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Body After Baby
Doctors often refer to the six weeks after delivery as the "fourth trimester" because your body is continuing to change so much. And weight fluctuations aren't the only postpartum challenge you'll face. Here's a look at what you can expect.
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Minutes after your baby's born, your uterus begins to shrink and contract, causing cramps known as afterpains (these are usually comparable to menstrual cramps). Around the same time, you start shedding the uterine lining that thickened during pregnancy. At first, this bloody discharge (called lochia) will be heavy, but as the days go on, it'll gradually get lighter and lighter. You should use sanitary pads during this time: Tampons increase the risk of infection since you're still healing. After six weeks, your uterus will be close to its pre-pregnancy size and the discharge should stop.
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I really hate it when they say to contact a doctor if you are feeling sadness and that you can't care for your baby. Telling your doctor this may result in the LOSS of your baby! Not only having DFS at your door, but these feeling are normal especially if this is your first child. Hell, I'm 6 1/2 months and am already feeling that way! The most your mental institution is going to tell you is that you are normal, trust me, and your baby will be in foster care by the time you come back home.
10/21/2009 02:12:17 PM Report Abuse