The postpartum period, which includes the first six weeks, is known as the postpartum period, and is characterized by the occurrence of many physical or emotional changes for the woman. The most important thing to be aware of at this stage is everything related to the woman’s health after childbirth and what are the most important tips to help her regain her activity again. Follow this article with us, Madam.

What are the physical and psychological changes that a woman goes through after giving birth?

Certainly, a woman’s lifestyle changes a lot after childbirth, and many changes occur in a woman’s health after childbirth, not only physical but also psychological. The most prominent changes in a woman’s body after childbirth include the following:

• Uterine changes: As the uterus begins to shrink gradually to regain its size before pregnancy, this causes the woman to feel some pain and contractions.
• Pain resulting from childbirthMost women feel cramps and pain in the vagina after natural childbirth, or in the area of ​​the cesarean section during the first period after childbirth. 
• Postpartum blood: As a result of the shedding of the uterine lining, the blood is present in both natural and caesarean section births, but it is more dense in caesarean section, and in both cases it stops six weeks after the birth.
• Perineal pain: It is the area connecting the vagina and the anal area. This pain results from tearing and incision in the area to facilitate the fetus’s exit during natural birth. It is also swollen for several days after birth.
• Vaginal surgery pain: As a result of making a surgical incision in the perineum and tearing the surrounding tissue, the doctor sutures the wound, and after two weeks, the medical suture dissolves without having to be removed.
• Menstrual changesMenstruation is absent after childbirth for several months, and the period may be longer in the case of breastfeeding, and the menstrual cycle often returns after 4-8 weeks. 
• Breast pain: As a result of the start of milk flow in the breast, doctors recommend continuing breastfeeding to increase milk production and flow in large quantities.
• Urinary changesSymptoms of urinary incontinence may appear in the postpartum period, and the mother may also feel a burning sensation during urination, which is an indication of cystitis. 
• Changes in the digestive systemBowel movement is affected by the birth process, leading to bloating and constipation. 
• Changes in feeding habitsThe mother may feel very hungry during breastfeeding, which is normal. 
• Fatigue and exhaustionIt is normal to feel general fatigue and exhaustion in the first weeks after giving birth. 
• Hormonal changesHormonal levels change significantly in a woman’s body after childbirth, which affects the amount of fluids in the body and the appearance of some symptoms such as swelling and fluid retention in various parts of the body. 
• Sexual changes after birthA woman's sexual desire decreases after giving birth, which is normal, and with time the woman will regain sexual motivation. 

Attention must also be paid to the psychological changes that occur in a woman’s health after childbirth, including the factors that affect the mother’s psychological state after childbirth, which are:

• Hormonal changes.
• Feeling tired.
• Increased burden and responsibility.
• Lack of sleep.
• Fear of the future.

All of these factors affect a woman's psyche and make her feel distressed, stressed, and stressed, and all of this may lead to postpartum depression. 

Read also: The most important changes related to women's health after thirty

What are the healthy nutritional tips for postpartum women?

In general, most mothers in the first months after giving birth need between 1800 - 2200 calories every day, and in the case of breastfeeding, the mother needs an additional 500 calories.

 A diet must be followed that supports the woman’s health after childbirth and is balanced and appropriate to the woman’s needs for breastfeeding and child care. Postpartum nutritional advice includes the following:

• Make sure to eat a balanced breakfast that contains proteins and complex carbohydrates.
• Make sure to divide your food and eat small meals throughout the day, instead of eating three large meals.
• Make sure to consume fluids and drink 6-10 glasses of water every day.
• Regularly eat snacks of fresh vegetables and fruits instead of unhealthy meals.
• Avoid attempts to lose weight, especially in the first period after birth, as this may impair the mother’s health and also affect the amount of milk in the case of breastfeeding.
• Ensure that meals are balanced. It is best to fill half of the plate with fruits and vegetables at each meal, and for the other half to include whole grains such as brown rice, whole-grain bread, or oatmeal. 
• Reducing canned and processed foods and drinks that contain a high percentage of salt, saturated fats and sugars. 
• You must be careful to eat products that contain calcium, iron, zinc and all vitamins to support lactation and maternal health. 
• Stay away from drinking alcohol and caffeinated drinks as they affect the child’s health and cause sleep disorders. 
• Avoid foods that affect the flavor of breast milk, which upsets the baby, or that contain many spices that affect the baby’s stomach. 

What symptoms should a woman pay attention to after giving birth?

It is normal for all mothers to feel exhausted, tired, and uncomfortable after childbirth, but attention must be paid to the presence of any postpartum symptoms or complications that affect the woman’s health after childbirth, and urgent treatment must be sought. These symptoms include the following: 

• Severe uterine bleeding, which can be identified by soaking the pad with blood every hour for more than two hours. 
• Blood clots larger than a golf ball. 
• Foul-smelling secretions. 
• High temperature and fever. 
• Unbearable pain in the abdomen or chest. 
• Pain during urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, or the need to urinate often. 
• A hard lump in the breast. 
• Pain, redness and swelling in the breast. 
• Pain or discharge around the surgical incision made for cesarean section. 
• Feeling short of breath. 
• Leg pain. 
• Feeling extremely sad, tired, or having difficulty caring for oneself or the child. 

Read also: What are the signs of natural birth and what are its stages?

Getting rid of stretch marks after giving birth

Postpartum women's health advice includes solving the problem of stretch marks, which are a group of thin white lines that appear on the skin in different areas of the body, especially after a sudden and significant weight gain. 

It is very common in pregnant women, especially in the last periods of pregnancy and after childbirth. It appears around the abdominal area, and may remain for long periods or disappear during the first year after childbirth. This is due to the difference in the woman’s body and the degree of expansion. 

• Maintaining a stable body weight. 
•  Continuously moisturize the body. 
• Use natural products to care for the stretch area. 
• Keep drinking appropriate amounts of water daily. 
• Make sure to exercise daily.

Some women may search for some natural recipes that help get rid of stretch marks after giving birth. 

It is worth noting that natural prescriptions require adherence and continuity, and the result may appear after a long period in some women. Some women may resort to consulting a specialist doctor to prescribe some topical preparations and nutritional supplements to treat skin expansion, which may include the following:

• Retinol cream. 
• Peptide creams. 
• Vitamin E creams and oils. 
• Creams containing hyaluronic acid and tretinoin.
• Nutritional supplements, especially those containing vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin E. 

Some women are disturbed by the appearance of stretch marks and resort to medical intervention to get rid of them faster. There are many options that women can discuss with a specialist dermatologist based on his assessment of the condition. These methods include:

• Microneedling (collagen induction therapy).
• Chemical peeling.
• Crystal skin peeling.
• Laser treatment.
• Radiofrequency skin resurfacing.
• Platelet-rich plasma.
• Ultrasound therapy. 
• Self-tanning products without exposure to the sun. 
• Postpartum body plastic surgery. 

Book your consultation now at Women's Health Center At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.

 Exercising after giving birth

Exercise is one of the most important factors that help restore a woman's health after childbirth, and the importance of exercising after childbirth includes the following:

• Relieve stress and help sleep better.
•  Strengthening the abdominal muscles.
•  Prevent postpartum depression.
•  Losing weight gained during pregnancy.

The mother can start exercising shortly after birth as long as the pregnancy was healthy and the birth was normal without any problems, while in the case of a cesarean section she must consult a doctor. 

Learn about: What is the correct way to sleep after a cesarean section?

Intercourse after childbirth

Doctors recommend abstaining from sexual intercourse after giving birth for a period of 8 weeks, until the mother’s body fully recovers and the wound heals, whether a cesarean section in the stomach or an episiotomy in the vagina.

FAQs

What are the things that a mother should reduce after giving birth for good health?

There are some things that you should pay attention to minimizing after childbirth because they have a negative impact on the woman’s health after childbirth, and they are as follows:

• Reducing stress and psychological pressure: The mother can practice relaxation exercises and seek help to relieve postpartum stress. If the stress is severe and the mother is unable to cope, she must consult a doctor immediately, so that it does not cause postpartum depression.
• Reducing the intake of fast food that contains a high percentage of saturated fats and sugars that are not beneficial to the mother’s health.
• تقليل المجهود البدني الشاق أو رفع الأشياء الثقيلة خاصة بعد الولادة القيصرية. 
• Reduce and avoid exposure to dangerous chemicals after birth, as the mother’s immune system is weak and easy to develop allergies. 
• Reduce visits with young children to reduce the infant's chances of infection. 

When does a woman regain her health after giving birth?

One of the most common questions after childbirth is that a woman’s health will return to normal after childbirth, as there are differences in a woman’s recovery of her health after childbirth from one woman to another and it depends on several factors such as:

•  Type of birthNatural childbirth usually allows a woman to regain her health faster compared to a cesarean section.
• Women's general health before and during pregnancy. 
• Occurrence Complications during childbirth: This may delay the healing process.
• Available health care: Regular medical follow-up helps with rapid healing and recovery.

In general, it takes most mothers about 6 weeks to physically recover after giving birth.

 Here are some tips for the mother to recover quickly after giving birth:

• Adequate rest: Get enough sleep.
• Healthy nutrition: Eat foods rich in iron and protein.
• Do light exercises: after consulting your doctor.
• Pay attention to personal hygiene: especially the wound area.
• Seek support: from family and friends.

How much rest does a woman need after natural childbirth?

The full recovery period from pregnancy and childbirth takes a few months. Although many women feel physically better and recover within 6-8 weeks, full recovery takes longer to feel completely better.

The first weeks after birth, especially the first 6 weeks, are very important for rest and healing of the natural birth wound or cesarean section. 

In natural childbirth, the speed of vaginal recovery after childbirth varies based on several factors, including the mother’s health condition and how the birth process was, but in general, the vagina needs to recover from three to five weeks in cases where no tear occurred, and about six weeks in cases of an incision in the perineal area. 

What are the most important habits of a woman after giving birth?

One of the most important habits of a woman after giving birth is to take care of her physical and psychological health to compensate for the period of pregnancy and childbirth. Therefore, attention should be given to nutrition rich in protein and vitamins, and keeping the wound clean during a cesarean section. Light walking is recommended to improve blood circulation.

When does a woman's body return to normal after giving birth?

The period for a woman's body to return to normal after childbirth varies from one case to another depending on the shape of the body before childbirth. It usually takes the mother from 6 to 8 weeks for the body to begin to recover from pregnancy and childbirth and for the uterus to return to its normal size, while sagging skin takes months.

When does the abdomen return to normal after natural birth?

The abdomen usually takes from a month and a half to several months to return to normal after natural birth, and the period varies depending on several factors such as the mother’s weight before and after birth, the level of physical activity she performs, and the foods she relies on for nutrition.

In conclusion, we at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital are ready to care for mothers and young children from the beginning of pregnancy, childbirth and after birth. 

We have a multidisciplinary team ready to provide all the necessary care to support women’s health after childbirth, such as pregnancy follow-up, nutritionists, and psychiatrists, to protect mothers and children.

Medical references 

Labor and delivery, postpartum care – mayoclinic

What does postpartum mean – clevelandclinic