Postpartum, recovery
The first six weeks, and what nobody warns you about
Recovery is not a straight line. What is normal in the weeks after birth, which check-ups you should be offered, and the signs that mean call today.
Reviewed against WHO Guidelines, 2 mins read, published
Everyone prepares you for the birth. Rather fewer people mention the weeks afterwards, when you are sore, leaking, running on interrupted sleep and holding a person who cannot tell you what is wrong.
What is usual
Bleeding that tapers over several weeks, aching, and a body that feels borrowed are all part of the usual picture, whether you gave birth vaginally or by caesarean.
In addition to addressing immediate health concerns, these first weeks after birth are crucial for building relationships and establishing behaviours that affect long-term infant development and health.
Your checks
You should be offered more than one check in this period — the guidance is for several contacts across the first six weeks, and they are about you as much as the baby. Use them. Write your questions down, because you will not remember them.
Quick summary
- Usual: bleeding that tapers over several weeks, aching, a body that feels borrowed
- Checks: several contacts across the first six weeks, about you as much as the baby
- Same day: heavy bleeding, fever, severe headache, chest pain, a hot painful leg, thoughts of harm
