Postpartum Body Care

Introduction

After giving birth, your body goes through a number of changes as it heals and recovers. These changes can include:

Vaginal bleeding (lochia)
Uterine cramps
Breast tenderness
Constipation
Hemorrhoids
Incontinence
Fatigue

These changes can make it difficult to care for your body after childbirth. However, there are a number of things you can do to help your body heal and recover more quickly.

Perineal Care

The perineum is the area between the vagina and the anus. It is often stretched or torn during childbirth. This can cause pain, swelling, and bruising.

To care for your perineum, you should:

Keep the area clean by washing it gently with warm water and soap.
Apply a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling.
Take pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve pain.
Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time.
Use a sitz bath to help soothe the area.

Vaginal Bleeding

Vaginal bleeding (lochia) is normal after childbirth. The bleeding will be heaviest in the first few days after delivery and will gradually taper off over the next few weeks.

To care for yourself while you are bleeding, you should:

Wear pads or panty liners to absorb the bleeding.
Change your pads or panty liners frequently to prevent infection.
Avoid using tampons or douching, as these can increase the risk of infection.
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

Uterine Cramps

Uterine cramps are common after childbirth as the uterus contracts back to its normal size. These cramps can be painful, but they will usually subside within a few days.

To relieve uterine cramps, you should:

Take pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Apply a heating pad to your lower abdomen.
Massage your lower abdomen.
Rest.

Breast Tenderness

Breast tenderness is common after childbirth as your body prepares to produce milk. This tenderness can be uncomfortable, but it will usually subside within a few days.

To relieve breast tenderness, you should:

Wear a supportive bra.
Apply a cold compress to your breasts.
Take pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Breastfeed your baby frequently. This will help to empty your breasts and reduce tenderness.

Constipation

Constipation is common after childbirth due to the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and labor. This constipation can be uncomfortable and can make it difficult to have a bowel movement.

To relieve constipation, you should:

Eat a diet high in fiber.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Exercise regularly.
Take stool softeners or laxatives if necessary.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus. They are common after childbirth due to the pressure of the baby’s head on the veins during labor. Hemorrhoids can be painful, itchy, and bleeding.

To relieve hemorrhoids, you should:

Apply a cold compress to the area.
Take pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Use hemorrhoid cream or suppositories.
Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time.

Incontinence

Incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine or stool. This can be a common problem after childbirth due to the weakening of the muscles that control the bladder and rectum. Incontinence can be embarrassing and inconvenient, but it can usually be managed with treatment.

To manage incontinence, you should:

Do Kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles that control the bladder and rectum.
Use incontinence pads or panty liners to absorb any leaks.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen incontinence.
See your doctor if incontinence is a problem for you.

Fatigue

Fatigue is common after childbirth as your body recovers from the stress of labor and delivery. This fatigue can make it difficult to care for yourself and your new baby.

To manage fatigue, you should: