Your baby is finally  here. You are excited as well as overwhelmed.  You thought you were so prepared for this. However when the baby arrives, you will notice both physical and emotional changes.
 

What to expect physically in the first few weeks after delivery 

After pain :  After delivery, the uterus will continue to contract for a few days. The pain is more pronounced when you are given medication to stop bleeding or when the baby starts to nurse.

Sore breast : When the milk comes in, your breast becomes painfully engorged for several days . Your nipples may be sore. This will get better as your pattern of breastfeeding gets established. If you are not breastfeeding , sore breast will get better when your body stops producing milk within a few days.

Urinary incontinence : Stretching of the muscles during delivery can cause you to leak urine when you cough, sneeze and laugh. This will gradually return to normal. However kegel exercises can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

Constipation : The first bowel movement after  delivery may occur in a few days . This bowel movement may be painful due to healing episiotomy, sensitive hemorrhoids and sore muscles. Drinking plenty of water and adding fresh fruits and vegetables to  your diet can help.

Episiotomy :  Your perineum which is the area between the vagina and anus may be cut or thorn during delivery. The stitches may make it difficult to sit or walk for while during healing. It may also be painful to cough or sneeze during this period. Sitting in a sitz  bath can ease the pain. After using the toilet, use a squirt bottle with warm water to wash the area . You can also reduce swelling with ice packs or chilled witch hazel pads.

Hemorrhoids  :  Although common, hemorrhoids are usually not expected. Using sitz bath and cold packs can help with hemorrhoids.

Weight : Your postpartum weight will be about 12 to 13 pounds (weight of your  baby, amniotic fluid and placenta) below your full term weight.  Additional water will drop off within the first week as your body regains its balance.

Vaginal discharge ( lochia) : Initially this will be heavier that your period and contain clots. This discharge will gradually fade to white or yellow and then stop within several weeks.

What to expect emotionally in the first few weeks after delivery

 
Baby blues : After delivery, most new moms experience symptoms such as

• sadness
• irritability
• anxiety

 
This condition is common and may be related to hormonal changes, birth  experience and exhaustion. Taking care of a newborn can be overwhelming and it can also contribute the baby blues. It usually goes away within a week.

Post partum depression : This is more serious and last longer than baby blues. It is usually common in parents with a history of depression,  multiple life stresses and  and family history of depression. It presents symptoms such as

• mood swings
• anxiety
• stress
• persistent sadness
• guilt

 
Intimacy may not be the same after delivery. Your partner may be ready to get started while it may be the last thing on your mind. Doctor usually advice new moms to wait 4 to 6 weeks before having sex. There are other ways you can get intimate such kissing and cuddling .

You can take these steps to help you heal faster.

• drinks lots of water (about 8 to 10 glasses of water)
• get enough rest
• stay active by exercising
• go out for some fresh air
• make time to enjoy your baby
• avoid lifting and climbing stairs until the doctor gives you the okay
• dont drive until your doctor says its okay

Call your doctor if you experience the following :

• fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or above
• foul smelling vaginal discharge
• c-section or episiotmy incision becomes red or swollen
• you soak more than one sanitary pad in an hour and pass large clots. You should also call the doctor if the bleeding increases
• pain in the vagina area
• painful urination or having the frequent urge to urinate. You should also call if you cannot control the urge to urinate.
• cough or chest pain , nausea or vomiting
• hot, reddened, sore breasts or any cracking or bleeding from the nipple or areola
• become depressed or start experiencing hallucination, suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming your baby