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Brief
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The days and weeks following childbirth (the postnatal period) are a critical phase in the lives of mothers and newborn babies.
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Care after delivery
- The healthcare provider or midwife regularly checks your heart rate, temperature, blood pressure, blood loss and dilation of the cervix.
- The cervix contracts and gradually shortens. These contractions can be uncomfortable.
- If you had an incision between the vagina and the anus (perineum), the stitches may be uncomfortable when you sit down. Rinse your vagina twice a day with running water to keep it clean and ease the pain.
- Get enough rest.
- You lose blood for up to 8 weeks after delivery. First, the blood is bright red. Then it becomes a brown color. Later on, it can become yellow or white. The amount of blood diminishes. Change sanitary towels regularly.
Your menstrual period returns about 6 weeks after delivery. If you breastfeed your baby, it takes longer.
During pregnancy, the pelvic floor muscles stretch. After delivery, these muscles need exercise to recover.
Need further help? Ask your healthcare provider or midwife for advice.
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