What to Expect After You Deliver Your Baby
Throughout your pregnancy, it’s common to focus on preparing for your due date — the actual birthing event. But understanding what happens after delivery, especially during the postpartum period, is just as important.
We’ll cover common questions about what you can expect during recovery after birth.
What happens right after delivery?
Your delivery experience depends on a few factors. Where are you delivering your baby? Are you having a vaginal birth or a cesarean section? What does your birth plan outline and are your preferences possible?
But in general, after delivery, many hospitals immediately put your baby on your chest for skin-to-skin contact, which has benefits for both you and your baby. You should even be able to have skin-to-skin after a cesarean section (C-section), as long as you’re awake.
Your OB or midwife will do a post-delivery check to make sure you’re okay and to see if you need any stitches. Your care team will also check your baby and perform helpful tests and procedures. If you’re breastfeeding your baby, the team can help with that, too.
You’ll probably be in the delivery room for about two hours before moving to the postnatal area for recovery.
What’s recovery after birth like at home?
For vaginal deliveries without complications, you may go home at 24 hours of delivery or close to that time. Your doctors or midwives will recommend how long you stay in the hospital.
After you’re discharged, you’ll go home and shift into the postpartum period, also known as the fourth trimester. Give yourself at least four to six weeks to heal, depending on your provider’s recommendations, focusing on both physical and mental postpartum care.
What physical changes happen after giving birth?
Each birth experience is unique, including physical changes you may experience after birth. In general, those who have a C-section take a longer time to heal and have a few more restrictions.
For vaginal births, here are some of the most common physical changes:
Constipation
Going to the bathroom after birth can be a challenge. Be patient and try not to force it. If needed, your care team may recommend a laxative or stool softener to help.
General pain
Some people have cramping as the uterus shrinks back to pre-pregnancy size. The cramps may feel like contractions or mild period pain.
Pregnancy discharge or bleeding
Expect to bleed for about four to six weeks, even if you had a C-section. This discharge after birth is called lochia. The flow will be heavier and may have clots for the first 24 hours, but it should lessen over time. The bleeding is generally bright red for one to three days, and will then turn pink and eventually a white or yellow color until it ends.
Sore breasts
Your breasts naturally make colostrum, a thick substance that has nutrients for your baby. You may notice changes in the size and feel of your breasts, even if you decide not to breastfeed.
Vaginal soreness
After birth, your perineum likely will be swollen and a little sore. It helps to lie down with an ice pack on the area. If you have stitches, they should dissolve in a few weeks.
Discuss these or any other concerns with your doctor.
How do I know if I have postpartum depression?
Along with physical changes after birth come a lot of mental and emotional changes too. It’s common to have sad feelings (called “baby blues”) for the first few weeks. But when those feelings make it hard to function, or last longer than a few weeks, it’s important to talk with your care team. You may have postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety.
About 1 in 8 people have symptoms of postpartum depression after birth. If you think you’re experiencing postpartum depression, know that you aren’t alone. Your care team will support you every step of the way, helping you find resources and treatment.
When should I call my doctor?
During and after birth, your body goes through so many changes. You know best when something doesn’t feel right. Call your doctor or seek medical treatment with any concerns or if:
- Any incisions are red, swollen or filled with pus
- Urinating hurts or you haven’t had a bowel movement in four days
- You have a fever of 100.4°F or higher
- You have a blood clot larger than a quarter or the bleeding doesn’t stop (bleeding through a pad or more than an hour)
- Your breasts are red or feel hot and painful
- You think of suicide or harming your baby or anyone else
- You experience blurry vision, vision changes, dizziness or fainting
- You have severe headaches
- You have shortness of breath or pain in the chest
- You feel nauseated or are throwing up
It is important that you attend your postpartum follow-up appointments with your doctor so you can discuss any challenges. Your doctor will also let you know when it’s safe to resume activities, such as exercise.
Support after labor and delivery
Your pregnancy experience doesn’t end after delivery — and neither should your healthcare. At HCA Florida Healthcare, our labor and delivery colleagues help you prepare for birth and postpartum recovery through a variety of classes. And we don’t stop there.
As one of the largest healthcare providers in the state, our extensive network is home to everyone from OB/GYNs and midwives to high-risk pregnancy doctors and neonatologists.
