2 weeks postpartum: How does the mother's body recover?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by MSc, Dr. Trinh Thi Thanh Huyen - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
At this point, you may start to feel better, but you're definitely still recovering from the birth. Take things slow and be sure to call your healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns about your post-pregnancy body.

1. Bleeding after giving birth

Recovery from vaginal delivery or recovery from a cesarean section: you may still have some vaginal bleeding but not too heavy at this time, it is completely normal for the bleeding to subside during this second week. often. You may notice vaginal discharge turning pinkish brown or yellowish in color, which is also normal. You may have constant or intermittent vaginal bleeding and discharge and none for 4 to 6 weeks after giving birth.

2. Vaginal and perineal healing

Currently, you are less likely to experience acute pain or a stinging sensation, during which time you may still feel some mild soreness. If you have a vaginal tear or an episiotomy, you may feel some itching as the skin heals.

3. Caesarean section recovery

You may still feel some pain at your incision and you will still have to follow your doctor's orders to make things easier, but you're past the most painful and uncomfortable recovery period and you'll be fine. feel a little better. Please clean this area. Sometimes, your incision site may feel itchy or numb.
Speed ​​up recovery from cesarean section
Whether you have a scheduled or unplanned cesarean section, the postpartum recovery regimen can leave you in a bit of a shock. Here are a few things that can ease your recovery and help you bounce back from surgery.
Take pain relievers Many women stop taking painkillers too soon and as a result they suffer more pain. That can become a vicious cycle. So take the pain reliever prescribed by your doctor, and make sure you take it before the pain becomes too severe.
In case, pain relievers do not work for the ongoing pain, talk to your doctor so that the cause and remedy can be found in time.
Get out of bed Believe it or not, getting up as early as possible and moving around the room, even just a little, can help you recover faster. This can help you feel better physically as well as mentally. Make sure you get up with the help of someone else the first few times, as you are still quite weak and your limbs are still shaking.
When you can go short distances like going to the bathroom, consider walking around the house. These rounds will usually be slow, but not the speed, but the movement that matters.
Plan ahead Once you've gone home and recovered, and remember to plan ahead. Plan to go to an area with a basket for everything you need: phone, medicine, water bottle, books, TV remote, and more.
When you're sleeping, sleep close to your baby so you don't have to move near him, and you can also prepare handy meals that can be easily made. You need to remember, eating well will help you recover.
Use a small pillow Use a pillow to brace the incision while standing for the first few days or when you cough or laugh, this can reduce pain and help you feel more stable. A pillow can then be helpful to help you support your baby while nursing.
Go slow Remember, you just had a baby and a major surgery, you need to increase your activity level slowly over the next six to eight weeks. Do not pick up anything heavier than your baby and do not start exercising until you have received clear information from your doctor.
Also remember that even though you have a cesarean section, you will still experience vaginal bleeding, if you do too much you will sometimes notice an increase in the amount of blood.
Wear compression socks These are plastic socks that cover your shins and squeeze your legs to help blood return to your heart faster. This strategy is often used after surgery to help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Accept help Even if you've had time to plan ahead for your cesarean recovery, something can catch you off guard. Don't be afraid to ask for help and support from your healthcare provider, family, friends, and neighbors.
Sometimes a friendly face and a listening ear can help you recover better. You should also make sure you get regular check-ups after giving birth. These schedules are scheduled to help ensure that you are recovering to your normal health after surgery. It can affect future pregnancies, but a healthy recovery can help minimize that process.

4. Night sweats

About a third of women experience night sweats or hot flashes in the first month postpartum. This is due to hormonal changes as well as your body's need to excrete excess fluid during pregnancy. It's normal and will usually go away in a few days or weeks.

5. Mental health status

The “baby blues” syndrome is completely normal. In fact, most women assume they are suffering from this syndrome. However, postpartum depression (PPD) is an entirely different story. If you are feeling sad and worried. If you can't eat or sleep, aren't attached to your infant, or are having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of hurting anyone else, talk to your doctor so you can find a way to fix the problem. this.
Suggestions to help you recover:
If you are breastfeeding, you will dig into this right now. Remember to have lanolin - fleece ointment ready to treat sore nipples and watch out for clogged milk ducts. A lactation consultant can make a huge difference here, so get in touch with them if you're struggling. Incorporate a bit of daytime activity whether it's walking around your house or the block. Continue to eat well. Foods with potassium can help maintain your energy. Postpartum care is a continuous and comprehensive process for both mother and baby, with special attention being paid to women having a caesarean section so that the earliest post-operative recovery process can avoid possible complications. Within 12 weeks of giving birth, see your doctor for a comprehensive postpartum evaluation. During your follow-up appointment, your doctor will check on your mood and emotional health, discuss contraception and birth spacing, review information about your baby's care and feeding, and talk about sleep habits. and fatigue-related problems and physical examination.
At Vinmec International General Hospital, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is one of the leading specialties. With a system of modern equipment and machinery, spacious and clean rooms, a team of doctors and nurses not only have high professional experience but also have understanding and close attention to the psychology and state of each patient. The pregnant woman will participate in the diagnosis, giving the most optimal method depending on the mother's condition. Thanks to that, it gives women absolute peace of mind, comfort, no worries for mother and baby.

To register for examination and treatment with the leading doctors of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Vinmec International General Hospital, please click the "Contact Us" button on the website, or register for an online examination HERE.
References: healthline.com, whattoexpect.com, verywellfamily.com