Postpartum can be an exhausting and confusing times. You may experience postpartum symptoms for the first time and get scared on the effects it will have on your body long term. Experiencing postpartum symptoms is a way your body is telling you which part of your body requires more attention for you to maximise your recovery journey.
Postpartum symptoms may differ depending on whether you’ve had vaginal or caesarean birth, easy or difficult birth, your pre-existing health conditions, etc. Your postpartum symptoms may include as follows:
1. Vaginal bleeding
Vaginal bleeding is a normal postpartum symptom to have as your body is naturally removing excess blood, mucus and tissue that lined your uterus while you were pregnant. Vaginal bleeding will usually last for 3 to 10 days, gradually lightening up in colour as the days pass. Some may also experience light bleeding or spotting for up to 6 weeks.
2. Abdominal cramps
Abdominal cramps are to be expected as your uterus is shrinking back to its normal size. This cramp will usually last for 3 to 10 days, with the first 3 days being the strongest.
3. Pain or numbness around the C-section incision
If you’ve done caesarean, you may experience pain, numbness or even itchiness around that area. You’ll be glad to know that this will be better in time, up to 6 weeks.
4. Trouble urinating
As compared to having to pee every so often during pregnancy, you may find yourself having trouble peeing during postpartum. This may be due to not having pressure against your bladder anymore. You might also be dehydrated (make sure to stay hydrated!).
5. Constipation
Constipations may happen as your body requires time to go back to regular bowel movements. Your abdominal muscles are weak in this period and require time to regain strength.
6. Fatigue
The act of delivery of a little one can take a toll on your body. The few days, weeks and even months may have you on sleepless nights as you follow your little one’s sleeping patterns.
7. Body aches
Body aches are normal as your body went through a lot while delivering your little one. Give it time to recover and heal.
8. Night sweats
Night sweats may not happen to all. If you are experiencing night sweats, it is not a cause to worry. Your body just requires flushing out excess fluids.
9. Back pain
Back pain is one of the symptoms that may linger for a longer period. Your muscles and ligaments were relaxed and loosened due to pregnancy hormones to ease your delivery. It may take a while for your muscles to regain their strength.
10. Leaking busts, sore nipples and busts
Breastfeeding or not, you may experience symptoms in your busts and nipples. Your busts and nipples are slowly getting used to having milk to nurse your little one.
Experiencing postpartum symptoms may be normal but you know your body best. If you notice signs of a more serious health issues, do consult professionals for help and clarification. It is better to be safe than sorry. 💛
Dreamline Bodyclinic