Postpartum recovery: looking after yourself after the birth

Urgent warning signs after birth

Get medical care right away for heavy bleeding or discharge that smells bad, a fever of 38 °C (100.4 °F) or more, a headache that will not go away, changes in vision, chest pain or trouble breathing, a swollen, red or painful leg or arm, or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. See all urgent warning signs.

The first weeks

Bleeding

Bleeding after the birth lasts a few weeks. It usually stops after 6 to 8 weeks, but it can last longer. Call your emergency number if the bleeding suddenly becomes very heavy, or if you feel faint or dizzy or your heart is pounding (NHS).

Your check-ups after the birth

United Kingdom

The mother’s check is 6 to 8 weeks after the birth. It covers your mood, healing, blood pressure if needed, contraception and how feeding is going (NHS).

United States

ACOG advises contact with your obstetric care provider within the first 3 weeks after the birth, and a full postpartum visit no later than 12 weeks after the birth (ACOG).

Other countries

The World Health Organization advises care for at least 24 hours after the birth, then at least three more check-ups in the first six weeks (WHO). Ask your own doctor or midwife what is offered where you live.

Contraception and a next pregnancy

You can get pregnant from 3 weeks (21 days) after giving birth, even before your period comes back and even if you are breastfeeding. If you don’t want another pregnancy yet, talk about contraception with your midwife or doctor before then (NHS).

Moving again

Gentle exercise, like walking and stretching, can help your recovery, and pelvic floor exercises are advised. Wait until after your 6 to 8 week check before high-impact exercise like running, and ask your midwife or doctor (NHS).

Feeling low or anxious

Many parents feel tearful in the first days. If low mood or worry lasts more than two weeks, or feels very strong, talk to your doctor, midwife or health visitor. Partners can be affected too: see partners’ feelings.

Sources

• CDC: Urgent maternal warning signs
• NHS: Your 6-week postnatal check
• NHS: Your body in the early days after the birth
• ACOG: Optimizing postpartum care (Committee Opinion 736)
• WHO: Quality care for women and newborns in the first weeks after childbirth

Questions people ask

How long does bleeding last after birth?

Usually a few weeks. It usually stops after 6 to 8 weeks, but it can last longer. Tell your midwife or doctor if you are worried about it (NHS).

When should I call the emergency number?

If bleeding suddenly becomes very heavy, or you feel faint or dizzy or your heart is pounding (NHS). See all urgent warning signs.

When is my check-up after the birth?

It depends on your country. In the UK it is at 6 to 8 weeks (NHS). In the US, ACOG advises contact within 3 weeks and a full visit by 12 weeks (ACOG).

Can I get pregnant soon after the birth?

Yes. You can get pregnant from 3 weeks after the birth, even before your period comes back or while breastfeeding. Talk about contraception with your midwife or doctor (NHS).

Is it normal to feel tearful?

Yes. Many parents feel a bit down, tearful or anxious in the first week. If these feelings start later or last longer than 2 weeks, talk to your midwife, doctor or health visitor (NHS).

When can I exercise again?

Gentle walks and pelvic floor exercises help. Wait until after your 6 to 8 week check before high-impact exercise like running (NHS).