What to Expect
Transitions at Birth
After giving birth, your body goes through many changes. Some of these transitions take place shortly after birth and others take more time.
Bleeding
Immediately after birth, you will bleed from the wound where the placenta was attached. Often, Pitocin( synthetic oxytocin hormone) is given by IV or injection to help the uterus contract and reduce bleeding. Your health care provider( s) will periodically monitor your bleeding and check that your uterus is continuing to contract. Bleeding slows over the first few weeks.( See page 8 for warning signs in the days after birth.)
Do not use period products that go into the vagina for postpartum bleeding( such as tampons or menstrual cups). These increase your risk of infection. Until you are cleared by your health care provider, use pads or period underwear, changing them regularly.
Protect Your Space
The time just after birth is joyful but can also be stressful and uncomfortable. Keeping this time private can be helpful. After you are stable, prioritize these steps:
• Drink fluids and eat when able.
• Rest or sleep.
• Move, walk and use the bathroom when you feel ready. Be sure to have someone with you the first time you move around after giving birth.
• Move to postpartum room( in some places).
• Announce the birth to friends and invite visitors only after you feel ready, no matter how much time it takes.
Physical Discomforts
In addition to continued contractions, these are also common after giving birth:
• Shaking( sometimes severe) immediately after the birth.
• Feeling weak, unsteady or exhausted.
• Sore muscles, especially if labor was long.
• Swelling and tenderness in the perineum( the skin between the vaginal opening and anus). An episiotomy( a surgical incision in the perineum) or more severe tear can increase your discomfort.
An episiotomy or tear in the perineum can cause additional bleeding at birth. Your health care provider will evaluate any tears and put in stitches if needed. Stitches dissolve on their own within six weeks.
In some cases, blood tests, medications and / or vaccinations may be recommended after you give birth. If your blood type is Rh negative and your baby’ s blood type is Rh positive, a RhoGAM injection will be given.
4 Postpartum Recovery