Bringing a baby into the world is life-changing, and so is what your body goes through afterward. The postpartum period (often called the fourth trimester) is a time of healing, adjustment, and big emotions. Many new moms find themselves asking, “Is this normal?”
The short answer: A lot is normal, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Here’s what to expect during postpartum recovery and when it’s time to check in with our team at OBGYN Westside, PLLC, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City.
Your body has just done something incredible, and recovery doesn’t happen overnight. Some common postpartum experiences include:
Vaginal bleeding (lochia) can last up to six weeks and usually changes from bright red to lighter pink or brown. The heaviest flow lasts about four days. This stage is called lochia rubia and resembles a heavy period with some clots. You can expect to use special postpartum pads or undergarments to manage your bleeding.
This eventually tapers to lochia serosa, a phase that lasts approximately 12 days and involves less clotting. The final stage is lochia alba, characterized by light spotting without clotting.
Your uterus is shrinking back to its pre-pregnancy size, which can cause mild to moderate cramps, especially during breastfeeding.
Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a C-section, tenderness and swelling are common early on. You may also need to care for your incision site if you have a C-section or sutures after a vaginal delivery.
Engorgement, leaking, or nipple soreness often occur as your milk comes in. Chapped nipples are also common in the first few days of breastfeeding. Using nipple cream and working with a lactation consultant can help you ease into nursing.
Sleep disruption and physical recovery can leave you feeling exhausted. This is very normal. Do your best to sleep when you can. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed, and don’t worry about non-essential tasks right now.
If you’re breastfeeding, it’s common to feel extra thirsty and hungry. You need an additional 500 calories per day if you’re breastfeeding one baby. If your weight is in the normal range, that’s about 2500 calories per day.
In addition to physical changes, you may experience emotional changes such as:
Mood swings, tearfulness, and feelings of overwhelm in the first few weeks postpartum are common and usually temporary.
Hormonal shifts and lack of sleep can amplify emotions during this time.
Some symptoms are common but still deserve a conversation with your OBGYN Westside provider, especially if they persist:
Physical symptoms aren’t the only symptoms you should monitor. If your baby blues linger more than two weeks, let’s talk. It could be a sign of postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety. Both conditions are common and treatable.
Certain symptoms aren’t normal and should be evaluated promptly:
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and reach out via our after-hours number.
Our care doesn’t end with labor and delivery. Your postpartum checkup isn’t just a formality. It’s part of our comprehensive care at OBGYN Westside.
We use this visit to:
And remember: If you have concerns, you don’t have to wait until your scheduled visit to contact us.
Most importantly, be gentle with yourself during your postpartum period. Postpartum recovery isn’t linear, and it can look different from woman to woman and pregnancy to pregnancy.
If you’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing is normal, contact us by calling our office or using our online booking tool to schedule an appointment today.
