Postpartum bleeding
Postpartum bleeding (lochia) is your body shedding the lining of the uterus after birth. It starts heavy and red, then gradually becomes lighter and becomes pink or brown.
How long does postpartum bleeding (lochia) typically last?
It usually lasts between 4–6 weeks, but for some it may last up to 12 weeks. Here’s some tips on managing postpartum bleeding:
- Use maternity pads for better absorbency.
- Wash your hands before and after changing pads.
- Contact your midwife or doctor if you notice:
- A temperature over 38°C
- A strong or unusual smell
- Tummy pain that gets worse
- Bleeding that’s getting heavier or not reducing
- Blood clots
- Perineum pain that worsens
- Feeling faint, dizzy or having a pounding heart
When do you get your period after birth?
Your period may return anywhere from a few weeks to several months after giving birth, depending on whether you’re breastfeeding and your individual cycle.
It’s normal for your periods to be irregular at first. If you have concerns about bleeding or delayed return, speak to your healthcare provider.
Postpartum cramps
Afterbirth cramps happen as your uterus shrinks back to its normal size, and this process is called involution. Some describe them as period-like cramps, and they can be more intense while breastfeeding.
- How long it lasts: Usually settles within 6 weeks.
- What helps: Deep breathing, relaxation and gentle movement.
Phantom kicks
Some parents notice the feeling of gentle baby movements in their belly even after giving birth, and these are known as phantom kicks. They can be surprisingly realistic and may catch you off guard, especially in the first few months postpartum.
Phantom kicks happen because your uterus and abdominal muscles are still settling, and your brain is readjusting after months of recognising those movements as part of daily life. They’re completely normal and usually fade as your body and nerves recover.
What can help:
- Try gentle abdominal or breathing exercises to reconnect with your core.
- Pay attention to your posture, holding tension in your stomach can heighten the sensation.
- If you find phantom kicks emotionally unsettling, remind yourself that it’s a physical adjustment, not a sign that something’s wrong.
Most people notice these sensations disappear within a few weeks or months. If they continue or are accompanied by pain, check with your GP or midwife for reassurance.
Breast tenderness
Your breasts may become large and tender around 24 to 72 hours after birth as milk production begins. If you’re breastfeeding, it’s normal for your nipples to feel sore for the first few days.
Breast engorgement is common and can be painful, but should ease once feeding or expressing becomes established, or once milk production stops if you’re not breastfeeding.
Care tips:
- Breastfeed or express milk regularly to relieve engorgement.
- Use nipple creams or pads for soreness.
- Wear a supportive nursing bra.
Night sweats
Sweating at night post pregnancy is very common in the first few months postpartum as your hormone levels rebalance and your body works to shed the extra fluid retained during pregnancy. You might wake up feeling damp or overheated, even if the room isn’t warm.
While it can be uncomfortable and make sleeping difficult, it’s a normal sign that your body is finding its new rhythm. The intensity usually eases after a few weeks.
What can help:
- Wear lightweight, breathable cotton or bamboo pyjamas.
- Keep your room cool and use light bedding.
- Stay hydrated, your body loses extra fluid through sweat.
- Try to rest when you can, especially if night sweats disrupt your sleep.
If sweating is accompanied by a high temperature, chills, or feeling unwell, check in with your healthcare provider as it could be a sign of infection rather than hormonal change.
Stretch marks
Pregnancy stretch marks appear when your skin expands or shrinks quickly while carrying your baby, and you can also get them after pregnancy. They can be pink, red, brown, black, silver or purple, and usually fade over time.
They’re most common on the stomach but can also appear on the breasts, thighs, hips and bum, and they’re totally normal. Moisturising can help with itchiness, but it won’t prevent them entirely.
Separated stomach muscles and healing
During pregnancy, your growing womb separates the two muscles that run down the middle of your stomach, and this is called diastasis recti.
The gap usually begins to close by eight weeks post-birth, but to speed up the process, pelvic floor and gentle core exercises can help your muscles heal.
To check the separation:
- Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat.
- Raise your shoulders slightly and look down at your tummy.
- Use your fingertips to feel between the muscles above and below your belly button to see how many fingers fit into the gap.
If the gap remains obvious after eight weeks, speak to your doctor as they may refer you to a physiotherapist for support.
Perineum soreness
The perineum (the soft tissue between the anus and vagina) stretches during birth and can sometimes tear or be cut (an episiotomy). This will be taken care of by your doctor, and stitches usually heal within a month.
To ease soreness:
- Apply a cool pack.
- Let stitches breathe when possible.
- Rinse with water while you pee.
- Take pain relief as advised by your healthcare provider.
- Rest and avoid heavy lifting.
- Stay hydrated.
- Wear soft, loose and breathable clothing.
- Many parents find high-waisted, supportive “grannie pants” helpful in the early weeks as they can make wearing pads easier and more comfortable.
Piles (haemorrhoids)
Piles (swollen veins inside or around your bottom) are common after birth and can be uncomfortable. Ask your midwife or doctor for a suitable ointment to help get rid of them, but if you experience bleeding or a prolapsed pile, seek medical support.
Constipation
Constipation is common postpartum and can be caused by:
- Pain medication during or after delivery.
- Haemorrhoids or piles.
- Pregnancy hormones.
- Iron supplements.
- Recovery from surgical incisions.
Stay hydrated and eat high-fibre foods to help things move along. If your constipation doesn’t improve, your doctor may prescribe a stool softener.
The first bowel movement after birth can feel uncomfortable or slow, especially if you’ve had stitches or haemorrhoids. Hydration, gentle movement and fibre-rich foods help, but don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider for support if you’re struggling.
Urinary issues
Frequent urination or mild incontinence is common after birth due to weakened pelvic floor muscles.
And you’re not alone, around a third of women experience urinary incontinence in the first three months postpartum. Pelvic floor exercises can improve bladder control and overall recovery.
Hair loss
Postpartum hair loss, also known as telogen effluvium, happens when the hair that didn’t shed during pregnancy finally falls out as hormone levels settle.
- When it happens: Usually 2–4 months after birth
- How long it lasts: Most notice regrowth by 3–6 months
- Care tips: Be gentle with your hair and avoid tight hairstyles and harsh treatments. If hair loss is severe or lasts longer than a year, speak to your doctor.
Postpartum rage
It’s not often talked about, but some parents experience intense anger or irritability after birth, known as postpartum rage. It can feel sudden and out of character, triggered by small things that wouldn’t usually bother you.
This isn’t a reflection of who you are or how much you love your baby. Postpartum rage is often linked to the same hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation and emotional load that can cause postpartum anxiety or depression.
You might notice yourself feeling touched out, easily frustrated, snapping at loved ones, or carrying a sense of simmering anger that’s hard to shake. These feelings are valid, but they also deserve care and attention.
What can help:
- Take a break if you feel anger rising by stepping into another room, breathing deeply, or putting your baby safely in their cot for a few minutes.
- Make rest and nutrition a priority when you can as fatigue and low blood sugar can intensify irritability.
- Talk to someone you trust. Sharing how you feel helps you feel less alone.
- If your anger feels overwhelming or persistent, speak to your GP, midwife or health visitor. Postpartum rage can be a sign of a deeper hormonal or emotional imbalance, and support is available.
You’re not failing, your body and mind are adjusting. Recognising these feelings is a powerful first step towards caring for yourself as fully as you care for your baby.
