The Postpartum-Bod

Pregnancy leads to changes in the body, as naturally, your body is making a baby. From carrying it for nine months to the trauma of labor, the journal is indeed a profound one.  Just as it took you quite some time to make and deliver the baby, your body will take time to reel back to its former shape and self. 

You cannot expect things to go back to routine post-delivery. Your body will continue undergoing changes in the aftermath of birth, till it is able to fully recover from the entire ordeal. 

Your Gynecologist in Islamabad will already let you know if there are special care instructions for your wound if you have undergone surgery or if your labor was a special one. 

However, few changes are common across most women. These postpartum bodily changes include:

Bleeding

Postpartum bleeding is expectant for natural and C-section, both. The former includes more bleeding, as opposed to the latter. During the first few days, bleed is rich red, and includes more clotting. It can continue for around 6 weeks. During this time, the uterus returns to its normal size. 

This bleeding is referred to as Lochia. As time goes by, bleeding also reduces in volume and becomes lighter as well. 

Women have to wear sanitary pads during this period since tampons or cups can be too hard for the vagina that is still healing. Remember, childbirth is a trauma! Moreover, sanitary pads are also used as they carry the least risk of infection. 

The flow is heaviest on the initial days, during which, some might need to wear industrial-strength pads and underwear, such heavy is the flow. 

Breastfeeding 

Whether or not you want to breastfeed is completely your call, but your body initially undergoes changes, since the process of milk production is natural. Your breast produces milk and becomes hard as a result. 

Since the milk production is contingent on how much milk is suckled, therefore, if you do not have to feed, over time, the milk will dry up on its own. 

If you do breastfeed, your breasts will also undergo changes. Cracked and sore nipples, hard breasts, clogged ducts are some of the issues that can occur from breastfeeding. At times, nipples may also become infected. 

Contractions 

The contractions from childbirth are not there is to contractions; post-birth, you can also expect more of them. These help the uterus get back to its original size. Women who are nursing may experience more cramps, as breastfeeding induces hormonal changes that hasten the process of healing. 

Sweat 

Immediately after giving birth, you might feel yourself getting warm, and you might even sweat. profusely This change in body temperature stems from hormonal changes in the body, that are occurring to help the body get rid of the fluids that it gathered throughout the nine months to nurture the baby. 

Perineal care 

The perineum is the area between the anus and vagina. It is gravely affected during labor. Even if you have not episiotomy, which is the cut that some women might need to increase the area of the orifice from where the baby emerges, you need to take care of the area. 

There are steps that you can do to improve the healing. Kegels are effective for healing as well as strengthening the pelvic floor. Similarly, a sitz bath can also soothe and help the perineal. 

You can also use a hairdryer or a heat lamp to help with the pain in the area as well. Similarly, in the case of swollen perineal, you can also try to use a cold pack. 

In case you have been prescribed some medications, you need to also follow the prescription to aid with the healing. In case of episiotomy, you also need to give the stitches due care. 

For specific concerns, you should consult your gynecologist, whom you can contact via oladoc.com.