The weeks after birth are a time of big changes for your body and your mind, while you are also caring for a newborn. This guide covers what is usual, how to look after yourself and the warning signs that need urgent care.
Your body after birth
- Bleeding: you will have vaginal bleeding after the birth, which is heavier and red at first and gradually becomes lighter and paler over the following weeks.
- Afterpains: cramps as your womb shrinks back, often stronger while breastfeeding.
- Soreness: stitches, a tear or a caesarean wound need time to heal. Keep the area clean and ask about pain relief that is safe while breastfeeding.
- Pelvic floor: leaking a little urine is common. Regular pelvic floor exercises help strengthen the muscles around your bladder, vagina and bottom.
Your feelings
Feeling tearful, anxious or irritable for a few days after the birth is very common. These “baby blues” usually go away within 2 weeks. If low mood, anxiety or loss of interest lasts longer or gets worse, it may be postnatal depression, a common condition that can start during pregnancy or at any time in the year after birth. It can be treated, so talk to your doctor, midwife or health visitor.
Your postnatal check
In the UK, you are offered a check with your GP around 6 to 8 weeks after the birth. It is a good time to talk about any physical or mental health problems, your stitches or scar, contraception and how you are coping. Check what follow-up is offered where you live.
Contraception
You can get pregnant as soon as 3 weeks after giving birth, even if you are breastfeeding and your periods have not come back. It is usually recommended to wait at least 12 months before becoming pregnant again. Ask your doctor or midwife which contraception suits you.
Warning signs: get urgent help
- Very heavy bleeding, large clots, or bleeding that suddenly gets heavier
- A fever, chills or a wound that becomes red, swollen or smells bad
- A severe headache that does not go away, changes in your vision, or sudden swelling of your face or hands
- Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a fast heartbeat
- Pain, swelling or redness in one leg
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
If you have any of these, contact your doctor or maternity unit straight away or call your local emergency number.
Track your baby’s first months with our baby month by month guides.