Pregnancy & Baby 

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The road to recovery

continued from page 1

Nine months after a vaginal birth

The first week: emotionally
'The hormones oestrogen and progesterone increase when a women is pregnant but, after giving birth, they're gradually withdrawn over a six week period,' explains Janet Fyle, midwifery advisor at the Royal College of Midwives. Post-delivery, these hormones stimulate the production of breast milk. However, because the body is already striving to get back to its pre-pregnant state, this can cause mood swings as hormone levels fluctuate.

For three to seven days after giving birth, women find that they can quickly swing from being depressed to elated, to feeling depressed again. About 80 per cent of new mums experience this, and it's perfectly normal. On top of the hormones, you're also exhausted, and have just taken on the most important job of your life.

Physically
The placenta is removed straight after the birth, and the uterus immediately begins to contract back to its original size. This causes after-pains. Your midwife will keep an eye on this (failure to contract might indicate an infection). It will take six weeks for it to revert back to normal, becoming a pelvic rather than abdominal organ, again. The cervix also begins to shrink immediately after giving birth, and will likewise make a full recovery in six weeks. Start doing those pelvic floor exercises now!

The first six weeks
Experiencing any or all of the following is entirely normal within the first six weeks after giving birth:

Breast pain: whether or not you plan to breastfeed, you'll experience sore breasts. They can get painfully engorged when your milk comes in. Your nipples may also be sore

Constipation: the first postpartum bowel movement is typically delayed to the third or fourth day after delivery, and sensitive haemorrhoids and sore muscles may make bowel movements painful. This eases over the next few weeks as haemorrhoids shrink and your muscles recover

Episiotomy pain or itching: if your perineum (the area of skin between the vagina and the anus) was cut by your doctor or if it was torn during the birth, the stitches may make it painful to sit or walk for a little while during healing. An ice pack will reduce swelling. Also, try sluicing the area with warm water when you pee, to reduce stinging. After bathing, dry with a hairdryer, if necessary, to avoid harsh rubbing with a towel

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