What Happens to Your Body After Labour is Over

The work is done you’ve delivered your baby and you are now resting comfortably ready for a lifetime of bliss with a newborn right? Wrong!

Unfortunately, the recovery process for a vaginal or caesarean birth is not all smooth sailing and you can expect aches, pains and lots of other fun stuff in between. This can be especially difficult when you are trying to sooth a crying newborn by feeding, rocking and walking her around. The best way to prepare for this situation is to know what to expect. And, while the love and amazement you feel for your new little baby is certainly overwhelming, for most new mums, the pain still manages to creep in there.

Preparing for After Pains

One of the first things you will experience when you are still in hospital is after pains. Some women claim that they hardly notice it while others claim these pains are worse than labour. It is also said to be more painful with each subsequent pregnancy. After pains is your uterus contracting back to pre pregnant size. You may feel tightening or contractions in your stomach area that radiate down your leg. It is best to ask for a painkiller and have a heating pad on hand at the hospital and at home, especially when you breastfeed as this is when the after pains tend to be the worse.

Bleeding and Blood Clots

Another thing that you may not be prepared for is the amount of blood that can come after giving birth. In the first couple of hours after delivery you may go through a pad every 15 minutes or half an hour, which is especially uncomfortable when you are barely able to walk to the wash-room to change them. The bleeding will subside and return to period type blood loss for anywhere from two to six weeks. Furthermore, throughout this time you may also pass large blood clots, which can range in size from a small two dollar coin to a lemon.

It can be easy to freak out if you do experience a blood clot or heavy bleeding. Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns. Stock up on heavy or maternity sanitary pads (no tampons) to better prepare for this.

Bladder and Bowel Movements

It is normal to urinate more in the first days after delivery as the body loses the extra fluid gained in pregnancy. However, it can be a little scary going to the toilet. You can expect blood mixed in with urine and you can expect some soreness for the first few days as well. If you have stitches down there, then the urine can also cause a stinging sensation while you pee all of this is normal but definitely uncomfortable. Bowel movements can also be painful and it may take a few days to actually go. Again, this is normal. In the meantime, drink plenty of water and eat high fibre foods to speed up the process.

The best way to handle these uncomfortable and often unexpected pains is to ask for as much help as possible. Rely on the midwives while you are in hospital and hopefully your partner or parents will be home waiting to give you a hand during the first couple of days. You will not be able to spend all day walking around with your baby without feeling some pain and pressure down below. Try to keep your feet up and take turns with your support team. And don’t forget the ice packs and heating pads!