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Childbirth is a very important stage in a woman’s life. The birth of a child cannot but affect the psychological and physiological state moms. Serious changes occur in her body after childbirth. Let's see how a woman changes after the birth of a child, how recovery occurs after childbirth.
Condition in the first 3 days after birth
How does a woman feel after the birth of her baby? These sensations are quite difficult to describe in words, since they are twofold. On the one hand, there is a feeling of delight because the child is finally born. Good mood is explained by the release of endorphins, also called joy hormones, into the blood. On the other hand, the woman feels exhaustion and discomfort. On the first day after birth, the following symptoms may be observed:
- bloody issues from the genitals;
- painful contractions of the uterus, indicating the return of the organ to its previous size;
- pain in the perineum;
- difficulties with urination and bowel movements.
Regarding bloody vaginal discharge, it is worth noting that it resembles menstruation. Experts call them lochia. The only difference between lochia and normal menstruation is that discharge after childbirth bothers a woman for a month, and sometimes longer. Discharge occurs immediately after childbirth. During the first 2-3 days they are very abundant. You have to change 5-6 postpartum pads per day.
What changes occur in the mammary glands? In the first 2-3 days, the mother secretes a small amount of colostrum from the breast - the first milk, priceless in its composition. A newborn needs even a few drops. After about 3 days, the breasts fill with milk. With the onset of lactation, the mammary glands become more sensitive.
The first few days after giving birth, a woman will have to stay in the maternity hospital. As a rule, discharged 3–4 days after natural birth and a week after caesarean section. Doctors in the maternity hospital monitor the condition of the child and mother, see how the postpartum recovery.
Period from 4th to 14th day
Vaginal discharge (lochia) continues to appear. They become less abundant. The color of the discharge gradually changes (from bright red to brownish and yellowish-white). During this period, you need to use sanitary pads. Tampons cannot be used, as they can provoke an inflammatory process.
If an episiotomy (cutting) was performed during childbirth back wall vagina and perineum), then the woman needs to monitor the condition of the sutures. They will gradually overgrow, but ignoring hygiene rules can lead to the development of inflammation. It is recommended to regularly wash the genitals with a decoction of eucalyptus, infusion of chamomile or calendula.
After delivery, problems with bowel movements often occur. At first I suffer from constipation. Their appearance is explained by damage to the intestines during childbirth and weakening of the abdominal muscles. The stool returns to normal, but not immediately, since the body does not recover as quickly as we would like.
During the first week, discomfort is felt in the chest area. The mammary glands swell and the nipples become painful. By the second week after birth, these symptoms of body recovery disappear, and feeding no longer causes negative emotions in the mother.
Period from 2nd week to 2nd month
By the end of the 2nd month after the birth of the child, the woman’s lochia stops. The uterus, cervix, and vagina return to their previous sizes, which were observed before pregnancy. Approximately 1.5 months after the baby is born, the woman will have to undergo a mandatory postpartum examination. The doctor will check the condition of the genitals and ask the mother if she has any strange vaginal discharge or pain in the abdominal area.
During this period, a woman completes postpartum recovery, all body functions return to normal. Mom becomes more active. She is no longer tormented by pain or distracted by uncomfortable sensations. The fair sex devotes all her time to the baby, because he requires constant care.
2 months later
A couple of months after delivery female body completely restored. During this period, you can start taking care of yourself - restoring your figure and breasts. The mother's body is ready for physical activity.
Women should pay special attention to their diet. You can’t limit yourself in food, but you should still exclude some dishes from your diet. This applies to fatty, fried, flour and sweet food which promotes fat deposition. Proper nutrition will have a positive effect on the condition of mother and baby. The woman’s body will recover faster, and the baby will receive only useful substances from his mother’s milk.
Restoration of the menstrual cycle
Start critical days some time after delivery - a signal that the woman’s body has fully recovered and returned to the state it was before pregnancy. Do not confuse menstruation with lochia. Postpartum discharge- this is nothing more than a natural cleansing of the uterus and birth canal lasting for several weeks. After lochia, menstruation may not occur for a very long time.
For restoration menstrual cycle influences breast-feeding. The longer a mother feeds her baby with her milk, the later her period will begin. Milk in a woman’s body is produced thanks to a special hormone – prolactin. It is what prevents the onset of menstruation and ovulation.
As a rule, the first menstruation after childbirth begins after the introduction of complementary foods into the baby's diet. The mother feeds her baby less and less each time, and the production of prolactin in her body decreases. Sometimes the delay in menstruation is longer - the cycle is restored after complete weaning. Menstruation can occur 6–10 weeks after delivery if the woman does not breastfeed the baby for some reason.
Recovery of the body after childbirth may occur with deviations. In some situations, the help of a doctor is required. You should contact a specialist in the following cases:
- breastfeeding was stopped 2-3 months ago, and menstruation never began;
- the color of menstrual blood seems suspicious (bright red discharge may be a sign of bleeding);
- During menstruation, your health worsened (you feel weak, you begin to feel dizzy, and you experience fainting);
- there are large clots in the menstrual blood;
- menstruation is characterized by sharp and bad smell.
Figure restoration
Most women after the birth of a baby cannot boast of their figure. Nature has provided for expectant mother During pregnancy, a fat “reserve” was formed. It is necessary so that in case of hunger, a representative of the fair sex can breastfeed the child, using “her own reserves.”
It will not be possible to quickly restore your figure. To get rid of extra pounds may take several months. To restore your figure, you need to:
- eat a balanced diet;
- exercise daily;
- wear a postpartum bandage.
After giving birth, you should not go on a diet or overeat. It is recommended to eat food in small portions and at least 5 times a day, drink more liquid (still water, fruit and vegetable juices, fruit drinks, compotes).
A couple of months after giving birth, you can start doing it daily. physical exercise. Before starting classes, you should consult with a gynecologist and make sure that the body has recovered and is ready for stress. Only serious sports are contraindicated.
After giving birth, you must wear a bandage. Thanks to it, the process of restoring the tone of the abdominal muscles is accelerated and does not sag. abdominal wall, supported internal organs. Also, a postpartum bandage reduces the load on the spine and pain in the back.
Breast reconstruction
How to quickly recover after childbirth is a question asked by many women who have experienced deterioration in the shape of their mammary glands. Breasts are the most beautiful part female body. After childbirth, it increases by 1-2 sizes as milk begins to arrive. However, after stopping breastfeeding, the breasts sag. Its shape can be compared to a deflated balloon. Returning to its former forms is a completely doable task.
In order for the breasts to recover faster, a woman should:
- after childbirth, both at night and during the day, wear a comfortable bra without wires, made from natural materials(underwear supports pectoral muscles and prevents skin stretching);
- carry out self-massage (slow, clockwise stroking movements help improve blood supply and restore skin elasticity);
- apply masks to mammary glands using only natural products(For example, good effect a kefir-based mask prepared from 100 ml can give fermented milk product and 2 tbsp. l. honey);
- perform physical exercises that affect the chest muscles.
Vaginal reconstruction
During natural childbirth, the vagina experiences a lot of stress. As the baby passes, it stretches. After childbirth, women feel pain in the intimate area, dryness, and irritation. Due to overstretching of the vaginal muscles, the quality of sex life. In some cases, women report urinary incontinence.
All of the above symptoms disappear within a couple of months after childbirth. The vagina repairs itself. To speed up this process, you can perform special exercises developed by the famous Dr. Arnold Kegel:
- for compression (for 5–10 seconds it is necessary to squeeze the muscles in the same way as when stopping urination, and then relax them);
- contractions (the essence of the exercise is to tense and relax the muscles at a fast pace);
- for pushing out (you need to push moderately for 30 seconds, and then relax for 30 seconds).
In conclusion, it is worth noting that recovery after childbirth is a labor-intensive and rather lengthy process. You just need to gain strength and follow the advice of doctors. Then reach desired result it will be possible much faster.
Useful video about a woman's health after childbirth
What worries a young mother, besides thoughts about the baby? When given a little time to take a break from caring for a newborn, many begin to think about their own health. Pregnancy and childbirth are a lot of stress for the body, and it can affect many aspects of health and appearance. There is a possibility of exacerbation chronic diseases, changes in figure, problems with teeth and hair. In one article it is hardly possible to describe all the methods that are recommended for women for quick recovery bodies after childbirth. Therefore, let’s talk about the general health of the body and working on your figure, because these are the problems that most often cause concern for women who have given birth.
Restoring the body after pregnancy and childbirth: where to start?
Perhaps one of the most frequently asked questions questions that women who have given birth ask: how to restore your figure after childbirth? But during pregnancy, other ailments may appear:
- problems with the spine, back pain;
- varicose veins;
- haemorrhoids;
- anemia (if a lot of blood was lost during childbirth);
- diabetes;
- other appearance problems: stretch marks, sagging breasts, hair and teeth loss, dark spots, brittle nails;
- depression, sleep disorders and other psychological disorders.
Most of these problems are fixable. But none of them can be qualitatively solved in short time. Especially in view of the fact that after childbirth, a woman needs relative peace in order to recover from the stress to which she was exposed. Therefore, you need to start recovering from childbirth and getting in shape gradually, without changing your lifestyle too dramatically. Although physical activity is possible after consulting a doctor, you should not try to run a half marathon or lift heavy weights. gym. The body has already used up more resources than is normally necessary.
On a note
During pregnancy, the heart beats faster, breathing intensifies, and taste preferences may change - thus the woman instinctively tries to compensate for the lack of any substances in the body. In the third trimester, the baby compresses some blood vessels and organs to make room for itself, and therefore after childbirth it takes some time for normal blood circulation to be restored.
In the first two months after birth, respiratory and cardiovascular system are recovering after working “for two”, the uterus is gradually shrinking, another hormonal change is taking place. Psychologically, the mother also changes to suit the new role. At this time, it is better not to be overtired - especially since there is already enough trouble with the baby. Here are a few recommendations that will allow you to smoothly begin the body’s recovery after childbirth and do not require special knowledge:
- Walks. For the first couple of months, physical activity can be limited to this. Long walking is what you need to gradually begin the recovery process after childbirth.
- Healthy diet: eat often and in small portions, minimize flour, sweet and smoked foods, drink enough water. When breastfeeding, allergens (citrus fruits, nuts, chocolate, seafood, etc.) should also be excluded.
- Skin care- during pregnancy, many women suffer from it in one way or another. Peels, scrubs and masks will help restore beauty. You can do them yourself. Excellent tool skin care during recovery after childbirth - contrast shower.
Of course, you should understand that these tips will not help you completely return to your previous shape. But if you adhere to them, then in the first months there will be a psychological adjustment to healthy image life and work on yourself. The results in the form of a couple of kilograms lost and an improved complexion motivate further action in this direction - ideally, this is drawing up an individual recovery program after childbirth. Experts in this matter, such as, for example, fitness trainers and gynecologists, will tell you where to start.
How to restore your figure after childbirth and regain your former shape
The main thing in the process of regaining your figure after childbirth is to make a firm decision and turn to specialists with a good reputation. The first will not allow you to veer off the right path if you have a desire to give up exercise and eat buns all day. A professional approach doctor and trainer will eliminate mistakes that can be made in drawing up the program.
Fortunately, there are medical centers, specializing in working with pregnant women and postpartum women. Including those whose employees take a comprehensive approach to the issue of restoring health after childbirth. In such a center, you will not only be prescribed vitamins and a diet, but will also conduct extensive examination with the participation of doctors of several specialties, they will draw up an exercise program, prescribe massages if necessary and, if desired, even treatment with alternative means.
Fitness, Pilates and Gym
A beautiful figure requires working out all the muscles, so one of the main means is sports. At the same time, the training should not be exhausting or too easy. It is important to find a line here: if you train half-heartedly, there will be no results. And too heavy exercise can harm the body, which has recently suffered stress. A coach will help you cope with this task - ideally a personal one, who will make individual program.
In the first months after childbirth, you should pay attention to types of gymnastics with passive load. This is, for example, yoga, Pilates, qigong. They not only smoothly strengthen all the muscles of the body, but also normalize internal balance, including psychological, which reduces the likelihood of depression and mood swings. The condition of the skin and hair improves due to the normalization of blood circulation. Such gymnastics is neither too tiring nor too gentle.
Where to study? The first thought for most people planning to exercise is, of course, at home, to save time and money. But this is not always an easy solution, especially for young mothers. After all, there is a child at home who constantly requires attention. In addition, in order to force yourself to study for many months according to a certain program, you need to have enormous willpower. That's why best option- agree with the father, grandmother or nanny that at certain hours they will take care of the child, and the mother will take care of herself at this time.
Massage and... herbal medicine
When women think about how to restore their body after childbirth, they do not first think about such methods. But together with those listed above, they are very effective. IN health centers they are often prescribed for more intensive recovery.
Professional massage useful for any person, and especially for a woman who has recently given birth. If you had back pain during pregnancy and after it, then taking chiropractor. But there are other types of massage, many of which help restore muscle and skin tone and even, in some cases, reduce stretch marks. When massaged with healing oils, the skin becomes smooth and silky, it also brings calmness, and your mood noticeably improves.
Phytotherapy is a way to improve your well-being without resorting to chemical medications. But most often, herbal treatment is used in combination with other methods. And, despite the apparent simplicity of herbal medicine, you should not prescribe it yourself. Incorrect dosage and uncontrolled use of herbs can cause serious harm.
Medicinal plants recommended by a doctor even help in the fight against chronic diseases. And for women they are often prescribed to restore their figure after childbirth during the feeding period. Herbal medicine improves overall tone, helps lose weight and get rid of skin imperfections.
Acupuncture and other methods Chinese medicine
We've all heard of Chinese medicine, but few have experienced it ourselves. However, it can be very effective for various kinds of diseases, as well as for adjusting the balance of all body systems - just what a young mother needs. If there are any ailments, then acupuncture and other methods of traditional Chinese medicine can affect the root cause of the disease, resulting in a significant improvement in well-being.
There are specialists in Chinese medicine in Russia, but many of them, unfortunately, do not adhere to traditional postulates and offer some of their own methods, which do not always help. If you choose a Chinese medicine therapist, make sure he or she follows centuries-old techniques.
On a note
Acupuncture, or acupuncture, - the impact of very thin needles on special points on the body (most often on the back) associated with the functioning of the cardiovascular, nervous and other systems. The procedure is usually almost painless (many people fall asleep during the process), sometimes there is a normal reaction in the form of itching or mild pain. Acupuncture treats about 250 diseases, and it is especially effective on early stages diseases.
What not to do
In any therapy main principle- do no harm. Seemingly good results obtained without the supervision of a specialist can lead to disastrous consequences. Therefore, you need to consult a doctor before you begin recovery after childbirth using any method, and remember that a young mother should avoid unnecessary stress, therefore:
- no strict diets, only nutritious food healthy eating;
- no heavy training, which can negatively affect the spine, heart and respiratory system;
- no rush.
The body, which worked to support the vital functions of two people at once, must carefully adjust to its normal pace. And we need to let him do it.
Proper nutrition and moderate exercise - the key to safe recovery after childbirth. If you add an individual wellness program that does not allow the development of diseases, then soon the young mother will feel as good as before pregnancy, and her figure will become beautiful again. Nothing comes for nothing, you will have to work hard to return to your previous form, but these efforts will be rewarded.
The leading doctor of the clinic (License No. LO-77-01-000911 dated December 30, 2008) Zhang Ziqiang agreed to explain what should be considered when choosing a clinic for recovery after pregnancy and childbirth.
“A professional doctor will be able to approach this issue comprehensively, since a young mother needs complete restoration of her body systems. A combination of exercise and healthy eating - That's not all. A woman should be referred for examination to specialized specialists if there are complaints about her health, and with their recommendations, continue drawing up a program.
It is advisable to choose clinics where there are specialists in different fields, including massage and Not traditional medicine. So, for example, in TAO, along with the representative doctors official medicine- gynecologists, osteopaths, neurologists - specialists in Chinese medicine. But the main thing here is - Don't overdo it. Chinese medicine can solve many problems, but there are really few contraindications. However, treatment according to the canons of traditional Chinese medicine should only be done under the supervision of a doctor trained in this specialty. For example, professors and doctors come to TAO directly on the recommendation of Henansky medical university. These are experienced, qualified specialists.
I would like to note that any qualified doctor- a specialist in Chinese or traditional medicine - will most likely advise the young mother to pay attention to physical therapy using exercise equipment or individual/group classes physical therapy in a swimming pool. Some clinics even partner with a specific fitness center to guide the patient through all stages of postpartum recovery. Our clinic, for example, opened its own fitness club in order to be able to combine Chinese gymnastics With traditional types physical activity such as yoga, Pilates. This approach allows young mothers to receive a full range of postpartum recovery services from different groups specialists."
What happens to the female body after childbirth? How to quickly recover after childbirth? These questions concern all mothers.
Behind and after childbirth, you have to take care not only of the baby, but also take care of your own health. And there is a lot of “work” here - while hormonal levels are restored, it is necessary to maintain normal bowel function, take care of sutures after childbirth, if any, and establish breastfeeding. Where to begin?
An important process that affects future health. In the first hours after birth, complications may appear - bleeding, elevated temperature, change blood pressure etc.
The postpartum period consists of 2 periods - early and late. Early lasts 2 hours after birth and is supervised by maternity hospital staff. The late period lasts approximately 6-8 weeks, during which the restoration of all organs and systems that were involved during pregnancy and childbirth occurs. Full recovery It can take up to two years after birth. Especially if the child was born by caesarean section. Some changes are irreversible, but outwardly they are invisible (except for stretch marks); they can be determined by gynecologists during an examination of the genital organs (the shape of the cervix and external pharynx, the size of the uterus and vagina changes).
Postpartum recovery in other countries
IN different countries The attitude towards women in labor is different. Yes, in Sweden maternity leave Not only can mom take it, dad can also join her (but not longer than three months). And in Australia, mothers often return to work very quickly, since maternity leave is not paid in this country. Even infants are accepted into the nursery, so girls rarely stay on maternity leave for long. This in turn affects the body's recovery process.
In earlier times in Africa, mothers from nomadic peoples also quickly began their daily routine. This was due to their lifestyle. In China, on the contrary, they tried to protect young mothers for 100 days after the birth of the child. In Japan, doctors relied on the temperature of the armpits - as soon as it began to coincide, it was believed that the body had returned to normal. In Rus', midwives helped women in labor, they took birth, and also helped with postpartum period, which lasted 40 days. Their task was to protect the young mother from illness and stress at home, take care of her health and ensure that recovery goes as usual.
Some sources mention that recovery after childbirth lasts for 40 days. This theory has its origins in Orthodox church rules, according to which during this period a young mother is prohibited from entering the temple. This is due to postpartum discharge.
What happens to the body during the recovery period after childbirth?
Reproductive system
After childbirth, the uterus is enlarged, and as the body recovers, it shrinks in size. Depending on the type of delivery and feeding, this process can occur at different speeds. If the birth took place naturally and the mother is breastfeeding the baby, the uterus will quickly accept its normal size. Contraction of the uterine muscles is stimulated by the hormone oxytocin, which is released during sucking movements. The feeding process may be accompanied by pain of varying intensity in the lower abdomen, a slight increase in bleeding. But discomfort will only be felt at first.
Immediately after the birth of the child, the weight of the uterus reaches about 1 kilogram. And after 2 months, during which it is actively shrinking in size, the weight of the uterus is about 50 grams
40 days after birth
Lochia. They last approximately 4-6 weeks. There is no need to be scared - this is not a sign that something is wrong with the body. On the contrary, this is a consequence of the gradual healing of the wound surface on the walls of the uterus, which formed after childbirth. During the entire recovery period, the nature of lochia changes. The discharge goes from moderate bloody to scanty and then becomes mucous with streaks of blood.
During this time, you should refrain from using tampons and shower regularly to prevent infection in the genital tract from developing.
A young mother should monitor her discharge. Warning signs are excessive bleeding, a sudden increase in discharge, a strong unpleasant odor, a change in color, too large blood clots, curdled or pus-like discharge. If at least one of these signs is observed, you should urgently see a gynecologist.
Even during pregnancy, doctors recommend doing Kegel exercises. The same exercises help to quickly restore the tone of the vaginal muscles after childbirth.
Hormonal background
Hormone levels change during pregnancy. They are led by progesterone, estrogen and HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), as well as prolactin and oxytocin. After childbirth for the beginning breastfeeding The hormone prolactin is responsible. Prolactin levels gradually increase during pregnancy and reach required level to start breastfeeding. Oxytocin is responsible for emptying the mammary glands.
Hormonal imbalance after childbirth is common. Basically, things will stabilize for some time without outside intervention. But if, several months after giving birth, the hormonal levels have not returned to normal, you should contact a gynecologist-endocrinologist so that he can tell you how to restore it. As a rule, in such cases, they are prescribed hormonal drugs. They are selected individually for each girl.
Signs of hormonal imbalance:
- increased sweating;
- depression, irritability, apathy;
- fast fatiguability;
- decreased libido;
- active s/excessive hair growth;
- sudden change in weight.
Urinary system
On the first day after giving birth, you may experience problems with urination. The reason that the mother cannot urinate may be the pressure of the fetal head on the bladder during childbirth, which leads to swelling, or sphincter spasm Bladder. You can induce urination using a reflex from the sound of pouring water; in extreme cases, a catheter or diuretics are used for this.
There is also the opposite problem - urinary incontinence. It usually occurs in those who give birth not for the first time. This is due to weakening and stretching of the pelvic floor muscles. The incontinence problem may go away on its own after a few days. But to improve muscle tone, it is recommended to do Kegel exercises.
Digestive system
The first stool after childbirth comes on the 2-3rd day. This is due to the fact that an enema is given before childbirth. Doctors in the maternity hospital ensure that women in labor have bowel movements regularly and, if necessary, provide special stimulating suppositories (for example, glycerin suppositories). With proper nutrition, intestinal function is usually restored quite quickly. After cesarean section to restore motor skills gastrointestinal tract may take up to several weeks. Also at this time, liver function normalizes, which is reflected in the normalization of indicators biochemical analysis blood.
Nervous system
After childbirth nervous system mothers are faced with new unusual sensations. Depending on the life circumstances, irritants are different. Those who have a first child worry about how they will take care of the baby, the realization of motherhood comes and a huge responsibility comes upon them. For those who already have children, there are also plenty of reasons to worry - how older children will react to the new family member, how to manage everything, when to rest...
The process of giving birth to a child, inevitably accompanied by pain and strong emotions, is always stressful for a new mother. It is not surprising that during the postpartum period, many mothers are on the verge of a breakdown, while others cannot stand it and break down. Relatives, especially the husband, can help in this situation. And also, which can be obtained for free at antenatal clinic or in the maternity hospital.
Stitches after childbirth
Depending on the circumstances, doctors apply different suture materials: absorbable, non-absorbable and metal braces. The first, as the name suggests, resolves on its own after 5-7 days and does not entail further medical intervention, while the other two require subsequent removal after 3-6 days.
Caring for sutures on the cervix does not require any special manipulation; it is enough to follow the usual hygiene described below. Nurses in the maternity hospital begin to treat the sutures with brilliant green or potassium permanganate, and then after they are removed or absorbed, the mother herself monitors the healing at home. To speed up the healing of stitches, it is also useful to take air baths.
If there are stitches, it is forbidden to sit for several days, or sit in a certain position with support on the side where there are no stitches. Although this is unusual, some mothers will have to lie down, recline or stand for some time.
How to recover quickly after childbirth
Every mother wants to return her body to normal as quickly as possible. Rushing and turning a blind eye to suspicious phenomena is not the best way out, since subsequently these tricks can greatly affect your health in the future, even years later. Everyone recovers after childbirth at their own pace; the main thing is to set yourself up for success and think positively. All difficulties associated with childbirth are quickly forgotten, and attention switches to caring and raising the child. The effectiveness of recovery is influenced by proper nutrition, intimate hygiene, time for rest, Kegel exercises, help from loved ones and a positive attitude.
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The birth of a child, despite all the touchingness of the event, is a serious test for the female body. Although young mothers are discharged from the maternity hospital after 2-3 days, if there are no serious complications, and some even 24 hours after birth, the recovery process itself lasts much longer.
website I decided to figure out what changes the female body experiences during childbirth and how much time is actually needed for its complete recovery.
Stomach
During pregnancy subcutaneous fat in the abdominal area, protecting the baby from external influence, may increase significantly. This is facilitated by hormonal changes and poor nutrition of the expectant mother. Therefore, the condition of the abdomen in the postpartum period depends on how many extra pounds the woman gained during pregnancy.
After childbirth, the abdominal muscles contract only after 6-8 weeks; after a caesarean section, they return to normal somewhat later due to postoperative suture. If there is no diastasis (separation of the rectus abdominis muscles) requiring medical intervention, then the mother can start doing it 1.5-2 months after giving birth and gradually get her figure in order. If you don't neglect physical activity, then the abdominal muscles are completely restored within 1-2 years.
Breast
During lactation, the breasts become larger due to the increase in lobules stretched by milk. Ligaments and muscles cannot, as before pregnancy, support breast tissue, the weight of which increases 2-3 times in the postpartum period. Against this background, breast sagging may occur - ptosis. The nipples and areolas also enlarge, their color becomes darker, the skin on the chest becomes thinner, its shade may become bluish, transparent, and a network can be seen blood vessels. The more milk, the heavier the breasts, and in order to cope with the increased load, the breasts need some support and care.
The younger the new mother, the more elastic the tissue, and the more trained the pectoral muscles were before pregnancy, the faster the breasts will recover after lactation. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to restore the original “girlish” shape and elasticity of the skin. But if you don’t let the process take its course from the very beginning, you can achieve very good results.
Proper nutrition, taking vitamins A, B, C, gentle manual massage of the mammary glands, comfortable supportive underwear and, of course, the exercises that we have already written about will help preserve the beauty of your breasts and the elasticity of your skin.
Musculoskeletal system
During pregnancy, a woman’s musculoskeletal system experiences increased stress; the body produces the hormone relaxin, which is responsible for elasticity. spinal ligaments and muscles. This load leads to changes in the spine and joints lower limbs, pelvic bones, back muscles. The center of gravity changes during this period, the spine shifts, which causes painful sensations. The same happens after childbirth a sharp decline levels of progesterone and estrogen, due to which the metabolic rate decreases. This entails an increase in adipose tissue.
The recovery period of the musculoskeletal system after childbirth occurs gradually and takes 3-4 months. During this time, pain in the joints, aching bones, and muscle cramps may appear. Coping with pain lumbar region Wearing a postpartum bandage helps, as well as special gymnastics aimed at strengthening the back muscles. The above changes in a woman can disappear without a trace only if she initially did not have dysfunction in the musculoskeletal system. But, alas, modern girls Even since school, deviations from the norm have been observed, such as scoliosis, flat feet, etc.
Uterus
During pregnancy and after childbirth, the uterus undergoes numerous changes. Its weight in a nulliparous woman normally ranges from 40 to 60 grams, in a woman who has given birth it reaches about 80 grams. But immediately after the birth of a child, the weight of the uterus is about 1 kg. Such changes are a consequence of muscle hypertrophy that occurs during pregnancy. The fundus of the uterus is located approximately at the level of the navel, and in the first days after childbirth, the young mother looks as if she has not yet given birth.
After separation of the placenta and birth of the placenta, the uterus is a wound surface that is restored by the 9th or 10th day. The first 3−7 days there is a strong uterine bleeding, which gradually decreases, and then until 6-8 weeks after birth there is spotting - lochia. If the uterus contracts normally, then after 10 days its weight is reduced by half. 1.5−2 months after birth, the uterus is finally restored and returns to its normal weight - 50−80 grams.
Cervix
The cervix also undergoes changes. Immediately after birth, it is open by 10-12 cm; by the 10th day after the birth of the baby, the cervix is completely closed, and by the 21st day the external os is closed. After childbirth, the cervix forever changes its shape, becoming not conical, but cylindrical, and the external pharynx becomes slit-like.
This is a gynecological feature that is inherent in all women who have given birth and is visible only to a gynecologist. After a caesarean section, of course, there are no such changes. 3 months after birth, the cervix functions as before.
Menstrual function
For the recovery process menstrual function Many factors influence a woman who has given birth. This includes how the pregnancy proceeded, complications during childbirth, the age of the woman in labor, proper and complete nutrition, the presence of any chronic diseases, adherence to sleep and rest patterns, and many other factors.
As a rule, in non-breastfeeding mothers, as well as in some breastfeeding mothers, the first menstruation (not lochia) occurs 6-8 weeks after the birth of the child, unless there are significant deviations. In women who breastfeed, the cycle may not be restored until the end of breastfeeding. This is associated with the lactation process and is not normal or pathological; the timing of the restoration of the menstrual cycle is individual for each woman.
During feeding, the hormone prolactin is produced, which stimulates milk production in a young mother, and the same hormone suppresses the formation of hormones in the ovaries, egg maturation and ovulation. Ovulation, like the cycle, resumes after breastfeeding stops, but this does not guarantee that pregnancy cannot occur during this period.
Vagina
The vagina is a muscular organ that also experiences a number of changes during childbirth. Muscles stretch, elasticity and tone are lost. But this is a completely normal process in this situation. Many women are concerned about this moment; they worry that the size of the vagina will now be much larger than before childbirth, and this will negatively affect the quality intimate life. In fact, there is no reason to worry; the vagina loses its shape only temporarily.
Within 3-4 days after birth, swelling disappears; after a couple of weeks, if there were no serious injuries or damage, abrasions and cracks will heal, and the vaginal walls will again acquire a natural pale pink tint. Only the relief of the walls will change forever - in all women who have given birth it is smoothed, while in those who have not given birth it is more pronounced. This is what creates the illusion of an increase in size of the vagina.
The recovery time for the vagina after childbirth is very conditional, on average 6-8 weeks. This process depends on possible complications, individual characteristics of the organism. In any case, during the recovery period you should refrain from intimacy so that the wound surface of the uterus heals and does not become infected. Special Kegel exercises will help you get your vaginal muscles in shape faster: squeeze and then relax your pelvic floor muscles 15–20 times, and so on 5 times a day.
During the postpartum period, young mothers often experience emotional lability: attacks of causeless anxiety, fatigue, sudden changes in mood may occur. A woman experiences enormous psychological burden, constantly worries about health and proper development your child, lack of sleep, constant fatigue leads to decreased psychomotor reactions.
In some, more severe cases, depression may develop. The reason for this depressive state there may be a feeling of guilt of a young mother in front of her newborn baby due to lack of time, and a subconscious confidence that it is the child who is the cause of the woman’s temporary insolvency, etc. In such a situation, the help of specialists is necessary, at least a consultation with a psychotherapist, so that the mother can overcome this problem as quickly as possible and enjoy motherhood.
In general, a woman who has just become a mother really needs the help of family and friends, their understanding and support, regular walks fresh air, complete, balanced diet taking into account breastfeeding of the child.
Hello, dear mothers! Today we will talk about how long it takes to recover after a second birth. Is it happening faster or slower than the first time? Will you experience the same sensations or not? Will it hurt more or less?
General and specific
It is possible to more or less recover after the second birth in 2-3 months, but this is only natural childbirth which passed without serious complications. If there was a cesarean section, the process will take longer - up to six months or even more.
The main problem is that no one will give you accurate forecast: Your body and body will return to normal faster or slower. I came across a bunch of examples where the first time it took a girl a month, and the second – seven. And, on the contrary, after the first birth, the recovery process was painful and long, and after the second, mommy didn’t even have time to blink an eye.
Therefore, remember the main rule - do not set yourself up for clear deadlines, and do not try to accurately predict: in a couple of months I will be like a cucumber. Don’t answer the question “How long will I have to wait?” in advance to avoid disappointment later.
By the way, you can find out how long it will take for your figure to recover in my separate section.
What is involution?
You've probably come across this beautiful word– involution. Biologists and doctors call it the process of returning to its previous state. It concerns both the body as a whole and individual organs.
It is involution that starts after the birth of the baby, that is, all the organs and systems that were rebuilt for 9 months to carry, give birth and feed the child must now return to their previous state and begin to work as usual.
Reverse restructuring
It’s difficult to even say what exactly in our body is not affected by the pregnancy process. It seems that everything has changed - from the figure and skin to internal sensations and perception of the world. How will a typical involution proceed, and what organs and systems will be included in it first?
Breathing and lungs
You definitely noticed how easy it became to breathe. This is connected not only with psychological state happiness, but also with the fact that the huge uterus is no longer trying to push the lungs out of the chest. Gradually they “straighten out” and take their rightful place, and along with this shortness of breath and heaviness go away.
Circulatory system
The amount of blood your heart had to pump through your vessels during pregnancy decreases after your baby is born. Now circulatory system It is necessary to support the vital activity of only one organism, because the newborn baby has its own heart and its own blood vessels.
But blood volumes will not decrease overnight, so at first you may suffer from swelling and high blood pressure.
Nature has provided that in the first days after the birth of a child, blood clotting is as high as possible. But such a safety net is dangerous due to the formation of blood clots, especially during the second pregnancy, when the elasticity of the blood vessels is slightly worse, and you are older.
Therefore, to prevent and because of the threat of increased risks of blood clots, doctors may recommend compression stockings. , I talked about stockings after childbirth, I recommend reading it.
Uterus and discharge
How quickly will the uterus contract? On average, this takes from 6 to 8 weeks (longer for cesarean). Immediately after the birth of the baby, the uterus looks like a ball weighing up to a kilogram. After 2 months, she should become “prenatal”: take on a pear-shaped shape and “lose weight” to 80 grams. Just imagine - from a kilogram to 80 grams!
Speed up the process uterine contraction Breastfeeding helps, during which oxytocin is released. The more it gets into the blood, the more often the uterus will contract.
With repeated pregnancy, postpartum contractions are more often felt, occurring around the 3rd day. Contractions after the second birth are usually stronger, as the uterus tries to recover faster, and with it the muscles and ligaments.
You can understand that the uterus has returned to normal by the cessation of discharge (doctors call them postpartum lochia - read more about them in a separate post).
Here's how they will change:
- the first few days - very heavy periods;
- then the severity of bleeding will begin to decrease;
- in a week - they will become light, but will contain remnants of blood clots and mucus.
Evaluate appearance and the amount of lochia is necessary, because deviations may indicate various pathologies:
- uterine bleeding;
- inflammation as a result of stagnation of secretions, including endometritis, in which the uterine mucosa becomes inflamed.
Menstruation
Restoration of the menstrual cycle depends on many factors - individual characteristics body and the regime of discharge before pregnancy, natural or artificial feeding.
Usually doctors say that menstruation returns:
- if a woman does not breastfeed – after 2 months;
- if the child is mixed-fed - after 6 months;
- with full breastfeeding, the “pleasure” is delayed for a period of six months to 2 years.
If there is no menstruation within 2 months from the date of cessation of lactation, you need to go to an endocrinologist.
Genitals
The genitals and cervix are subject to significant deformation after childbirth. Kegel exercises will help speed up vaginal recovery and prevent the problem of urinary incontinence - you can do them before pregnancy, during it and after childbirth (read more about the Kegel system).
Unpleasant sensations dryness, itching and irritation in the genital area after the second birth sometimes drag on for a year. They are caused by the fact that the body produces less estrogen and progesterone after the birth of a child. These hormones are also suppressed by prolactin, which is produced in large quantities during breastfeeding.
On average, by 4 months the cervix will complete recovery, but it will never be the same as before childbirth:
- before pregnancy – round in the form of an inverted cone;
- after childbirth - slit-like and cylindrical.
Breast
You can only think about returning to your previous breast shape after stopping breastfeeding. The final form will not return until a month and a half after the last feeding.
Features of recovery after cesarean section
If the second birth took place using a cesarean section, then recovery is slower and additional features appear:
- uterine contractions are stimulated by injections;
- bleeding is more profuse and prolonged;
- restoration of the uterus takes at least 2 months;
- it is necessary to restore the disrupted functioning of the intestines, which are temporarily paralyzed (hence constipation);
- V abdominal cavity a so-called adhesion occurs.
I think that now you can estimate how long it will take to recover after the second birth. I say goodbye to you until a new topic. Share your experience in the comments.
