemorrhoids or piles, try soaking in warm water baths or using warm compresses on the affected area. 
• Applying over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams or ointments can provide relief.
• Eat a high-fiber diet, stay hydrated, Fresh fruits, vegetables, salad, wholegrain cereals 
• Try not to strain or put a lot of pressure, it will worsen the piles.

♥ How can I prevent or treat postpartum constipation?

To prevent or treat postpartum constipation, Just like managing piles, make sure to drink plenty of water, eat a high-fiber diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and engage in regular physical activity. If needed, your healthcare provider may recommend stool softeners or gentle laxatives.

♥ How soon can I have sexual intercourse after vaginal delivery?

Most doctors recommend waiting six weeks after giving birth to have sex again. This allows for general healing and for your body to recover from specific birth-related issues, such as Vaginal tears or episiotomy (an incision that enlarges the vaginal opening for the baby to come through). Having intercourse too early, especially within the first 2 weeks, increases the risk of postpartum hemorrhage or uterine infection.

♥ Is the vagina loose after birth? Tips on how to tighten it?

It’s natural for the vagina to change after giving birth. After all, the muscles have stretched significantly to let the baby pass through the birth canal and out into the world. So, if things feel looser down there, that’s totally normal. 

The vagina might feel looser, softer, and more open. It may also feel bruised or swollen. While the vagina may temporarily become looser, the muscles have the ability to expand and retract.

• Most women feel recovered within around 6 to 8 weeks. However, the process can be a lot quicker or take a lot longer. 
• Try Pelvic floor exercises that can help to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and tone the vaginal muscles. 
•  Repeat these Kegel exercises 10 times, 4 to 6 times a day.

♥ How can I manage breastfeeding challenges, such as sore nipples or engorgement?

In the first 3-4 days after delivery, your breasts make colostrum, a nutrient-rich substance that helps boost your baby's immune system. After that, your breasts will swell as they fill up with milk.

• To manage sore nipples, ensure a proper latch during breastfeeding.
• Consider using nipple creams to soothe and protect the nipples. 
• For sore nipples, You can breastfeed through nipple shield, instead of direct feeding.
• For engorgement, breastfeed frequently and apply warm compresses
•  to encourage milk flow.
• Hand expression or using a breast pump can also help relieve engorgement.
• If you're not breastfeeding, wear a firm, supportive bra.

♥ When will my Menstrual Cycle return after giving birth?

The return of your menstrual cycle can vary for each individual, especially if you're breastfeeding. Some women may experience the return of their menstrual cycle within a few months after delivery, while others may not have their period until they stop breastfeeding. It's important to use contraception if you wish to avoid pregnancy, regardless of menstruation.

♥ Will My Vagina Ever Be the Same After Giving Birth?

Most of the changes to your vagina after giving birth are short-term and should go away during postpartum recovery. In time, your vagina will also generally go back to its size and shape before birth but your vagina before and after birth will never be exactly the same—after all, it did push out a human being. Even after you’re fully physically recovered from the birth, you might still experience some changes to how your vagina looks and feels. 

♥ What are some common breastfeeding positions and techniques?

Common breastfeeding positions include the cradle hold, cross-cradle hold, football hold, and side-lying position. Experiment with different positions to find what works best for you and your baby. Ensure a good latch, with the baby's mouth covering the entire areola, and seek support from lactation consultants or breastfeeding support groups if needed.

♥ How can I manage postpartum hair loss?

Many new moms experience excessive hair shedding after pregnancy. Hair shedding usually peaks about four months after giving birth. By their child's first birthday, most women regain their normal hair growth. If your hair does not regain its normal fullness after one year, you may want to see a dermatologist. 

♥ When should I meet my doctor for a postpartum checkup?

All women should ideally have contact with a maternal care provider within the first 3 weeks postpartum. This initial assessment should be followed up with ongoing care as needed, concluding with a comprehensive postpartum visit no later than 12 weeks after birth.  Don't skip your postpartum checkup. You'll have a complete examination, including a mental health screening and any tests or immunizations you need. If all is well, you'll get the okay to start exercising and having sex again.

♥ When it's safe to start running and workouts after pregnancy? 

Most moms can start walking up to 30 minutes at a slow to moderate pace a few days after delivery. The best way to know what pace you need to go is to listen to your body. You should wait at least 12 weeks before easing back into more intense workouts, such as running or lifting weights, even if you had an easy pregnancy and delivery, your muscles and ligaments were stretched beyond their normal state, causing instability and weakening, this may take around 12 weeks to 6 months to heal and start high-intensity workouts again.

♥ What are "Baby Blues", is it a serious condition??

After you bring your baby home, you face a lot of emotions altogether, that is an early phase of motherhood. That's called the "baby blues," and it's caused by hormone changes. If you are feeling anxious, sad, irritated, frustrated, or tired it's normal in the early days, but If you feel this way for more than a couple of weeks, however, call your doctor. You may have postpartum depression, a more serious condition that needs treatment, such as talk therapy or medication.

Also Read, Fit and Fabulous: Post Delivery fitness and Exercise Guide.

LOVE AND SUPPORT ALWAYS...!!