Your Body After Birth: The First 6 Weeks

Your body has gone through a challenging experience, and you may feel pain or have bruises. Recovery can take time, so go easy on yourself and speak with your midwife or doctor if you have any concerns. This guide covers common experiences and questions during the first six weeks postpartum, including physical changes in the first 40 days after childbirth, based on expert medical advice.

Returning Home After Birth

If you gave birth in a hospital or clinic and both you and your baby are well, you’ll usually go home within 6 to 24 hours. If you had a cesarean section or a complicated birth, you may need to stay longer.

If you gave birth at home, your midwife will help you with breastfeeding and ensure both you and the baby are okay. You'll get guidance on what to expect and where to get help.

Regardless of how you gave birth, a midwife should visit you several times during the first two weeks. After that, your care continues with a health visitor.

If you had a C-section, take it easy and avoid activities like driving until your doctor approves. Learn how to recover at home after a cesarean.

Newborn Baby: What to Expect in the First Week

Postnatal Depression

It's normal to feel emotionally overwhelmed. Some women experience "baby blues" – anxiety, mood swings, or crying without reason – which usually lasts a few days.

Take care of yourself, ask for help if needed, and talk to your doctor if you think you may have depression. Up to 1 in 5 mothers and 1 in 8 partners may experience mental health issues in the first year.

Negative Feelings About Your Body

Your body may look and feel different, which is completely normal. Over time, you may come to see those changes as signs of your strength.

Focus on how you feel, not just how you look. Your health and your baby’s care matter most.

Afterbirth Contractions

You might feel cramping as your uterus shrinks back to size, especially during breastfeeding. These pains usually last 2–3 days. Paracetamol can help, but check with your midwife before taking other painkillers while breastfeeding.

Pelvic Girdle Pain

Usually disappears within a month, but some women experience longer pain. Continue taking pain relief and use aids if needed. Talk to your doctor if the pain doesn’t go away.

Postpartum Bleeding (Lochia)

You’ll bleed after birth (even after a C-section), which may be heavy at first. It typically lasts several weeks, turning brown before fading.

Avoid tampons until after your six-week check to prevent infection. Seek medical help if the bleeding is heavy, sudden, has clots or a foul smell.

Stitches and Wound Care

If you had stitches from a tear or episiotomy, tell your midwife if they are painful. Keep the area clean and dry. Change sanitary pads frequently and wash daily.

Toileting Difficulties

You may struggle to urinate at first or feel stinging. Drink water to dilute your urine, and pour water over the area while urinating.

Bowel movements may be difficult, especially with stitches. Drink plenty of water, eat fiber-rich foods, and avoid straining. Use a clean tissue for support during bowel movements if needed.

Urinary Incontinence

Leaking urine when laughing or sneezing is common, especially after a vaginal birth. Helpful steps include:

• Doing pelvic floor exercises

• Avoiding caffeine

• Drinking 6–8 glasses of water a day

• Avoiding heavy lifting

• Gradual weight loss if overweight
  Discuss any issues with your doctor, especially if you had a third- or fourth-degree tear.

Excessive Sweating

Up to one-third of women experience night sweats or hot flashes due to hormonal shifts. This is usually normal, but talk to your doctor if you're concerned.

Hemorrhoids (Piles)

Common after birth. Increase fiber intake, drink water, and avoid straining. Clean gently and do pelvic floor exercises. Over-the-counter creams may help but consult a pharmacist first.

Headaches After Birth

Around 4 in 10 women experience headaches postpartum due to hormones, stress, or lack of sleep. Stick to paracetamol while breastfeeding unless advised otherwise.

Seek medical attention if you have headaches with vision changes, nausea, or high fever—this could be a sign of serious conditions like pre-eclampsia.

Warning Signs: When to Seek Urgent Help

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Sudden heavy bleeding or blood loss

• Fever or signs of infection

• Fainting or dizziness

• Confusion or trouble speaking

• Chest pain or shortness of breath

• Calf pain, swelling, or redness (possible DVT)

• Seizures or convulsions

• Vomiting, rash, or skin changes

Breast Changes & Milk Production

In the early days, your breasts produce colostrum, a thick yellow milk. Milk "comes in" around day 3, and breasts may feel full or sore. To manage discomfort:

• Feed your baby frequently

• Use a well-fitting nursing bra

• Apply warmth or take warm showers

• Use paracetamol if needed

Even if not breastfeeding, you can express a small amount to relieve pressure. Don’t overexpress, as this increases milk production.

Period After Birth

Your period may return anytime, but it depends on whether you’re breastfeeding. If fully breastfeeding, periods may be delayed. If using formula, your period might return within 5–6 weeks.

When Can I Have Sex Again?

Wait until postpartum bleeding stops and you feel ready. Pain, fatigue, or lack of interest are all normal. Communication with your partner is key.

You can get pregnant again just 3 weeks after birth—even if you're breastfeeding and haven’t had a period. Use contraception unless you're trying to conceive again.

When Can I Drive Again?

There’s no legal timeframe after a vaginal birth, but wait until you feel physically and mentally ready. If you had a cesarean, follow medical guidance and check with your insurance provider.