Your body changes

Initially your uterus contracts and within 10 days it is no longer palpable abdominally, taking a full 6 weeks to reduce back to it’s normal size (to that of a small plum). You may get ‘after pains’ from the contractions for about 4-5 days.

The discharge (Lochia) from the uterus can be blood stained for a couple of weeks before turning white or yellow. If you are not breast feeding your menstrual cycle can return as soon as 6 weeks after delivery. This can be delayed if you are breast feeding.

If you have suffered from high blood pressure during pregnancy or swelling in the hands and legs (oedema) this should settle during these first 6 weeks. Your blood pressure should be monitored by your GP or practice nurse regularly if this has been a problem.

You may notice that you do not have to pass urine as much as for the first 3 months your kidney resumes its’ normal filtration rates which have been dramatically increased in pregnancy (that’s why pregnant women have to wee so much!). As a result of this your blood salt levels return to normal too. When bleeding stops your blood haemoglobin rises and you become less anaemic. It is important to mobilize during this time as your blood clotting factors are high. Mobilizing helps prevent clots in the legs and lung (Deep Vein Thrombosis, DVT and Pleural Effusion, PE).

© The Westover

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