6 months postpartum: How does the mother's body recover?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by MSc, Dr. Trinh Thi Thanh Huyen - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
After 6 months of birth, the mother's body almost completely recovers. At this point you can start physical activities as well as sexual activities. But you should consider some plans before the next ones to make sure your body can adapt best.

1. Postpartum hair loss

During the first few months after giving birth, you may notice some strange things happening in your hair, like postpartum hair loss. You may feel your hair begin to thin, even begin to fall out in large quantities. This may seem odd, but it's completely normal. Pregnancy makes your hair thicker and thicker, when these hormones decrease, the body will naturally shed excess hair.

2. Bladder Control

After giving birth, many women experience some degree of urinary incontinence. It can range from oozing infrequently (usually sneezing, screaming, laughing, or pushing) to having to "pee" more often. This is due to normal stretching and weakening of the pelvis. Floor muscles during pregnancy and delivery. In addition, perineal incision or tear during delivery (especially third and fourth degree perineal tears) can cause urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence. Kegel exercises can help strengthen these muscles and help you regain control, while also helping with postpartum recovery.
If bladder control problems persist (or for help on how to do Kegels correctly), consult your doctor. They can refer you to a pelvic floor physiotherapist. These specialists can also help treat diastasis recti (a completely normal dilation of the linea alba tendon and that helps hold the abdominal muscles together). Moderate to severe, abdominal muscle degeneration can weaken internal strength and create a hollow (or groove) around the navel area.
Faecal incontinence (difficulty controlling bowel movements or gas) can also be a challenge a mother faces after giving birth. If you feel that your stool is leaking or it is difficult to go to the bathroom in time, seek medical help.

3. Menstruation returns

If you're not breastfeeding, your first period may occur between the first 6 and 12 weeks after giving birth. Most breastfeeding women will find that their postpartum period is slowed, sometimes for months. This will happen differently for each woman, but if you are exclusively breastfeeding (without supplements and on demand feeding) it is unlikely that you will get your period again before your baby starts. start a complementary diet or reduce breastfeeding.
Before continuing to have sex, even if you don't have your period, discuss birth control options with a healthcare professional. Keep in mind that exclusive breastfeeding or breastfeeding usually doesn't protect you from unwanted pregnancy and you could get pregnant without having your period again.

4. Sexual Activity Returns

Although most women can be sexually active after 6 weeks, not everyone feels ready to do so at that time. This is completely normal, because after all the sexual activity, you may be exhausted, or maybe you just don't feel right in your "mood". Take your time and focus on other ways to connect with your partner until you're ready for sex. If vaginal discomfort persists at this point, you should discuss your concerns with a healthcare professional.

5. Practice again

If you were a fitness buff before you had kids, you might want to go back to your old routine. But even when you're ready to exercise, remember to take things completely slowly. Think about how you will return to exercise after giving birth. If you're just starting to exercise for the first time, such as gentle yoga, swimming, or walking, slowly build up to more intense workouts. However, in case you overdo it in the first few months, it can lead to injury.
The most stable postpartum recovery is exercise. Exercise is very important during this period, for both mental and physical health. You can take abdominal strengthening exercises seriously, which should help alleviate some back pain.

6. Mental health status

If you are a mother and your baby is sleeping more, your mental state may be more positive during this time. Again, any lingering feelings associated with postpartum depression (PPD) should prompt medical advice.
There is no clear consensus among experts about when your postpartum rehabilitation is actually complete. How long does it take to recover after giving birth? Many people set the bar for postpartum recovery to be about a full year or more, but this happens differently for each woman. Plus, while many women feel ready (and successfully conceive) to have another baby before a year after giving birth, some doctors recommend waiting at least 18 months before trying to have another baby. baby so your body has the most optimal recovery time.

However, keep in mind that these timelines are estimates only and include many normals. You are the body's best expert on the healing process, so give your body enough time to recover, because the time it takes for your body to recover depends on many factors, including: ease of pregnancy and delivery, your general mental and physical health, any health complications you experience (pregnancy-related or not), your health (and how you sleep) ) of infants, your ability to reach out to and support your family and in general your living habits.
Your postpartum journey is unique and best so you cannot compare yourself to others. Therefore, before making a plan for yourself after having a baby, you should consult a specialist doctor. This will help mom relieve pressure as well as have good knowledge about preparing for that plan.
At Vinmec International General Hospital with a system of modern equipment and machinery, spacious and clean rooms, a team of experienced doctors and nurses will participate in the diagnosis and offer the most optimal method depending on to each postpartum woman. Thanks to that, it gives women absolute peace of mind, comfort, no worries for mother and baby.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

References: healthline.com, whattoexpect.com, verywellfamily.com, parents.com