A pregnant woman is often the recipient of constant attention, and as soon as she has the baby, she’s forgotten. All the attention goes to the sweet bundle of joy. Even the mother often forsakes herself to care for this new child that’s arrived in her arms, demanding round-the-clock care. But moms need care and attention, too, and few people will discuss with her what is happening to her body, specifically “down there.” Here’s what you need to know:
Whatever It Is, It’s Probably Normal
Seriously, whatever is happening in your vaginal, perineal, and anal area, it’s probably normal. Your body has just been through an upheaval the likes of which is unmatched by almost any other physical experience. You’ve created and carried human life for about nine months and delivered it, whether vaginally or by cesarean section. Your body is going to be out of whack for months and even up to a year.
So, be patient with your body and take care of yourself. Feed yourself well — fresh fruits, vegetables, and quality protein. You can also incorporate dairy products like Greek yogurt and cottage cheese, which is good for breast milk production. If you are breastfeeding, you’re burning hundreds of calories, so don’t feel like you have to “diet” to “lose the baby weight” right away. Your body is going to be different now, and that’s normal. Embrace it.
Pain and Discomfort
Whether you delivered vaginally or via cesarean, you will likely experience pain in the first few days. A vaginal delivery often involves tearing of the perineum as the baby passes through the vaginal canal or an episiotomy, which is when the doctor makes a small cut to avoid tearing. As a result, you may have stitches, which may ache at the site. Also, your body may just be sore from the labor. You can take pain medication as directed by your doctor to ease these symptoms.
When you’re cleared to have sexual intercourse again, usually after six to eight weeks, you may feel discomfort then as well. Sex usually feels different after you’ve had a baby, and the hormone changes may cause vaginal dryness. Make sure to communicate what you’re going through with your partner, and take it slow. You can also use a vaginal moisturizer to help lubricate and moisturize the area, which can help alleviate the discomfort.
Vaginal Discharge
After any birth, you’ll likely experience vaginal discharge. Your uterus has just delivered a baby and the placenta sac the baby lived in. But your uterus will continue to discharge a musty-smelling discharge of blood and mucus for several weeks. A vaginal delivery may even produce more fluid, so be prepared for a mix of this bright red “lochia” that becomes lighter over time. Eventually, you will have only a watery discharge that is cream-colored.
You can wear menstrual pads to catch the lochia, but don’t use tampons as your vaginal area is still healing. You are more prone to infection, so let your doctor know if you experience heavy bleeding that fills up two or more pads in an hour. You might also want to rest in a bath or shower because of the pain or discomfort but don’t use any bubble baths, oils, or other fragrances, as they can cause infection.
Prolonged Menstruation or Lack of Menstruation
Your menstrual cycle may seem completely chaotic and confusing for many months. Many women don’t get their periods at all as long as they’re breastfeeding. Others get a period that is heavy and lasts for several days, and then nothing for months. Your whole life, you may have counted on your period to follow a certain rhythm, and now that rhythm is gone. The truth is it may never come back. Women with regular periods find their cycles irregular after delivery and vice versa.
It’s a good idea to have pantyliners and pads on hand for the first year after having a baby until you figure out what your new rhythm is. Also, note that women are particularly fertile right after having a baby, so if you don’t want to get pregnant again right away, be sure to use some form of birth control.
Leaking Urine and Hemorrhoids
Finally, many women experience bladder and anal issues after having a baby. Think about it, you had a being the size of a watermelon sitting on your lower organs for months, moving, pushing, and kicking. Then, it pushed its way into the world by stretching out parts of you that may never have been stretched. This may have a lasting effect on your vagina, your bladder, your pelvic muscles, and your anus and rectum.
So, you may leak urine for several months after having a baby. You can see a specialist about strengthening your pelvic floor and controlling your bladder. Hemorrhoids are also common during pregnancy and after delivery thanks to all that pressure. Make sure you get plenty of fiber and water in your diet to avoid constipation and straining. Also, take warm sitz baths and apply cool compresses to relieve the pressure. Hemorrhoids often go away on their own within a few days.
In the end, you have done one of the most amazing and miraculous acts a human being can do. You have nurtured life and labored to bring it into this world. There are some minor side effects that come with all the joy and love you feel. The good news is they are usually temporary and you can often find relief. Be as loving and patient with your body and yourself as you go through this transition as you are with your newborn. You both deserve it.