Recovering after birth
What is normal in the first six weeks after birth, how to care for yourself, and your postnatal visits.
- Bleeding lightens over two to six weeks
- Attend postnatal visits at day 3 to 6 and again at 6 weeks
- Discuss family planning before you resume sex
- Persistent low mood beyond two weeks needs support
Your body needs about six weeks to recover, and often longer. Bleeding (lochia) is heavy and red at first, becoming lighter and browner over two to six weeks. Afterpains, especially while breastfeeding, are normal. Stitches usually heal within two weeks and are helped by warm water, gentle washing and keeping the area dry.
Rest whenever your baby sleeps, eat and drink well, keep taking iron if it was prescribed, and keep moving gently. Use pads rather than tampons, and do not put anything into the vagina until you have been checked.
Postnatal visits are important for both you and your baby: usually within three to six days, again at about six weeks, with checks in between depending on your facility. Family planning is discussed at these visits — you can fall pregnant again sooner than you might expect, even while breastfeeding.
Feeling tearful and overwhelmed in the first two weeks is common. If low mood, anxiety or hopelessness lasts longer than two weeks, that is not something you have to push through — help is available.
- Soaking more than one pad an hour or passing large clots
- Fever above 38 °C or foul-smelling discharge
- Severe headache, blurred vision or fits
- Severe abdominal or wound pain, or a wound that opens
- Calf pain or swelling, chest pain or breathlessness
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Any of these signs after birth needs urgent assessment. Heavy bleeding, fits, chest pain or thoughts of harm are emergencies — go to hospital immediately.
This information is general health education and does not replace advice from your nurse, midwife or doctor. In an emergency go to your nearest facility.