{"id":1532,"date":"2023-09-04T18:49:34","date_gmt":"2023-09-04T18:49:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/?p=1532"},"modified":"2023-09-04T18:49:34","modified_gmt":"2023-09-04T18:49:34","slug":"postpartum-care-after-a-vaginal-delivery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/postpartum-care-after-a-vaginal-delivery\/","title":{"rendered":"Postpartum Care After A Vaginal Delivery"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">After birth, caring for your infant will probably be your most important priority. Still, experts agree that you shouldn&#8217;t ignore the importance of postpartum care and postpartum recovery, especially after vaginal delivery.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In this article, our expert, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/our-team\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dr. Adler, OBGYN specialist<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, and his team discuss the importance of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/obstetrics-maternity-care\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">maternity care<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, what mothers can expect after vaginal delivery, and how postpartum care may help them make a faster recovery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Vaginal Delivery and After-Birth Care<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pregnancy can change a woman&#8217;s body in several ways, and things won&#8217;t stop once the baby is born. In general, there are several things that women should expect after vaginal delivery, both emotionally and physically.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Vaginal Soreness\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In the event that you experienced a vaginal tear during childbirth or your doctor performed an incision, it&#8217;s common for the wound to cause discomfort for a few weeks. In the case of more extensive tears, the healing process might require additional time. To alleviate any discomfort during your postpartum recovery:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sit on a padded ring or pillow.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Use ice packs to cool the area, or use a chilled witch hazel pad that&#8217;s between a sanitary napkin and your perineum.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">With squeeze bottles, as you are passing urine, pour warm water over the perineum.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Use OTC pain medicines. Make sure to ask your doctor about other options, such as numbing creams or sprays if necessary.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Explore the option of using laxatives or stool softeners to prevent or combat constipation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Take a warm bath with water high enough to cover your hips and buttocks for at least five minutes. If it soothes more, opt for cold water.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To speed up postpartum recovery, talk to your provider if you are experiencing increasing, persistent, or severe pain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/09\/Vaginal-Soreness-.jpg\" alt=\"Water Running Bath Woman Dipping Toes in Hot Bathtub Relaxing Time at Home\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/09\/Vaginal-Soreness--200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/09\/Vaginal-Soreness--300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/09\/Vaginal-Soreness--400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/09\/Vaginal-Soreness--600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/09\/Vaginal-Soreness--768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/09\/Vaginal-Soreness--800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/09\/Vaginal-Soreness-.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>Contractions<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It&#8217;s possible to experience intermittent contractions, known as afterpains, within the initial days following childbirth. These contractions, which often feel similar to menstrual cramps, play a crucial role in reducing excessive bleeding by constricting the blood vessels in the uterus. Afterpains are frequently associated with breastfeeding, as they are triggered by the release of the hormone oxytocin. If necessary, your healthcare provider may suggest using an over-the-counter pain reliever.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Vaginal Discharge<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The vagina, after giving birth, may also start to shed the membrane that was lining the uterus while you were pregnant. That said, after vaginal delivery, you may also experience discharge made up of blood and this membrane up for a few weeks. The color of the discharge will be red and might be heavy in the beginning. Slowly, as postpartum recovery progresses, it will taper down, becoming pinkish-brown and more watery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On that note, if you are experiencing heavy bleeding after vaginal delivery, reach out to your doctor, especially if the pain is accompanied by fever, tenderness, or pelvic pain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Skin Changes and Hair Loss<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While you are pregnant, the elevated hormone levels will cause faster hair growth. This will often result in extra-lush hair, which will, after delivery, will shed. Often, hair loss in the postpartum recovery period can take up to five months.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">During postpartum care, you will most probably be troubled by the visible stretch marks as well. Note that while they won&#8217;t disappear immediately after giving birth, they will eventually fade away.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Incontinence<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The vagina, after birth, will go through several changes during and after pregnancy. As a matter of fact, pregnancy, labor, and delivery may injure or stretch not just the vagina but the pelvic floor muscles as well. These muscles support the rectum and bladder. If they are weak, they may cause urine incontinence and may cause leakage while laughing, sneezing, or coughing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This is also a standard part of postpartum recovery, which will usually improve in time, but in some cases, it might become a persistent problem.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">During this time, it&#8217;s advisable to use sanitary pads and engage in pelvic floor muscle exercises, commonly known as Kegels, to promote the strength and control of your pelvic floor muscles and bladder. To perform Kegels:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Visualize as if you&#8217;re seated on a small marble and then contract your pelvic muscles as though you&#8217;re lifting that marble.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Aim for a three-second contraction, followed by a three-second relaxation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Gradually progress to repeating this exercise 10 to 15 times consecutively, at least three times daily.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><b>Changes in Mood<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">After-birth care will also have to address the myriad of powerful emotions women may experience after delivery. Some moms may experience the baby blues, which can be described as feeling anxious and down. The symptoms of baby blues may include crying spells, mood swings, and insomnia. Fortunately, the blues will subside in a fortnight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On the other hand, some women may experience a more severe form of the baby blues called <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marchofdimes.org\/find-support\/topics\/postpartum\/postpartum-depression#:~:text=Postpartum%20depression%20(also%20called%20PPD)%20is%20a%20medical%20condition%20that,of%20yourself%20and%20your%20baby.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">postpartum depression<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. In these cases, patients deal with more severe mood swings, fatigue, appetite loss, and loss of interest in life shortly after childbirth. In these cases, reaching out to your provider is essential, not just for ensuring your health but your infant&#8217;s as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Problems with Bowel Movements and Hemorrhoids\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Anal swellings and pain during pooping might suggest that you have swollen veins (hemorrhoids in your anus or lower rectum. To improve postpartum care, consider:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Using OTC hemorrhoid creams or suppositories with hydrocortisone.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Using pads with numbing agents.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Soaking the affected area in warm water for fifteen minutes at least two or three times daily.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Breast Tenderness<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Several days after giving birth, you may encounter a condition known as engorgement, characterized by your breasts feeling full, firm, and sensitive. To prevent or alleviate engorgement, it&#8217;s recommended to breastfeed frequently from both breasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In cases where your breasts, including the darker areolas around the nipples, become engorged, your baby may find it challenging to latch. To facilitate a better latch, you can manually express a small amount of breast milk or use a breast pump before each feeding. To ease any discomfort in your breasts, applying warm washcloths or taking a warm shower before breastfeeding or expressing yourself can make milk removal more manageable. Between feeding sessions, the use of cold washcloths on your breasts can provide relief. Additionally, over-the-counter pain relievers may be beneficial.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you have chosen not to breastfeed, it&#8217;s advisable to wear a supportive bra, such as a sports bra. Avoid pumping your breasts or expressing milk, as this can stimulate further milk production.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1536\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/09\/Breast-Tenderness.jpg\" alt=\"Young Beautiful Mother, Breastfeeding Her Newborn Baby Boy at Night\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/09\/Breast-Tenderness-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/09\/Breast-Tenderness-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/09\/Breast-Tenderness-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/09\/Breast-Tenderness-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/09\/Breast-Tenderness-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/09\/Breast-Tenderness-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/09\/Breast-Tenderness.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>Embrace Maternity Care and Postpartum Checkups<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Experts agree that postpartum care shouldn&#8217;t be a single visit following delivery but an ongoing process. That said, ensure to reach out to your provider within three weeks following delivery and visit your provider for a comprehensive evaluation 12 weeks after giving birth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On that note, you can always consider contacting our practice. Our experts understand the importance of postpartum care and will help you assess your emotional well-being and overall mood. Additionally, apart from the essential physical examinations, you will also have the option of discussing birth spacing and contraception options with us.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">We understand that you need to make adjustments to your new life and your baby, and we are ready to help you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After birth, caring for your infant will probably be your most important priority. Still, experts agree that you shouldn&#8217;t ignore the importance of postpartum care and postpartum recovery, especially after vaginal delivery. In this article, our expert, Dr. Adler, OBGYN specialist, and his team discuss the importance of maternity care, what mothers can expect after<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1533,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[253],"tags":[257,255,256,258,254],"class_list":["post-1532","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-postpartum-care","tag-after-birth-care","tag-postpartum-care","tag-postpartum-recovery","tag-vagina-after-giving-birth","tag-vaginal-delivery"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1532","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1532"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1532\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1533"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1532"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1532"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1532"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}