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Common Problems After Giving Birth

The birth of your baby is a joyous time and possibly the best day of your life. While you are learning to care for your baby and discovering what it feels like to be a mother, you also might feel a variety of emotional and physical discomforts and pains. Be aware of which ailments are common and which need further medical treatment.

  1. Post-Delivery Pains

    • Post-delivery pains are common after both a vaginal and a Cesarean delivery. If you delivered your baby vaginally, you will notice your perineum is sore if the doctor cut it open or if it tore. Your uterus will have contractions for a few days after the birth, which also can cause pain and discomfort.

      If you had a Cesarean delivery, your pain is going to be more severe and require a longer recovery time. Expect to remain in the hospital for up to four days and be sore for up to eight weeks. Your doctor will prescribe you a painkiller to ease the discomfort as you heal.

    Pain and Discomfort

    • Aside from delivery-related pains, there are other parts of your body that might bring you discomfort. Your nipples might be cracked and sore from breastfeeding, and your breasts will be engorged, causing some discomfort. Hemorrhoids are also common, so don't expect them to immediately go away after you give birth. Take good care of yourself after the birth, and get help from your spouse and other family members.

    Body Changes

    • You might find yourself constipated until about two days after the birth, which can be uncomfortable or painful because of any stitches you had on the perineum. As your hormone levels switch, you will notice hot and cold flashes similar to when you were pregnant. You will have heavy and frequent vaginal discharge after your labor and up to a couple weeks later. This discharge might contain blood, and it is known as "lochia." You might also notice incontinence for a few days after labor as your body adjusts to the stretching of muscles during your delivery.

    Emotional Issues

    • Expect an emotional roller coaster after the birth of your child. About 80 percent of women experience a form of "baby blues" within days of the birth, which can include sadness, anxiety, crying or irritability. Postpartum depression (PPD) is a more serious case of baby blues in which you feel more intense emotions such as severe anxiety, guilt and extreme sadness. If you have symptoms of PPD that last longer than two weeks, consult your doctor for counseling and treatment options.

    When To Call The Doctor

    • Although many problems after birth are common and easily treated at home, there are warning signs that might lead to more serious medical issues. If your vaginal discharge has become foul-smelling or you are soaking up more than one sanitary napkin an hour, consult your doctor immediately. Seek medical help if you have a fever above 104 degrees, increasing pain in the vaginal area, new pain or swelling in your legs or your incision becomes red and swollen. If your depression gets worse, leading to hallucinations of harming your baby, consult a doctor immediately.

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