Pregnancy is the time for learning about your body and your baby, and it’s also the time for preparing for labor and delivery. When you are a first-time mother, this is all new territory, so there is a lot to cover. Our prenatal appointments are designed with this in mind. We provide ample time where we can discuss your options, chat about your feelings, and make sure you know you are supported and cared for during your pregnancy.

During the appointments, we also prepare you for your postpartum period. The postpartum period happens just after delivery. It is a whole different experience than pregnancy, labor, or birth. No two births are the same, and no two postpartum recovery periods are either, which means that it can be challenging to prepare for what is to come.

To help, we compiled a list of things you may not know about postpartum so you can be ready for your postpartum journey!

  1. After you give birth, you may experience pains that feel like contractions. These are referred to as “afterpains.” Afterbirth pains are belly cramps you feel as your uterus is shrinking back to its regular size after pregnancy. They should go away in a few days, but you should always contact your care provider to know more.
  2. Some women get the shakes after delivery. Your body went through intense physical reactions, so to cope, your body can shake. It usually lasts about an hour or so after your little one makes their arrival.
  3. Speaking of going through something intense, when you are pushing, you can strain your muscles, leaving some aches and pains in different parts of your body. Women usually expect their lower area to be sore, but when they start feeling pains in their upper back, muscle strains could be the cause!
  4. Going to the bathroom after birth causes some women a little bit of nervousness. The best thing to do is to make sure you are staying hydrated and eating foods that are high in fiber to help make the experience an easier one.
  5. Bleeding after birth is common, and you might already know you will bleed, but what you may not be fully aware of is just how much blood there is. Stock up on large panties and maxi pads so you are covered, and, again, be sure to communicate with your care provider to assure that any bleeding is safe and normal!
  6. It is normal to cry a lot after birth. This time is sometimes called the “baby blues.” You are experiencing major changes all at once, and your hormones need time to catch up. If your feelings of sadness are overwhelming or last longer than ten days, you should reach out to your care provider for assistance.
  7. With all of the hormones, you may experience changes in your hair. During pregnancy, your hair might have seemed thicker and fuller. Heading into postpartum, it may start to thin out. Hair loss usually stops within six months after you give birth. To help protect your hair, you can eat lots of fruits and vegetables and be gentle with your hair during this time.

We hope this list is helpful to you as you are preparing for your postpartum journey. If you want to learn more about Birth Center Stone Oak and our type of care, give us a call at 210.481.7549 or send us a message!