The postpartum period: what happens in your body in the first 6 weeks

Your baby has arrived, but your body needs time to recover. The first six weeks or so after birth are called the postpartum period. It is a time of adjustment for your body and for your new daily rhythm.

While the uterus returns to its former size

After birth the uterus contracts and shrinks. You may feel cramps similar to period pain. They can get stronger while you breastfeed, because feeding triggers the hormone that helps the uterus contract.

• Cramps are usually most noticeable in the first days and then ease.
• Do not hesitate to ask your doctor which pain relief options suit you.

Lochia: bleeding after birth

For several weeks after birth you will have a discharge called lochia. At first it is dark red and may be heavier than a period. Over time it turns pinkish-brown, then yellowish-white, and tapers off.

• Small clots may appear in the first days.
• Use pads, not tampons.
• For some people bleeding lasts 4–6 weeks, which is often within the usual range.
• For bleeding that suddenly increases or turns bright red, see the section below.

Stitches, breasts and other changes

After a vaginal birth, a tear or episiotomy repair can be sore for a few days. After a cesarean, the belly stays tender for longer. Gently supporting the wound when you sit, stand up or cough can help.

When your milk comes in, your breasts may feel full and tender. Other common changes include:

• Sweating, including night sweats (the body shedding extra fluid)
• Hair shedding (usually most noticeable around months 3–6, then it slows)
• Constipation and worry about the first bowel movement
• Hemorrhoids or a stinging feeling when urinating

Your feelings may swing too

Tearfulness, restlessness and feeling overwhelmed are common in the first days. Hormones shift quickly and sleep is broken. These feelings usually settle within one to two weeks. For feelings that last longer or get heavier, see our separate article.

What you can do

• Rest: Lie down when your baby sleeps. The housework can wait.
• Ask for support: Share meals, shopping and laundry. Asking for help is not a weakness.
• Drink water and eat balanced meals: Especially if you breastfeed, thirst adds to tiredness.
• Increase movement slowly: Start with short walks. Avoid heavy lifting, and after a cesarean wait for your doctor's approval.
• Pelvic floor exercises: If your doctor agrees, you can start gently working your pelvic floor muscles.
• Sex and contraception: Talk about timing at your check-up, and do not rush if you do not feel ready.

A note for partners and loved ones

The postpartum period is not only the birthing person's journey. It matters for partners and loved ones too. Bringing a meal, holding the baby for a short while, limiting visitors and asking “How are you?” mean a lot. Listening often helps more than advice. A partner who shares night care lightens the weight of sleeplessness. Be patient with each other as new parents; you are both learning something new.

When to contact your doctor

Contact your doctor or midwife without delay if you notice:

• Bleeding that soaks a pad in under an hour, keeps increasing or comes with large clots
• Foul-smelling discharge or a fever above 38 °C
• Increasing redness, swelling, pain or discharge at the stitches
• Swelling, redness and pain in one leg only
• Severe headache, blurred vision or upper abdominal pain
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• A red, hard area on the breast that is painful and comes with fever
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

For chest pain, breathlessness, fainting or very heavy bleeding, call 112 (or your local emergency number).

Plan your check-up at the time your doctor recommends. This article is for information only; your doctor's and midwife's advice for your situation always comes first.