The postpartum period is the recovery period after childbirth until all of the woman’s reproductive organs recover to their pre-pregnancy state. So, the changes that occur in the mother’s body during the postpartum period are natural and normal things that occur during the recovery period after giving birth. These body changes after giving birth are necessary to adjust to the condition of the body after experiencing many changes during pregnancy. Pregnancy and childbirth bring changes, both physical and emotional. During 9 months of pregnancy, the body will experience various changes until it is finally ready to give birth to a baby. Some of these changes can return to normal after the recovery period, but there are also those that are permanent.
Some Changes in a Woman’s Body After Childbirth
The following are some changes to the body that women can experience after giving birth:
- The vagina will produce puerperal blood.
After delivery, the vagina will produce lochia or postpartum blood. Lochia consists of blood, mucus, placental remains, and the uterine tissue lining. Postpartum blood is initially red, then brownish and finally yellowish. During the first 10 days after giving birth, the volume of postpartum blood will be large enough that the mother needs to change sanitary napkins every few hours. Generally, the postpartum period lasts 6 weeks. - Vaginal discharge.
Vaginal discharge usually occurs two to four weeks after giving birth. This is the body’s way of removing blood and tissue from the uterus. Wear a sanitary napkin until the discharge stops. Do not use tampons or douches until four to six weeks postpartum, or until your doctor approves. Using this product in the immediate postpartum period may increase the risk of uterine infection. If your vaginal discharge smells bad, tell your doctor or midwife. - Changes in the Perineum.
The perineum is the part between the vagina and anus. During the birth process, this part can tear either due to pushing or due to an episiotomy. During the postpartum period, the swollen vulva (major and minor labia, opening to the vagina and urethra, clitoris, mons pubis, and anus) will recover within 1-2 weeks, while the strength of the perineal muscles will return to its original state within six weeks. weeks after delivery. However, in some cases, the strength of the perineal muscles may not be as perfect as before due to the severity of the tear that occurred. - Difficulty holding urine (incontinence).
During pregnancy and after giving birth, the pelvic floor muscles will weaken due to pressure from the fetus and the enlarging size of the uterus. Weakened pelvic muscles can cause the mother to produce small amounts of urine when coughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects. To strengthen pelvic muscles and relieve complaints of difficulty holding in urination, mothers can do Kegel exercises. Also avoid excessive sports activities or movements, for example lifting weights or cycling. - Constipation.
Mothers are advised to eat high fiber foods to stimulate intestinal activity, and drink lots of water. Ask your doctor about safe medications. Drinking water helps relieve urination problems after birth. - Vagina Feels Wider.
After giving birth to a baby normally, the vagina will feel wider and looser. This is normal and usually starts to improve within a few weeks after delivery. However, the vagina cannot completely return to its original shape. However, mothers can do Kegel exercises to tighten the vaginal muscles and pelvic floor muscles. Vaginal surgery methods can also be an option to close the vagina again, if deemed necessary. - Vagina Feels Dry.
Vaginal dryness after giving birth is one of the normal changes in a woman’s body. This is caused by a decrease in levels of the hormone estrogen in the body. In breastfeeding mothers, hormone levels will be lower than in mothers who are not breastfeeding. Vaginal dryness will make sexual intercourse uncomfortable or painful. To overcome this complaint, mothers can use water-based vaginal lubricants during intercourse. - Stretch marks appear on the stomach.
Stretch marks form because the skin stretches to make room for the growing baby. Whether stretch marks appear or not depends on genetic factors and how quickly the mother gains weight. These skin changes will usually disappear by themselves within a few months after delivery.
- Distended stomach.
After the baby is born, the stomach does not automatically return to its original shape. It takes about 2 months for the uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy size. However, the stomach may not be as firm as before. To tighten your stomach muscles, eat a healthy diet and do exercise that focuses on toning your stomach muscles, such as sit ups, pilates and yoga specifically to shrink your stomach. - Breasts are swollen and painful.
After giving birth, the breasts will produce a lot of milk. This can make the breasts swollen and painful, especially if breast milk accumulates in the breasts. When the breasts feel painful, the mother can empty the breast milk by breastfeeding the baby or express the breast milk with a breast pump. Mothers can also apply cold or warm water compresses to the breasts to relieve pain. If the pain continues for several days and the breasts become increasingly swollen or even festering, you should see a doctor because this could be a sign of a breast infection. - Feet swollen and painful.
During pregnancy, the body will produce more blood and body fluids to support the growth and development of the fetus. As a result, body parts such as the hands and ankles will experience swelling more easily. This complaint can also occur several days or weeks after giving birth. To overcome this, mothers can consume foods rich in potassium, drink enough water at least 8 glasses every day, and move regularly or do light exercise. - Hair loss.
After giving birth, most women experience more hair loss than usual. This is due to decreased estrogen levels after giving birth. However, you don’t need to worry. These changes usually only occur during the first few months after giving birth. After that, the condition of the mother’s hair will return to normal. Carrying out good and proper hair care may also help prevent hair loss from becoming too severe. - Dull and acne prone skin.
Some pregnant women experience changes in skin color around the eyes or more pimples than usual. After giving birth, the dark color or acne will immediately decrease. However, there are some women who experience red rashes around the mouth and cheeks and very dry skin. This condition will usually disappear within a few weeks.
Mothers may feel exhausted because they have to face the various changes above while taking care of their newborn baby. If you really need help, don’t hesitate to ask your husband or family for help. What mothers need to remember is that during the postpartum recovery period, mothers really need to maintain their health, including taking care of their body. Don’t forget to check with your doctor or midwife after giving birth, according to the specified schedule. During the consultation, mothers can ask for advice on how to deal with various physical and mental complaints that mothers are experiencing, as well as how to deal with postpartum body changes.
