After the birth, the mother will be taken care of in the clinic and at home, later also by a midwife or a doctor.
In the first few hours, the doctor or midwife will regularly check your heartbeat, temperature, blood pressure and your uterus. He / she will also check how much you are bleeding from the vagina.
What happens in the body after birth?
- The uterus slowly rebuilds itself. It contracts and gets smaller again. These contractions , also called afterpains, can be unpleasant. After six to eight weeks, the uterus returns to its former size.
- If you have a cut or tear in the tissue between the vagina and the anus (perineum), the stitches may be uncomfortable when sitting down. Run water over the stitches twice a day to keep them clean. This also helps with the pain.
- Give yourself enough rest.
- You can bleed from the vagina for up to eight weeks after birth. First, the blood is bright red. Then it turns into a brown liquid. Later it can be yellow or white. The amount of blood will decrease. Change the sanitary towels regularly. Do not use tampons.
- You will have your first menstrual period about six weeks after giving birth. If you breast-feed your baby, it will take longer.
- During pregnancy the pelvic floor muscles are stretched. After delivery, these muscles need be trained to make them elastic and strong again. Consult your physician or midwife for advice.
Support from a midwife
After birth, you will be followed up by the local public health centre. A midwife and/or public health nurse comes to your home and examines you and the baby. He or she helps you and offers advice on any problems or questions you may have. The service is free of charge. Ask the midwife or public health nurse if you want to start using birth control.
