Postpartum period is not just a “time to rest.” It is six weeks of intense physiological work during which your body must reverse nearly a year’s worth of anatomical changes. The uterus contracts, hormones fluctuate wildly, and wounds heal. It is a demanding process in which it is easy to miss the moment when pain stops being normal.
At our Polish medical clinic in London, we believe that care for a woman does not end when she leaves the hospital. We know that a standard conversation or a brief telephone consultation is often not enough to properly assess a new mother’s health. Our gynaecologists provide women after childbirth with a full physical examination – we check perineal healing, Caesarean section scar, and pelvic floor muscle tone.
We give you the reassurance that your body is recovering safely. In this article, we explain how the postpartum period progresses and which symptoms indicate that home recovery is no longer enough and medical help is needed.
Does the Postpartum Period Really Last 6 Weeks?
The medical definition is precise: the postpartum period (puerperium) usually lasts 6 to 8 weeks from the moment the baby is born. Why exactly that long? This is not a random date – it is strictly dictated by biology. This is precisely how long your reproductive system needs to reverse the enormous changes that occurred during nine months of pregnancy.
The most important process here is involution, or the shrinking of the uterus. Immediately after birth, the uterus weighs about 1,000 g (1 kg!) and reaches the level of the navel. After six weeks, it must return to its original weight of about 50–70 g and settle deep inside the pelvis. Doctors divide this time into three key stages:
- Immediate postpartum period (first 24 hours). A time of close hospital monitoring. The risk of haemorrhage is highest, and the body is in shock after the physical effort of childbirth.
- Early postpartum period (first week). The most difficult time at home. Bleeding is heaviest, fresh perineal or abdominal wounds are healing, and lactation begins to stabilise (often painfully).
- Late postpartum period (up to 6 weeks). A phase of gradual calming. Lochia disappears, the uterus returns to normal size, and hormones slowly stabilise.
Does the Postpartum Period Last Longer After a Caesarean Section?
From a medical perspective – no. The hormones and uterus work at the same pace. However, from the patient’s perspective, the perceived recovery time may feel longer. After a C-section, deep surgical wound (the abdominal wall and uterine muscle) must heal, which may cause pain and restrict movement well beyond the standard six weeks.
What Happens to a Woman’s Body During the Postpartum Period?
The postpartum period is not only about wound healing. It is a time of intense hormonal turbulence and physical rebuilding. Within just a few weeks, your organs have to shrink, body must get rid of excess fluids, and initiate lactation. Most symptoms – although uncomfortable – are the signs of your body balance returning.
Uterine Cleansing (Lochia)
After the placenta is delivered, a large wound remains inside the uterus. Body must clean itself, which is why for several weeks you will experience discharge known as lochia. This is not a regular period.
- Days 1–3: Heavy, bloody, dark red discharge. Small clots may appear.
- End of week 1: The colour changes to pink-brown.
- Weeks 3–4: The discharge becomes yellowish or whitish and then disappears completely.
Important: The smell should be mild (like menstrual blood) – never foul, rotten, or sharp.
Painful Contractions (Uterine Involution)
Many women are surprised that their abdomen still hurts after delivery. These are afterpains. The uterus must shrink from the size of a large pumpkin to the size of a pear. The pain often intensifies during breastfeeding. Why? Nipple stimulation releases oxytocin. This hormone that enables flow of breast milk also causes strong uterine contractions. It is a painful paradox – the more your abdomen hurts during feeding, the more efficiently your uterus is regenerating.
Healing of the Perineum or Caesarean Section Wound
Regardless of the mode of delivery, tissues have been traumatised.
- After vaginal delivery, the perineum may be swollen, bruised, and painful even if no episiotomy was performed. If stitches were placed, you may feel pulling when sitting for about 7–10 days.
- After a C-section, pain around the scar is normal, and sensation may be altered (skin numbness) for many months due to cut through the nerves.
Fluid Loss and Night Sweats
During pregnancy, body retains water. During the postpartum period, it rapidly gets rid of this excess. You may notice more frequent urination and waking up at night soaked in sweat. This is a natural “detox” mechanism and blood volume regulation returning to pre-pregnancy levels.
Hygiene During the Postpartum Period Is Essential
At this time, hygiene is not about comfort – it is crucial medical prevention. Inside the uterus, a large wound after the placenta is healing, and the cervix is still open. This creates a perfect “gateway” for pathogens. The combination of blood, warmth, and moisture creates ideal conditions for bacterial growth, dramatically increasing the risk of genital tract infections. To avoid complications, follow these essential rules:
Shower instead of bathing
For the first six weeks, baths are forbidden. Warm, stagnant water promotes transfer of bacteria from the anal area to the vagina and uterus (so-called ascending infection). Wash only under running water.
Frequent washing
Preferably after every toilet visit. Use only water, mild soap, or an acidic pH wash. Avoid perfumed gels and sponges, which harbour bacteria. Dry the perineum with a disposable paper towel by gently patting, not rubbing.
Air exposure for the wound
Perineal wounds (and C-section wounds) heal faster with access to air. If possible, lie at home without underwear (on a protective pad) or wear special mesh underwear that allows air circulation.
Tampons strictly forbidden
This is one of the most important rules. Blood and discharge must flow freely out. Blocking them inside the vagina with a tampon is a simple way to trigger a dangerous infection and even septic shock.
Postpartum Hygiene After a Caesarean Section
Your abdominal scar also requires careful attention. Wash it with soap and water, then dry it very thoroughly, as moisture promotes infection. Wear underwear with the waistband ending above or below the incision line so it does not irritate the fresh wound.
Emotions During the Postpartum Period and the “BabyBlues”
Many women are surprised that instead of euphoria after giving birth, they feel sadness, anxiety, and irritability. This is completely natural reaction to a sudden biochemical change. When placenta is delivered, levels of pregnancy-supporting hormones – progesterone and oestrogen – drop dramatically. This “hormonal shock” directly affects the nervous system.
This condition is known as the Baby Blues (postpartum blues). It affects up to 80% of new mothers and usually appears between the 3rd and 5th day after delivery – often coinciding with the onset of milk production. Symptoms are intense but short-lived: unexplained crying, feelings of helplessness, anxiety about the baby’s health, and mood swings. It is important to know that the Baby Blues is not a disease. It is a physiological, temporary state that resolves on its own within 10–14 days as hormone levels stabilise.
When Does Sadness Require Medical Attention?
You must remain alert if your low mood does not pass after two weeks or worsens day by day. If you feel unable to get out of bed, lose interest in your baby (anhedonia), experience sleep disturbances despite exhaustion, or develop anxiety – this may be postpartum depression. Unlike the Baby Blues, depression is an illness that requires pharmacological treatment or therapy. It is not a matter of “bad attitude” or lack of maternal instinct – it is a neurochemical disorder that we treat with full medical seriousness at our clinic.
Symptoms That Require Medical Consultation
Most postpartum discomforts are troublesome but not life-threatening. However, there is a group of symptoms that indicate that the regeneration process has been disrupted – such as infection, haemorrhage, or thrombosis. In such cases, the rule “I’ll wait until morning” can be dangerous.
Contact a doctor immediately or go to A&E if you notice:
Fever and chills
A temperature above 38°C postpartum is rarely a “just a cold.” If your breasts are not painfully engorged (which would suggest milk stasis), fever is often the first sign of uterine lining infection or a surgical wound infection.
Concerning bleeding
Lochia should decrease daily. If bleeding suddenly becomes bright red and so heavy that it soaks a “maxi” pad within an hour, or if you pass clots the size of a lemon – these are signs of delayed postpartum haemorrhage.
Change in smell
Normal lochia has a mild, menstrual-like smell. A sharp, rotten, or fishy odour indicates bacterial growth inside the uterus.
Severe abdominal pain
Afterpains are normal and should respond to painkillers. If pain is constant, worsening, and accompanied by a hard, tender abdomen – urgent ultrasound scan is required.
Pain and swelling in one leg
The postpartum period carries an increased risk of thrombosis. If one calf is swollen, hot, red, and painful when walking, this may indicate deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Shortness of breath or chest pain in addition to leg symptoms
Call emergency services immediately (risk of pulmonary embolism).
Problems with the wound
The C-section or perineal cut scar should not throb, feel hot, or ooze pus. Wound edge separation also requires surgical intervention.
Severe headache and visual disturbances
If headaches do not improve with pain relief and you see “floaters” or have elevated blood pressure, this may indicate postpartum pre-eclampsia.
Postpartum Check-Up – Why Is It Essential?
The end of the postpartum period (usually around 6 – 8 weeks after delivery) is the moment when, theoretically, your body should return to its pre-pregnancy state. Many women, feeling well and pain-free, skip this visit. This is a mistake. The absence of visible symptoms does not mean that internal recovery processes in the abdomen and pelvis have completed properly.
In the British healthcare system (NHS), the “6-week check-up” is often limited to a GP interview and a discussion about contraception. At our clinic, we follow true gynaecological standards – the cornerstone of the visit is a physical examination on the gynaecological chair. Without it, the real condition of the reproductive organs cannot be assessed. During this visit, the doctor evaluates four key areas:
- Uterus – whether it has fully contracted and returned to its original size and position.
- Cervix – it must be fully closed. If it remains open, it becomes a gateway for bacteria and increases the risk of chronic infections.
- Quality of healing – we assess the C-section scar (for adhesions or keloids) and the condition of the perineum after tearing or episiotomy.
- Pelvic organ support – we evaluate pelvic floor muscle tone. Pregnancy and delivery heavily strain the pelvic floor, often leading to vaginal wall prolapse or future urinary incontinence. Early diagnosis allows timely urogynaecology rehabilitation.
This is also the most important moment to choose effective contraception. Remember that fertility returns before the first period. Ovulation occurs about 14 days before bleeding, so the absence of menstruation – even during breastfeeding – does not protect against another pregnancy.
Postpartum Period – Summary
In the first weeks after childbirth, it is easy to push your own needs aside. Between feeding, changing nappies, and sleepless nights, pain and discomfort are often treated as a “necessary evil.” But remember – postpartum period is the foundation of your health for years to come. Untreated perineal tears or improperly healed scars may lead to problems that reappear with double intensity in the future.
At our Polish medical clinic in London, we understand that a brief GP conversation or teleconsultation is not enough for many women. Our gynaecologists offer the standard of care you expect – a proper physical examination, clear answers, and no language barrier.
