Postpartum Care
Book your postpartum check in at an Obria Medical Clinic today.
During the weeks after delivery, many mothers contend with challenges like anxiety, pain, fatigue, and other issues. Postpartum appointments with an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN), nurse practitioner or midwife provide an opportunity to ensure the well-being of new mothers physically, mentally, and psychologically. Your first postpartum appointment should occur within the first three weeks of delivery. Book an appointment today and let us support you.
What is postpartum care?
Often referred to as the fourth trimester, the postpartum period is a critical time of recovery after childbirth. Encouraging a woman to care for herself during this period is essential for her recovery, overall health, and her ability to care for her newborn.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that your first postpartum check in occur within the first three weeks of delivery with additional visits scheduled as needed.1 Even if you are feeling fine, it is still important that you attend your first postpartum appointment.
What occurs during a postpartum check in?
Your first postpartum visit is all about your provider ensuring that you are physically, mentally and psychologically healthy, and that you are recovering at a proper rate.
During your checkup, your provider will give you a pelvic examination to check in on how well you are healing after birth.
They’ll also chat with you to check on whether you are experiencing some common challenges that new moms often face, like feeling down or anxious (which is often an indicator of Postpartum Depression), having difficulty caring for your baby, experiencing poor sleep, fatigue, pain, or a range of other issues.
They may also discuss the emotional side of things with you and offer practical support. If you are worried about things like food, diapers, or resources, they may also address those concerns too.
Obria Medical Clinics specifically offer several additional resources for material support that you may be interested in.
What symptoms may I experience during the postpartum period?
Vaginal Soreness
If left untreated, Chlamydia can spread to the uterus and harm a woman’s sexual health. In the uterus, it can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and a reproductive organs, particularly the fallopian tubes, which carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. This can lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancies.
When PID results from the infection, women may experience mild symptoms, even though serious damage is happening to their reproductive organs. Because the symptoms are often vague, the infection may go unnoticed by both women and healthcare providers.
Symptoms of PID include lower abdominal pain, fever, unusual vaginal discharge with a foul odor, painful intercourse, painful urination, irregular menstrual bleeding, and rarely, pain in the right upper abdomen.
Vaginal Discharge
There is evidence that a Chlamydial infection in a pregnant woman can lead to premature delivery. Babies born to infected mothers can also get Chlamydial infections in their eyes and respiratory tracts. The disease is a leading cause of early infant pneumonia and conjunctivitis (pink eye) in newborns.
Afterpains & Contractions
Symptoms include:
- Blood in the semen
- Discharge from the urethra (the opening at the end of the penis)
- Discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvis
- Fever
- Severe groin pain
- Lump in the testicle
- Pain during ejaculation
- Pain or burning during urination
- Painful scrotal swelling (epididymis is enlarged)
- Tender, swollen groin area on affected side
- Testicle pain that worsens during a bowel movement
When PID results from the infection, women may experience mild symptoms, even though serious damage is happening to their reproductive organs. Because the symptoms are often vague, the infection may go unnoticed by both women and healthcare providers.
Symptoms of PID include lower abdominal pain, fever, unusual vaginal discharge with a foul odor, painful intercourse, painful urination, irregular menstrual bleeding, and rarely, pain in the right upper abdomen.
Incontinence
Symptoms include:
- Blood in the semen
- Discharge from the urethra (the opening at the end of the penis)
- Discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvis
- Fever
- Severe groin pain
- Lump in the testicle
- Pain during ejaculation
- Pain or burning during urination
- Painful scrotal swelling (epididymis is enlarged)
- Tender, swollen groin area on affected side
- Testicle pain that worsens during a bowel movement
When PID results from the infection, women may experience mild symptoms, even though serious damage is happening to their reproductive organs. Because the symptoms are often vague, the infection may go unnoticed by both women and healthcare providers.
Symptoms of PID include lower abdominal pain, fever, unusual vaginal discharge with a foul odor, painful intercourse, painful urination, irregular menstrual bleeding, and rarely, pain in the right upper abdomen.
Tender Breasts
Symptoms include:
- Blood in the semen
- Discharge from the urethra (the opening at the end of the penis)
- Discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvis
- Fever
- Severe groin pain
- Lump in the testicle
- Pain during ejaculation
- Pain or burning during urination
- Painful scrotal swelling (epididymis is enlarged)
- Tender, swollen groin area on affected side
- Testicle pain that worsens during a bowel movement
When PID results from the infection, women may experience mild symptoms, even though serious damage is happening to their reproductive organs. Because the symptoms are often vague, the infection may go unnoticed by both women and healthcare providers.
Symptoms of PID include lower abdominal pain, fever, unusual vaginal discharge with a foul odor, painful intercourse, painful urination, irregular menstrual bleeding, and rarely, pain in the right upper abdomen.
Hair, Skin & Weight Changes
Symptoms include:
- Blood in the semen
- Discharge from the urethra (the opening at the end of the penis)
- Discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvis
- Fever
- Severe groin pain
- Lump in the testicle
- Pain during ejaculation
- Pain or burning during urination
- Painful scrotal swelling (epididymis is enlarged)
- Tender, swollen groin area on affected side
- Testicle pain that worsens during a bowel movement
When PID results from the infection, women may experience mild symptoms, even though serious damage is happening to their reproductive organs. Because the symptoms are often vague, the infection may go unnoticed by both women and healthcare providers.
Symptoms of PID include lower abdominal pain, fever, unusual vaginal discharge with a foul odor, painful intercourse, painful urination, irregular menstrual bleeding, and rarely, pain in the right upper abdomen.
Emotional Changes: Postpartum Depression or The Baby Blues?
Know the difference: Postpartum Depression & the Baby Blues
While it is somewhat common to go experience the Baby Blues, know how to identify the warning signs of Postpartum Depression, which you should seek professional help for.
The Baby Blues
It is common for new mothers to experience feelings of sadness within the first few days after giving birth, which is referred to as the baby blues. Usually experienced within the first 2-3 days after giving birth, baby blues is often caused by the steep decline in pregnancy hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which gives rise to mood swings.7 Additionally, many new parents may be navigating personal changes and experience feelings of anxiety as they navigate caring for their newborn, or worry about what this change may mean for their lives. You may find yourself feeling down, impatient, or grumpy, crying for no reason or just generally not yourself. The good news is that the baby blues typically resolves within 2-3 weeks of giving birth. If these feelings do not alleviate, get in contact with a healthcare professional.
Your partner may also experience the Baby Blues.
This typically beginning within the first 3-6 months of parenting, and may cause feelings of sadness, irritability, withdrawal, hopelessness, and feelings of doubt in male partners. This is partially due to a change in hormones in new fathers as testosterone levels drop and estrogen levels rise, in addition to other hormones like cortisol (the stress hormone) increasing.6 If your partner is having trouble coping, encourage them to seek resources for professional help.
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
Postpartum Depression is a more significant issue with a clinical diagnosis. Occurring in 1 in 7 new mothers, Postpartum Depression (PPD) is characterized by intense feelings of sadness, anxiety, fatigue, and hopelessness.5 It typically begins within 1-3 weeks of delivery and requires professional help and medical treatment to resolve.
Postpartum Depression not only affects how you feel, but also how you relate to the world around you and to your baby.
You may find that you feel in a fog, have difficulty bonding with your baby or have little interest in the things that typically interest you. If you are experiencing any symptoms of Postpartum depression, contact your medical provider who can help you to feel better.
If you are experiencing any suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm or harming your baby, contact 911 or call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
You are not alone.
Returning to Baseline
Your period, sexual activity & additional pregnancies
When will my period return?
If you are not breastfeeding, you might notice your period returning around 6 to 8 weeks after giving birth. However, if you are breastfeeding, it could be several months before your period resumes. Some women might not experience their menstrual cycle again until they decide to stop breastfeeding.
When your period does make a comeback, it is important to note that it may be different from what you were accustomed to before pregnancy. It could be shorter or longer in duration. But with time, it typically stabilizes and returns to its pre-pregnancy pattern. 7
When can I engage in sexual activity?
Healthcare professionals suggest waiting 4 to 6 weeks after childbirth to allow your body the necessary healing time before resuming sexual activity. When you do decide to engage in sexual activity, exercise caution, as it’s possible to become pregnant even before your menstrual cycle resumes. This is because ovulation, the release of an egg, can occur before your period returns.4
When can I sustain another pregnancy?
Even though your body may be able to support another pregnancy sooner rather than later, it is recommended to wait at least a year and a half before sustaining an additional pregnancy, as lack of time in between pregnancies increases the likelihood of your baby being born prematurely.4
General recommendations for navigating the postpartum period:
Prioritize getting rest and sleep.
Adjusting to your newborn’s feeding schedule can cause sleep deprivation and be a difficult experience, especially when your body needs sleep to recover. Be sure to ask for assistance caring for your newborn from loved ones when you need rest and try to align your sleep with when your baby is sleeping.
Get support from family and friends.
There is an adage that “it takes a village to raise a child.” Receiving practical support from family and friends in the form of cooking, assistance with feeding your newborn, running errands, or helping with childcare can make all the difference during this time. Do not be afraid to lean on loved ones for help – they want to see you succeed.
Eat healthy and return to exercise.
Taking care of yourself allows you to take better care of others. Be sure to eat a nutrient dense diet conducive to healing and breastfeeding and return to exercise when given approval by your healthcare provider. Walking outdoors or exercising will release the feel-good endorphins that you need to find balance as a new parent.
You are supported.
The Postpartum period can be a challenging period to navigate for new parents. We are here to support you in more ways than one and you are not alone. Book your Postpartum appointment at an Obria Medical Clinic near you.
References:
1. Ramos, Dr. D. (2022, February). What to expect at a postpartum checkup-and why the visit matters. ACOG. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/what-to-expect-at-a-postpartum-checkup-and-why-the-visit-matters
2. Women’s Care, S. (2023). Vaginal pain after pregnancy: How much is normal?. Vaginal Pain After Pregnancy: How Much Is Normal?: Solace Women’s Care: Obstetrics & Gynecology. https://www.solacewomenscare.com/blog/vaginal-pain-after-pregnancy-how-much-is-normal
3. Staff, M. C. (2022, December 6). What moms can expect after a vaginal delivery. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/postpartum-care/art-20047233
4. Dimes, M. of. (2023, September). Your body after baby: The first 6 weeks. March of Dimes. https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/postpartum/your-body-after-baby-first-6-weeks#:~:text=Vaginal%20discharge,less%20and%20lighter%20in%20color.
5. Professional, C. C. M. (2022, April 12). Postpartum depression: Causes, symptoms & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9312-postpartum-depression
6. Dimes, M. of. (2021, May). Baby Blues after pregnancy. March of Dimes. https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/postpartum/baby-blues-after-pregnancy
7. Dimes, M. of. (2019, March). Postpartum depression. March of Dimes. https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/postpartum/postpartum-depression