Adjusting to the "new" you
The days, weeks, and months after giving birth are going to be filled with both high and low points. As you are adjusting to becoming a parent, you are also adjusting to the "new" you. The "new" you has a lot going on from physical body changes to hormonal body changes. It is important that you take care of yourself as you start your new journey.
Physical Changes

Within 4 to 6 weeks after birth, you will start to see slow changes back to your pre pregnancy state.
The uterus will slowly get back to its normal size. During pregnancy the uterus expands to about 11 times larger than the normal size of a uterus. As the uterus shrinks back to its normal size, it will cause some afterbirth pain - this is caused by the muscles trying to shrink back to normal. The pain is noticed around 3 to 4 days following birth, and may be heightened while breastfeeding. In about 6 weeks the uterus will return to its normal size and weight.
As your uterus is contracting, you will also start to see vaginal discharge or Lochia. Lochia happens right after birth and is the discharge that comes from the uterus after birth. Lochia consists of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue. The discharge is similar to a heavy menstrual flow. In about 3-4 days you will start to see the flow become lighter and a bit more watery. By the second week the discharge will start to look thicker and more yellow in color. Within 4-6 weeks the Lochia will decrease.
*It is important to note if you experience heavy bleeding (more then one pad per hour or a blood clot bigger than the size of a plum) please call your doctor as you may be hemorrhaging. Postpartum hemorrhage is serious. It usually happens within the first 24 hours after delivery, but can happen anytime within the first 12 weeks. This affects about 5% of women after giving birth.
If you had a vaginal delivery (or attempted one), your vaginal muscles have stretched to accommodate your baby. The vagina will slowly return to its normal size in about 4 weeks. The pelvic floor muscles may not completely get back to normal until 6 to 7 weeks post delivery (start doing Kegel exercises as soon as you can). If the doctors had to perform an episiotomy this usually requires at least 4 or more weeks to heal. Most doctors will tell you that you can start having sex again 4 to 6 weeks after birth. You may experience vaginal dryness and some discomfort during sex for 4 to 6 months postpartum (some women experience dryness for longer and should talk to your doctor if you are concerned).
As for your period (menstrual cycle) this is usually delayed, and starts about 7 to 9 weeks after delivery. If you are breastfeeding this can be delayed even longer, approximately till about 12 weeks after delivery, but some women who breastfeed won't resume their periods until they stop breastfeeding.
*You may start to ovulate before you have your first period. This means, you can still get pregnant before you get your first period. .
The uterus will slowly get back to its normal size. During pregnancy the uterus expands to about 11 times larger than the normal size of a uterus. As the uterus shrinks back to its normal size, it will cause some afterbirth pain - this is caused by the muscles trying to shrink back to normal. The pain is noticed around 3 to 4 days following birth, and may be heightened while breastfeeding. In about 6 weeks the uterus will return to its normal size and weight.
As your uterus is contracting, you will also start to see vaginal discharge or Lochia. Lochia happens right after birth and is the discharge that comes from the uterus after birth. Lochia consists of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue. The discharge is similar to a heavy menstrual flow. In about 3-4 days you will start to see the flow become lighter and a bit more watery. By the second week the discharge will start to look thicker and more yellow in color. Within 4-6 weeks the Lochia will decrease.
*It is important to note if you experience heavy bleeding (more then one pad per hour or a blood clot bigger than the size of a plum) please call your doctor as you may be hemorrhaging. Postpartum hemorrhage is serious. It usually happens within the first 24 hours after delivery, but can happen anytime within the first 12 weeks. This affects about 5% of women after giving birth.
If you had a vaginal delivery (or attempted one), your vaginal muscles have stretched to accommodate your baby. The vagina will slowly return to its normal size in about 4 weeks. The pelvic floor muscles may not completely get back to normal until 6 to 7 weeks post delivery (start doing Kegel exercises as soon as you can). If the doctors had to perform an episiotomy this usually requires at least 4 or more weeks to heal. Most doctors will tell you that you can start having sex again 4 to 6 weeks after birth. You may experience vaginal dryness and some discomfort during sex for 4 to 6 months postpartum (some women experience dryness for longer and should talk to your doctor if you are concerned).
As for your period (menstrual cycle) this is usually delayed, and starts about 7 to 9 weeks after delivery. If you are breastfeeding this can be delayed even longer, approximately till about 12 weeks after delivery, but some women who breastfeed won't resume their periods until they stop breastfeeding.
*You may start to ovulate before you have your first period. This means, you can still get pregnant before you get your first period. .
Hormonal Changes
After you give birth, your body is not only adjusting physically but also chemically. Every woman produces different hormones during pregnancy to maintain and help with childbirth. The two biggest hormones in pregnancy are estrogen and progesterone.
Higher amounts of progesterone are created during pregnancy to help with your growing baby. Closer in time when you are ready to deliver, your body will start to produce more estrogen. Almost immediately after giving birth your body will return to the normal amount of progesterone but still have a higher amount of estrogen. If your estrogen levels remain high, resulting in estrogen dominance (which is normal), this will lead to you feeling moody and finding yourself crying for no reason. Estrogen levels should balance to normal levels within a few weeks.
If you feel that you are having a lot more mood swings and feel that you are having baby blues, you may have postpartum depression, and please ask for help. You are going through a lot so don't feel like you're asking too much. Talk to your doctor and see what your doctor is able to do to help you.
Higher amounts of progesterone are created during pregnancy to help with your growing baby. Closer in time when you are ready to deliver, your body will start to produce more estrogen. Almost immediately after giving birth your body will return to the normal amount of progesterone but still have a higher amount of estrogen. If your estrogen levels remain high, resulting in estrogen dominance (which is normal), this will lead to you feeling moody and finding yourself crying for no reason. Estrogen levels should balance to normal levels within a few weeks.
If you feel that you are having a lot more mood swings and feel that you are having baby blues, you may have postpartum depression, and please ask for help. You are going through a lot so don't feel like you're asking too much. Talk to your doctor and see what your doctor is able to do to help you.