Due to hormonal restructuring, the ligaments change their elasticity after childbirth, so the bones and joints become less mobile. Internal organs that were displaced due to the large size of the uterus (stomach, lungs, intestines, bladder, etc.) also take their previous position. All these changes may be accompanied by temporary pain.

Changes occur in the endocrine system: the work of the hormones is now directed primarily at ensuring breastfeeding. But it often happens that milk by the end of the first week does not come in sufficient quantity. Or disappears after a month (the so-called lactation crises, which can not survive for everyone). Or, on the contrary, there is so much milk that there is a risk of lactastasis, and in the absence of prevention and treatment – mastitis.

During childbirth all abdominal muscles are overstretched, and for several weeks you may feel muscle pain. Unpleasant feelings can be caused by lacerations or incisions of the perineum, as well as the suture after a caesarean section. Irrigation is forbidden during this period.

Feelings in the first week after childbirth depend entirely on whether the birth was easy or hard, natural or by caesarean section, as well as on a number of other factors. You can record all of the manifestations described below or only some of them.

Physiological phenomena:

Bloody discharge for a week and gradually getting lighter;
Painful tension of the abdominal muscles depending on the contraction of the uterus;
fatigue;
discomfort, pain, numbness in the perineum (if stitches have been applied, painful sensations increase when coughing or sneezing);
pain in the incision area, which then turns into numbness of the areas adjacent to the suture in the case of a Caesarean section (especially if it was the first Caesarean section);
difficulties in sitting, walking, especially during the incision and closure of the perineum or after a caesarean section;
one- or two-day complications in urine excretion, abnormal bowel function in the first few days, constipation
general soreness as a consequence of severe exertion;
red eyes, dark circles under the eyes, on the cheeks and elsewhere (also due to the strong exertion);
sweating (can be very strong) for the first 2-3 days;
Soreness in the nipple area;
swollen and cracked nipples at the beginning of breastfeeding.

Psychological phenomena:

joy, depression, mood swings;
Feelings of uncertainty about whether or not they will be able to cope with maternal duties, especially breastfeeding;
irritation over having to go to the maternity hospital, a desire to be home as soon as possible;
complete lack of interest in sex (a relationship is not allowed before 4 weeks after delivery).

Consequences of episiotomy:

The incised tissues are sutured after delivery, that is, after the placenta is released, under local or general anesthesia (if the mother is already under epidural anesthesia). The perineum is sutured with threads that will dissolve themselves later. The skin is stitched with sutures that will not dissolve, and they must be removed after 5 days.

Following the rules of hygiene (washing with mild soap after going to the toilet) will allow the suture to heal quickly and properly.