Features and terms of recovery of the body after childbirth. Recovery of a woman's body after childbirth

Carrying a baby has a great impact on a woman's body. During pregnancy, a general reconstruction of absolutely all systems is carried out to fully supply the life of the fetus. Key metamorphoses affect the hormonal background of the mother, and after childbirth, everything gradually returns to its previous state.

Young mothers who gave birth for the first time are often interested in the question: “How long does the body recover after childbirth?”. It is impossible to answer exactly, as it depends on many external factors and maternal health status, but there are general criteria by which to navigate. Let's consider the problem in more detail.

The body of a woman after the birth of a child works differently, since the preparation for the birth lasted more than one month and the organs gradually prepared for future loads. It will also take a long time to restore their activities. For a healthy non-nursing mother, this takes 2 to 3 months.

The recovery period after childbirth is called involution, which is a regressive formation of organs that have changed during the bearing of the baby. For the most part, they experience metamorphosis:

• pelvic organs;
• heart and vascular system;
• hormones;
• mammary glands.

The breasts and the endocrine system are the last to be rebuilt, but on condition that the mother stops lactation.

Heart and lungs

The respiratory system will recover instantly, as the fetus no longer presses on the diaphragm and does not interfere with the respiratory system.

The cardiovascular system during gestation changes greatly:

• The increased volume of blood in the postpartum period provokes edema. Over time, its volume will become the same as before pregnancy.
• Blood clotting increases. It's normal physiological process because the body needs to deal with bleeding on its own.

The formation of blood clots is especially increased after caesarean section. In order to avoid complications, women in labor must definitely need the first days after surgery.

Restoration of the female reproductive system

It takes from one and a half to 60 days after the birth of the baby to restore the uterus. During this period, lochia is formed - postpartum discharge. Two or three days they are more like heavy menstruation but then the bleeding decreases. After seven days, the discharge becomes lighter and consists of mucus and blood clots.

How long does the bleeding last if a caesarean section was done? The body recovers after childbirth surgical intervention much longer, so the bleeding can be protracted.

The uterus weighs approximately one kilogram and is shaped like a ball. By the end of involution, she has approximately the same size and weight as a girl who has never given birth. The pear-shaped uterus is also returning. The production of the hormone oxytocin is activated. It is responsible for the contraction of the uterus. This happens every time a mother feeds her baby with her milk. Often during feeding there is pain in the lower abdomen.

The contraction of the uterus depends directly on breastfeeding. Thus, the more often the baby is applied to the breast, the faster it decreases.

During this period, bleeding may occur due to weak uterine tone. It can also provoke stagnation of lochia, which will cause inflammation. Often.

Loop normalization

How long does it take to recover after childbirth? menstrual cycle?

• In non-nursing mothers after 45-60 days.
• With mixed feeding after six months.
• During full feeding, the terms can vary from six months to two years.

But this is average data. How quickly the cycle stabilizes in a particular woman depends on individual characteristics body.

The tone of the muscles of the perineum and vagina decreases to natural parameters, but will not return to its original form. Due to the reduced production of hormones, dryness may occur. During lactation, prolactin suppresses sex hormones, which is the reason for the lack of lubrication. This lasts up to six months or longer.

After pregnancy, the cervix resumes its functioning for a long time. With natural delivery, the shape of the external os becomes slit-like. The cervix before conception looks like an inverted cone, after it looks like a cylinder.

Differences between lochia and bleeding

Often, inexperienced women in labor do not distinguish between lochia and bleeding, and therefore lose precious time going to the hospital, resulting in fatal outcome. Each representative of the weaker sex should know the first signs of bleeding, by which it will be possible to distinguish it from normal secretions:

• With uterine bleeding, the sanitary napkin is changed every 40-60 minutes.
• The blood is bright scarlet.
• The discharge is copious and comes out in bursts.
• Sometimes there is a pulling or prickly pain in the lower abdomen, in the areas of the coccyx or sacrum.
• There is dizziness, fainting.
• In some cases, nausea and vomiting appear.

signs normal secretions in the period after the birth of the child:

• The hygiene product is filled within 2-4 hours.
• The color is dark red or brown.
• Allocations are smeared.
• They do not cause any pain or discomfort.
• Sometimes there is mild nausea, but this is rare.

Involution of the breast and endocrine system

Unfortunately, after lactation, the shape of the breast loses its elasticity and beauty. The cessation of feeding occurs gradually. The child is less and less often applied to the breast. As a result, prolactin levels go down and milk production decreases.

In the breast, degradation of the glandular tissue occurs. It is replaced by fat. This reduces its elasticity. It takes its final form one and a half months after the last application.

Since the level of prolactin decreases, the active production of estrogen and progesterone begins, the hormonal background is completely restored after 30-60 days.

When milk almost completely disappears in the breast, you need to stop applying the baby. Since periodic breastfeeding provokes jumps prolactin and because of this, it is not possible to rebuild the hormonal background and other vital systems.

At the end of lactation within 30 days, the menstrual cycle normalizes. If a critical days not within 2 months, you should consult an endocrinologist.

A girl changes after pregnancy, not only internally, but also externally. May appear:

• excess weight;
• stretch marks;
• loose skin;

These changes do not please any of the fair sex. To that . As a result, recovery after childbirth takes longer. But for girls who have become mothers, their outlook on life is also changing. With the advent of a small person in their lives, all the external metamorphoses that happen to them become less important.

Hormonal background

After pregnancy, recovery should go unnoticed. Organs come to an almost normal state. The reasons for the prolonged stabilization of hormones can be:

• difficult delivery;
• psycho-emotional stress;
• problems with lactation, lack or excess of milk;
• taking strong drugs;
• diet food that does not contain vitamins;
• diseases of the woman in labor in the first months after pregnancy;
• power failure;
• dependence on cigarettes or alcohol.

A woman must take care of her health herself. A hormonal imbalance can occur if the girl quickly returned to ordinary life. Hormone levels are constantly changing, which negatively affects well-being. Unfavorable on hormonal balance the full devotion of the mother to the child will also be reflected.

Signs of hormonal imbalance

First manifestations incorrect operation appear 3-4 months after the birth of the child. Hormonal fluctuations negatively affect the well-being of the mother, as they can spoil the joy of motherhood. Mom can make an assessment of her physical and emotional state herself.

The first symptoms of improper hormone production are:

• irritability;
• tearfulness;
• aggressiveness;
• suspiciousness;
• sleep disturbance;
• frequent mood swings throughout the day;
• increased sweating;
• often there is a feeling of guilt;
• depression;
• intense hair loss;
• per a short time weight loss or gain;
• change in pigmentation of the skin of the face;
• lack of desire for intimacy;
• painful menstruation;
• pain during sex.

Favorably on the health of the mother will be reflected in:

• use;
• walks on fresh air;
• in case of problems with bladder and weakening of the muscles of the vagina is allowed to do Kegel exercises;
• to make the breast look attractive even after lactation, it is necessary to use special creams and lotions for stretch marks;
• you can remove extra pounds only with the help of a balanced diet and physical exercises (brisk walking, gentle stretching and pumping the press).

Young mothers after birth try to return as quickly as possible to their normal lives, they take on too much. Should not be doing that.

To recover without negative consequences you should not forget about yourself. Every new mommy should have a good rest. Don't be afraid to delegate some household chores to your loved ones. The better the rest, the faster body is being restored. Every woman should remember this.

Carrying a child and its birth - milestone in the life of every woman. However, for the body of a young mother, the process of pregnancy and childbirth is a rather difficult, stressful period, after which it is difficult for a woman to return to her original shape.

Changes concern not only external characteristics (figure, breast shape), but also the functioning of internal organs and systems, primarily cardiovascular, reproductive, endocrine. Every young mother is concerned about questions: how to recover as quickly and fully as possible? How long does the body recover?

Recovery time

Since ancient times, it was believed that the body of a woman in labor needs about 40 days to return to normal (this is the reason for the belief that a woman who has undergone childbirth should not enter the church for 40 days after the baby is born). In each case, the time of postpartum rehabilitation is purely individual, how long the recovery will last depends on various factors, such as:

How to start rehabilitation?

In the first days and weeks after the baby is born, a woman feels tired and depressed. This is due to hormonal changes, fatigue after a difficult birth process and caring for a newborn child, negative changes in the figure. Against this background, many young mothers experience such a common phenomenon as postpartum depression. This state is considered normal, because in a woman's life a qualitative change has come new stage, the transition to which is accompanied by severe stress. At this time, it is important to accept everything necessary measures to alleviate your condition.

First of all, it is important to realize that the birth of a child is a great joy, the most significant event in the life of any woman, and some difficulties that will arise from time to time cannot overshadow the joy of motherhood. In addition, a woman needs the support of relatives and friends, but if postpartum depression is intense, you can seek the advice of a psychologist.

It is important to understand that the recovery process after childbirth is not instantaneous, it requires a lot of time and patience. First of all, you need:

Recovery of the cardiovascular system

In the process of bearing a child, the cardiovascular system undergoing significant changes. In particular, the volume of blood circulating in the body increases expectant mother. The normal volume is restored some time after the birth of the baby, however, this process does not occur immediately.

In addition, childbirth, accompanied by profuse blood loss (especially if the baby is born by caesarean section), leads to an increase in blood clotting. This, in turn, increases the risk of blood clots, especially in small blood vessels legs. Therefore, in the first time after childbirth, it is advisable for a woman to wear compression stockings.

Restoration of the organs of the reproductive system

Pregnancy and childbirth have a significant impact on the condition of the uterus, its cervix, and vagina. The menstrual cycle is disturbed.

Uterus

Recovery of the uterus occurs after 6-8 weeks. All this time, the woman has specific bloody issues- lochia. This is fine. In the first 2-3 days after childbirth, lochia resemble heavy menstruation. Over time, the discharge becomes less intense, their color changes (the discharge becomes lighter) and consistency (mucous discharge and blood clots appear). Important! If delivery was by caesarean section, uterine recovery period and duration postpartum hemorrhage increases.

The recovery process is accompanied by uterine contractions, during which the woman may experience intense pain. This is also the normal state. The uterus, contracting, comes to a normal state, its size and volume are restored. If immediately after childbirth the organ weighed about 1 kg, then after 1.5-2 months its weight is 60-80 g, the original pear-shaped form returns (after the birth of the child, the shape of the uterus was spherical). Uterine contractions are caused by the release of the hormone oxytocin into the blood, the production of which increases when the baby is attached to the breast. That is why with breastfeeding, the recovery process of the uterus occurs more intensively.

In many women, uterine tone is significantly reduced after childbirth. This phenomenon can lead to very unfavorable consequences, such as uterine bleeding, lochia stagnation with subsequent development inflammatory process, endometritis. The development of complications is accompanied by a change in the nature of postpartum discharge, their color, volume, smell.

Cervix

This part of the reproductive system is restored the longest. And even after the expiration rehabilitation period time, the cervix will no longer return to its original shape (therefore, during gynecological examination a doctor can easily determine whether a woman has given birth or not). This is typical only for natural childbirth. So, if before pregnancy the opening of the cervix was round, after childbirth it acquires a slit-like shape. The cervix itself becomes like a cylinder (before childbirth, it had a conical shape). The duration of the rehabilitation period of the cervix is ​​about 4 months, in the presence of complications during childbirth, this process can be extended.

Vagina

After pregnancy and childbirth, the tone of the muscles of the vagina decreases (over time, it increases, but it will never be the same). How to quickly recover after childbirth? To do this, it is recommended to regularly do Kegel exercises, which will not only bring muscle tissue back to normal, but also avoid such unpleasant manifestations of hypotension, such as urinary incontinence, which is observed in many women in labor.

In addition, a woman has vaginal dryness, which occurs as a result of increased secretion of prolactin (the hormone breastfeeding against the background of a decrease in the level of sex hormones - estrogen and progesterone). Over time, the hormonal background returns to normal. Finally, this happens at the end of breastfeeding.

Menstrual cycle

The signal that the process of postpartum rehabilitation is completed is the normalization of the menstrual cycle. Usually the cycle is restored after 7-8 months, however, the appearance of normal periods may occur later. How long the cycle normalization process will take depends on the presence or absence of some unfavorable factors, such as:

1. general weakness of the body;
2. pathological course of pregnancy and childbirth;
3. presence of disease in chronic form currents;
4. malnutrition;
5. physical and emotional fatigue;
6. age (the older the mother, the more a long period her body needs to recover).

Figure restoration

Throughout the pregnancy, a woman gaining about 10-12 kg of weight, which includes the weight of the fetus, amniotic fluid and membranes, the weight of the increased blood volume. Almost all of this weight goes away after the baby is born. However, changes in nutrition and a decrease in physical activity of a pregnant woman lead to visible changes in her figure.

For more quick recovery women are advised to:

During pregnancy and childbirth, a woman's body undergoes complex physiological changes and withstands significant stress. How fast is recovery possible after childbirth? Many organs and systems require the longest recovery period. On this path, mothers face dangers and difficulties. Fortunately, nature itself takes care of a speedy return to normal. female body.

Hormonal background after pregnancy and childbirth

For the correct organization and successful course of pregnancy and the birth process is entirely responsible hormonal system. The speed and quality of the recovery period depends on it. It gives rise to the production of colostrum by the mammary glands, and then milk. A full return to the prenatal hormonal background occurs after the end of feeding. Although, as regards general condition: digestion, cardiac activity, it returns to its normal level after only three days after the birth of the child.

A woman feels the beginning of the work of hormones in this direction literally in the first hours and days after childbirth, when she puts the baby to her breast. The process of feeding is accompanied by sharp cramping pains in the abdomen. This is how oxytocin works. With its help, the uterus contracts and gradually returns to its prenatal size. Sometimes it is very painful. Especially unpleasant sensations occur in women who have given birth more than 2 times, which is due to the fact that multiple pregnancies and childbirth stretch the uterus more and more effort is required to restore.

The first violin in the body of a nursing mother is played by prolactin, which is responsible for the production and amount of breast milk. He acts as the conductor of the entire hormonal orchestra, enabling some hormones to work and muffling others. For example, progesterone and estrogen are inhibited by prolactin, giving the mother the opportunity to take care of one baby before the possibility of conceiving others. Therefore, the menstrual cycle after childbirth is not restored immediately, but gradually, depending on the individual characteristics of the female body: from one and a half months to a year.

Prolactin is regulated by the frequency of feeding and the needs of the child. Its excess in the first days and several weeks can be called a natural factor, but requiring increased attention. Excess milk gives a feeling of "stone chest" and carries the risk of developing mastopathy. Therefore, you need to be very careful and express excess milk, but only until you feel relief. Excessive pumping can increase milk production and lead to hyperlactation.

But normal hormones can also fail and provoke big and small problems.

Indicators and "culprits" of hormonal failure in the postpartum period:

• insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, nap, frequent awakenings. The occurrence of insomnia provokes enough progesterone responsible for relaxation. Progesterone deficiency leads to overexcitation;
• obesity, thinness with normal nutrition, nervousness, depressed mood - a malfunction of the thyroid gland;
• hair loss, brittle nails, deterioration of the skin also indicates a lack of thyroid hormones;
• lack of sexual desire, a decrease in the brightness of sexual sensations - problems with the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone;
• a sad state that rolls from time to time - lack of estrogen;
• postpartum depression is a complex psycho-emotional disorder. Scientists have not yet determined the exact causes of postpartum depression and the role of hormonal failure in its occurrence. But the fact that it is present in this violation has already been proven.

The restoration of the hormonal background of a woman after childbirth cannot be entirely attributed to physiology. Great importance has her lifestyle after the baby is born. Complete nutrition, rest, calm psycho-emotional state play a huge role in postpartum recovery. If a woman does not get enough sleep, starves herself, afraid to feed the baby incorrectly, does not receive timely support from relatives and friends, hormonal disruptions are more than likely.

Restoration of the genitals

The uterus begins to return to her normal state as soon as the placenta separates and the baby is born. The shape undergoes the first change - it becomes round again. Then the size and weight gradually decrease: 1 kg after childbirth turns into 0.5 kg after the first week, and after 6–8 weeks, and this is how long the postpartum period lasts, it weighs about 50 g.

It is clear that such rapid changes do not occur painlessly. A woman feels cramping pains during feeding and aching sensations in the lower abdomen in the first period. This is the hormone oxytocin. The good news is that oxytocin not only provides the entire process of uterine contraction, but also produces an analgesic effect. It is he who provokes that state of radiant joy and delight that accompanies the first, most painful postpartum period.

You should know that in the postpartum period, the uterus is the most defenseless and prone to infection. Therefore, you must carefully follow the rules of hygiene and doctor's recommendations. For the same reason, sexual activity in the first 8 weeks after natural childbirth is undesirable.

The cervix recovers more slowly than the uterus itself and never becomes the same. Its shape changes from cylindrical to conical and ceases to be so rounded. It is clear that such changes do not apply to women in labor after caesarean section. On the women Health the changed shape of the cervix does not affect. If the contraction process is difficult, an oxytocin drug or a special massage is prescribed.

The vagina plays an important role during childbirth. Its elastic muscles allow the child to get out. But time passes, and the volume almost returns to the previous one, although it will no longer be the same as before. However, no major changes are expected.

Suture care after lacerations and episiotomies

Not all births go smoothly. Sometimes the baby rushes into the world so quickly that the mother's organs do not have time to prepare and ruptures of the cervix, vagina, or even in outdoor area. It happens that the doctor, seeing the impending danger, makes an episiotomy - an incision in the tissues of the external genital organs.

Ruptures and incisions after childbirth in any place are sutured with a self-absorbable suture material - catgut. The condition and well-being of the mother depends on the size of the seam and the place where it is located. External sutures heal quickly but are painful. A woman experiences discomfort when urinating, and she cannot sit down for a while so that the seam does not open. It happens that the external seam falls on such an uncomfortable place that it makes itself felt a couple of months after healing. But then everything comes back to normal.

The internal sutures in the vagina heal a little easier, since neither urine nor linen can access them. In addition, there are no pain receptors in the vagina, otherwise the woman would go crazy during childbirth. Need hygiene of the external genital organs, attention to their condition and reduced physical activity. It is necessary to use douching to heal internal sutures only after consulting a doctor. Otherwise, there is a risk of violation of the microflora of the vagina.

The sutures on the cervix also do not require care, but since this is damage to the internal organ, you cannot apply a bandage there and it will not be possible to treat it with an antiseptic. Therefore, antibiotics are prescribed to prevent inflammation in the same way as after a caesarean section. They need to drink. Some types of medicine pass into breast milk, so breastfeeding should be suspended while they are being taken. In order for the lactation process not to be disturbed, it is necessary to express milk every time the baby eats formula.

Pelvic floor muscles, pelvic bones, bowel function

In the first postpartum period, women may suffer from muscle dysfunction pelvic floor. The pelvic floor muscles are the area between the sacrum and the pubic symphysis. They perform important function support of organs located in the small pelvis: bladder, intestines, uterus. Their other features:

• help emptying;
• urinary retention;
• contraction of the muscles of the vagina during intercourse.

Some time after childbirth, the muscles can be weakened, so the woman has certain problems. It can be pain, urinary or fecal incontinence. For example, a few drops of urine during a cough indicate trouble. Over time, support functions are restored, but if discomfort is felt, you should consult a doctor. In the longer term, this is fraught with the above complications and prolapse of internal organs.

Especially you need to be careful if during childbirth there were gaps between the vagina and the anus. Incorrect recovery of the pelvic floor muscles is evidenced by pain during intercourse that occurred in the postpartum period. Burning, itching, pain syndrome let you know about the strain of the pelvic muscles. In this case, it is better to consult a doctor and get advice about possible ways solutions to this problem. In many cases, special gymnastics will help.

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Pelvic bones

Pelvic bones, namely cartilage tissues, during childbirth, they seem to diverge slightly - up to 2.5 cm. This process is accompanied by characteristic pains in the spine. After childbirth, the bones return to their place, but this does not happen so quickly, so the woman in labor does not feel discomfort. By the end of the postpartum period (6-8 weeks), the pelvic bones fall into place. At this time, a woman should not lift weights.

Restoration of bowel function

Intestinal dysfunction can begin during pregnancy. The enlarged uterus takes up too much space and the intestines shrink. This can lead to constipation. But it happens that childbirth is long over, and constipation does not stop. The reason may be in malnutrition nursing mother. The lack of coarse fiber in food is explained by the need to prevent gases and constipation in the baby, but such a diet brings problems to the mother.

If constipation persists, use special laxatives. There are preparations based on lactulose, which acts only in the intestines and does not penetrate into milk. As soon as the opportunity arises, you should try to normalize your diet by adding more vegetables, fruits, the normal amount of liquid.

Haemorrhoids

During childbirth, with attempts, they often come out hemorrhoids. Then, to all postpartum sensations, there is also sharp pain in the anus. Because of hemorrhoids, women in labor are afraid to go to the toilet, sometimes they do not empty themselves for several days, which leads to artificially organized constipation and aggravation of the problem.

With severe pain, after consulting a doctor, apply special ointments or anti-hemorrhoidal suppositories. There is no need to suffer and endure pain. Minor knots are recommended to be flushed warm water several times a day. They may disappear on their own within a week after delivery.

Beauty of eyelashes, hair, nails

There is an opinion that if a child in the womb does not have enough of any substances, he draws them from the female body. Basically, that's the way it is. Dull hair, liquid eyelashes, brittle nails - one or more of these problems are present in every woman. The reason is the lack of vitamins and minerals. At the same time, during feeding, the condition of hair and nails may also worsen, since milk also requires certain substances.

To correct the problem and prevent it in the future (after about six months, many complain of catastrophic hair loss), you need to monitor your diet and the state of the thyroid gland. The diet must contain B vitamins (especially B3) and iodine-containing foods. Do not neglect vitamin complexes for nursing mothers. They will help to remove the imbalance of the diet and return the hair and nails to normal.

Vision change

Vision can be affected by several factors. Even during the normal course of pregnancy, changes occur in the lens and cornea, and if toxicosis or gestosis of the second part of pregnancy is present, the risk of visual impairment increases. This happens due to a violation of the microcirculation process, which is so important for the eyes. In addition, childbirth itself can bring various complications up to retinal detachment. Therefore, doctors often recommend a caesarean section for visually impaired women - then there is no load and vision does not fall.

Incorrect attempts can lead to visual impairment. When a woman pushes "in the eyes", her blood vessels may burst. Then on the second day she notices blood patches on the whites of her eyes. They usually go away on their own in a week or two.

Closed space at home during late pregnancy and the early age of the baby is not allowed to train the eye to look at long distances. This can also cause vision loss. Therefore, for the speedy restoration of vision, you need to go outside with the baby as soon as possible, where the eye will have a place to “roam around”.

Back and spine

To carry and give birth to a child, the female body needs to make room for it. Even the spine undergoes a change - its curves change their shape, angle and inclination. For example, the coccyx moves back to avoid trauma to the fetus during childbirth. The spine returns to its prenatal form 1–2 months after childbirth. At this time, you need to avoid physical exertion on the back, you can not carry weights, active gymnastics is contraindicated.

Immunity during lactation

Unfortunately, there is no need to talk about the imminent restoration of immunity. This applies, however, only to those mothers who feed babies. breast milk. A pregnant woman is more secure in terms of immunity than a nursing one. That is why, for example, dentists are much more relaxed about the treatment and even extraction of teeth for pregnant women and are extremely careful with nursing ones.

For normal functioning immunity, you need to restore bowel function as soon as possible. To increase the body's resistance will help:

• proper nutrition;
• walks in the fresh air;
• absence of psycho-emotional overload.

Skin care after childbirth

Stretch marks on the abdomen, hips and chest do not delight a young mother. Dry skin and loss of elasticity also does not make you happier. Some people have fewer problems, some more, some don't notice them at all. Stretch marks will eventually become smaller and lose their brightness, but they will still remain. Special creams will help reduce them.

There are two ways to make the skin fresh, moisturized and elastic after childbirth: internal and external. Internal influence is healthy eating, sufficient water, fresh air, good sleep. External - cosmetics, creams, masks, scrubs, baths, solarium.

We must not forget the main thing: the body needs time to update.

Proper nutrition for breastfeeding mothers

The diet of a nursing mother is extremely poor. If the baby toils with the tummy or suffers from allergies, mothers literally sit on bread and water. A little butter, a little cheese, cereals, soups, dry biscuits - that's all that is allowed. Naturally, this is extremely insufficient. Therefore, synthetic vitamins are indispensable.

There are special vitamin complexes for nursing mothers. They contain a balanced composition, useful for both mother and child. It is advisable not to save and not limit yourself in these vitamins. Otherwise, after a few months, hair will begin to fall out, nails will break, depressive states will begin.

But this is not the worst. It is important to maintain a balance of calcium so as not to be left without teeth and with brittle bones. Experience shows that multivitamin complexes for nursing are the most safe drugs calcium. Drinking the mineral alone can interfere with kidney problems or thyroid gland. If there is no confidence in the full health of the latter, there is a danger that the body will not be able to cope with the processing and excess calcium will settle on the walls of blood vessels or turn into a heel spur.

Full sleep and rest for a young mother: fantasy or necessity

Mom's body will soon return to normal if she has a good rest. You can’t dream of 8 hours of sleep, but 4 hours of uninterrupted sleep at night and a couple of daytime rests will help you recover faster. Otherwise, not only postpartum discomfort will drag on, but new problems will appear.

It is the difference between the lifestyle of a pregnant woman and the mother of a baby that scientists call the main cause of postpartum depression. Just yesterday, everyone was blowing dust from a woman, taking care of her desires and health, and then in an instant she seems to disappear from the radars of not only her relatives, but also her own. A little beloved native lump takes absolutely all the attention.

Not everyone can stand it and we have to watch mental disorder called postpartum depression. The main symptom of the disease is a complete lack of interest in the baby. Moms who survived this state recall with amazement that they did not want to either approach the child or look at the baby, there were no feelings and there was no anxiety. With amazement, because after some time they do not have a soul in their son or daughter.

Therefore, from the first days you should not forget about the value of the mother as a person and do not ignore her needs. The “you are not a woman, you are a mother” attitude is bad for everyone. The physical and psychological exhaustion of a mother will never make a child healthier and happier. Therefore, it is advisable to remember that the baby is the responsibility of the whole family, and the mother is also a person.

Taking turns on duty, minimizing other household chores can help. Useful "weekends" for mom, when she can sit with her friends somewhere outside the house. If possible, it's a good idea to take a nanny to help.

We return harmony

Restoring the figure after childbirth cannot be considered a priority, but somehow it cannot be ignored. Every woman wants to be attractive, and after a forced period of ugliness, when you don’t call yourself anything other than a hippo, this desire flares up with terrible force.

Possible problems with the figure after childbirth:

• excess weight;
• big belly;
• excessive thinness.

Excess weight after pregnancy is removed by a balanced diet and can go away during feeding on its own. But if this does not work out, it is better to deal with it, having survived the postpartum period. After all the internal organs fall into place, gentle gymnastics and walks are also shown, which will help return the weight to its place. Good sleep is extremely important, as the body perceives lack of sleep as malnutrition and begins to catch up with the lack of sleep with food.

A big belly and weak pres, of course, need to be corrected, but very carefully. Until the end of 7-8 weeks, while the bones and spine, the muscles have not yet fallen into place, it is better not to do anything. Then you can slowly work out, but it is recommended to download the press no earlier than six months later. Until this time, they suggest using other exercises: squats, tilts, yoga.

If suddenly after childbirth you find that the water has gone and skin and bones remain in the place of the former hippo, you should not be afraid. With proper nutrition and proper rest, the weight will soon be restored. The main thing is not to go into all serious trouble and not to eat too much.

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Thus, different systems and organs of a woman are restored in different time periods. The average recovery time is 6-8 weeks, but it only applies to normal delivery without any complications. However, some systems return to their "pre-pregnancy" state only after breastfeeding is over.

And now, everything is behind us - there is one more person on Earth, all fears and pains are in the past. A new period begins in your life - recovery after childbirth: lactation begins, the uterus contracts, the joints involved in the delivery period lose their mobility. In the coming months, you will have to get used to the new state and return the lost figure.

How does the female body recover after childbirth?

One of the main questions that worries women in the postpartum period is how much the body recovers after childbirth and how this process occurs. It usually takes 6-8 weeks for women to recover from childbirth.

The postpartum period is divided into two stages. The first one is early period recovery after childbirth, it lasts the first 4 hours after delivery. The second is late, the recovery time after childbirth at this stage continues until the body returns to its original functions.

In the postpartum period, the psychological changes associated with the birth of a child also begin and occur. In the early postpartum period, medical supervision is necessary, as complications are possible.

During the recovery of the body after childbirth, the reverse development of the changes that occurred during pregnancy occurs.

The uterus contracts after childbirth, decreases in transverse size to 12-13 cm, and in weight - up to 1000 g, its mucosa is restored. By the end of the postpartum period, the organ acquires its original dimensions and weighs 50-60 g.

During the recovery of the woman's body after childbirth, the swelling of the external genital organs disappears, which appears at the end of pregnancy and during childbirth.

If the condition allows, then you should be active and move, you should not lie in bed all the time after giving birth. Empty regularly bladder and intestines. In case of constipation, eat more plant foods.

Also, during the recovery of the female body after childbirth, the elasticity of the ligaments and the mobility of the joints, which were subjected to heavy stress during pregnancy and childbirth, lose their elasticity.

displaced due to large sizes uterus internal organs (lungs, stomach, intestines, bladder, etc.) take their original position.

In the process of how the body recovers after childbirth, vital important organs, ensuring the constancy of the environment of the organisms of the mother and child, return to the previous load (2 times less).

Return to normal endocrine glands, with the exception of those that provide lactation.

There is an increase in the mammary glands due to the formation of milk for feeding the child.

In the first days after childbirth, to reduce the uterus, an ice pack is placed on the stomach (for 30 minutes), it is recommended to lie on the stomach, nettle infusions are prescribed, shepherd's bag, birch leaves.

Primiparas are especially interested in how long, while the body is recovering after childbirth, lochia (bloody and sanious, gradually brightening discharge) is released from the birth canal. This usually happens within the first postpartum week, and after six weeks, these discharges completely stop. To wash away and prevent diseases of the external genital organs, it is recommended to use first a decoction of oak bark, and from the second week - a decoction of chamomile. During this period, it is advisable to use cotton underwear and sanitary pads.

The breast is prepared for breastfeeding during pregnancy. After childbirth, you should not wear a bra in the first days, but in the future you will need it. If the flow of milk is accompanied by soreness, fever, thickening of the mammary glands, then you should limit fluid intake, inform your doctor about the changes in order to detect mastitis in a timely manner.

While feeding and caring for your baby, take a comfortable position to reduce back and lower abdominal pain, which are noted initially after childbirth.

How long does it take for the body to fully recover after childbirth, and when do cracks and sutures heal after incisions and ruptures of soft tissues? This usually takes about two months. during this period, the suture is resorbed.

If the birth went without complications, then in a month it is possible to resume sexual activity. In complicated childbirth - 2 months after tissue healing and normal results of blood and urine tests. In any case, you must first undergo a gynecological examination.

Take care of contraception, because after childbirth, despite the absence of menstruation, pregnancy may occur, and it is undesirable for a year, until the body is fully restored and rested.

Accelerate the healing and restoration of the function of the perineum and vagina exercises. Perform them carefully, to the best of your ability. If they cause pain or tire, then you should stop exercising.

A properly organized daily routine and the help of loved ones contribute to a more effective recovery period. A woman gains strength and self-confidence, gets used to the role of a mother.

After childbirth, women often find out that they have significantly gained weight. If it does not decrease during breastfeeding, then you need to find out the reason and take care of yourself. Diet modification with the help of a doctor and exercise stress(gymnastics) will help to restore a slender figure.

Discharge from the hospital after recovery of the body

In the normal course of the postpartum period, the puerperal is discharged, as a rule, on the 5-6th day. If there are complications on the part of the mother or on the part of the newborn, the discharge is postponed indefinitely.

At discharge, the mother must have the following documents in her hands:

• an exchange card for yourself and the child;
• a certificate to the registry office for registering a child;
• conclusion about the health of the newborn with detailed description the procedures performed and the drugs administered (if any);
• conclusion about the state of health of the woman in labor (with a similar description);
• written recommendations for the care of the child and mother;
• sick leave in case of severe or operative childbirth.

You should ask relatives to bring you everything in advance. necessary funds for personal care and cosmetics (optional). You must look beautiful, because from now on you are not only a woman, but also the mother of the most wonderful baby in the world. Your long-awaited child. But don't get carried away. While you make up your beauty, your wonderful baby may get hungry, cry or fall asleep.

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The birth of a baby - significant event in the life of every woman. However, the joy of the appearance of a long-awaited child can be overshadowed by physiological changes in the body of a young mother. It is necessary to take care not only of the successful development of the newborn, but also of own health and recovery after childbirth.

The condition of a woman in the first hours after childbirth

After natural delivery, the patient is in the first 2 hours delivery room. There she is observed by obstetricians-gynecologists, controlling her pressure and monitoring possible internal bleeding. After some time, the doctor is interested in the patient's condition, checks the discharge from the genital tract and massages the uterus. At this time, a woman often has an emotional upsurge: she becomes talkative, cheerful and cheerful. This behavior is associated with the release during childbirth of endorphins - natural painkillers. Endorphins continue to act even after delivery, causing positive emotions.

If, after two hours, the woman feels satisfactory, and no deviations are found in the development of the child, the young mother, together with the newborn, is transferred to the delivery room, where specialists control the pressure and temperature of the woman in labor.

First 3 days

In the ward, a woman is usually offered to lie on her stomach for the next 2 hours. The uterus will be able to contract more often, and the discharge will depart more intensively. In the first few days it is possible pain Therefore, doctors often prescribe painkillers.

On the first day, urination can also be painful or completely absent. To solve a problem with urination, doctors stimulate the uterus or attach a catheter.

In the first 2-3 days after childbirth, even if there were no tears, a woman may feel pain in the perineum. This is due to the deformation and stretching of the tissues. There is a lack of stool, which is considered natural. Colostrum appears - a sticky sweetish liquid, which then turns into transitional milk, and then gradually becomes normal breast milk.

Day 4 to Day 14

By the end of the second week, the muscles of the perineum restore their function. At the same time, muscle tone decreases. gastrointestinal tract, why a woman may suffer from constipation.

From two weeks to a month

By the end of the third week, the placental site heals. At this time, a woman can become very irritable. Arises It's a dull pain in the chest and perineum (if there are sutures). If you are not breastfeeding, menstruation returns. There may be small seals in the mammary glands due to the formation of milk.

Often in the first months after childbirth, a woman may feel back pain. This is due to the fact that the mother often goes through to take the baby in her arms.

How many kilograms does a woman lose during childbirth

During pregnancy, weight increases. Its increase is influenced by:

• child. The average weight is 3.5 kg;
• placenta. Weighs 600–900 g;
• uterus. Significantly increases in size, reaching 1 kg;
• amniotic fluid. Weight can reach 800g;
• milk glands. Weight - up to 0.5 kg;
• blood, interstitial fluid, body fat. Increase body weight from 5.5 to 7.5 kg.

Weight gain with a normosthenic physique during pregnancy by 11–12 kg is considered the norm. During childbirth, you can lose 5.2–5.7 kg naturally. From the rest overweight you need to get rid of yourself.

Extra pounds after childbirth

During the first month, with a normal diet and lifestyle, a woman loses excess weight in the abdomen, sides and hips. Part of the calories enters the milk, giving it the necessary fat content. Further, you will lose up to 1.5 kg per month even without additional physical activity. Lochia is excreted from the body - spotting, which accumulates up to 1.5 kg in the uterine cavity during pregnancy, as well as oxytocin, which is released during breastfeeding and reduces the volume of the uterus.

However, some of the excess weight lost after childbirth may return in the first weeks of active feeding. This is due to the fact that the hormone prolactin, produced by natural feeding, delays the excretion of salts from the kidneys. Salts absorb water, which leads to the formation of edema.

Table: full recovery of the body after childbirth

Video: pelvic muscles of a woman after childbirth

How to recover after childbirth at home

There is an opinion that after childbirth women look younger. This is partly true - the cells undergo regeneration. At the same time, there is a general depletion of the body, vitamin deficiency, constipation, anemia, chronic hemorrhoids etc. You can restore the body without harming your health without visiting gyms and nutritionists.

How to return the general tone

If during pregnancy you were sedentary image life, recovery will be difficult. Muscles weaken, and restore their tone after long break pretty hard. The muscles of the pelvis, back and abdomen suffer the most in 9 months, because they take on most of the load.

The abdominal muscles are especially deformed. Under the load of the growing fetus, they are strongly stretched. After 8 weeks after childbirth, the uterus returns to normal, and the stomach should also take its former shape. However, if this does not happen, you will need to perform exercises to strengthen the press in order to recover. After a caesarean section, it is necessary to restore the tone of the abdominal muscles no earlier than 8 weeks after the operation. Usually, in such cases, doctors prescribe bandages that fix the area of ​​\u200b\u200bsutures, and also recommend that the patient sleep on her stomach for better uterine contraction. Back muscles are best restored in the pool 3 months after childbirth.

AT postpartum period women often suffer from insomnia. It has to do with the desire to be a good mother. A woman has strong feelings and sleep disturbance. Negative emotions need to be dealt with. Start to cheer yourself up on your own: walk more, make pleasant purchases, remember your hobbies, read a book, watch a movie. Talk to traditional medicine: chamomile, oregano or valerian will not harm you or your child.

Breathing and the work of the heart

Due to the growing fetus, the diaphragm rises. It presses on the lungs, making it harder to breathe. That is why pregnant women cannot climb stairs without shortness of breath. After childbirth, the diaphragm immediately lowers, freeing the lungs from unwanted compression, and breathing normalizes.

The cardiovascular system after childbirth naturally also recovers on its own. The blood flow is reduced. Blood clotting improves. Full recovery lasts throughout the lactation period. If after giving birth you feel pain in the chest area, cough for no reason, you should seek the advice of a doctor.

The work of the digestive tract and metabolism

Weakened pelvic muscles can cause constipation. To avoid this, eat foods rich in fiber. If during pregnancy you have gained excess weight, you should start restoring your metabolism. To do this, follow a few rules.

1. Don't starve. Lack of calories can be compensated by the deposition of fat.
2. Eat often (5-6 times a day) and in small portions. Thus, you stimulate the production of sugar in the blood, which is why the metabolism in the body will improve.
3. Eat the whites of hard-boiled eggs, drink skim milk. These foods are low in calories. Include carrots in your diet. She is rich folic acid which has a positive effect on the immune system.
4. Walk after eating. This will improve metabolism.
5. Sleep more. During sleep, a person produces growth hormone, which helps to restore metabolism.
6. Spend more time outdoors, ventilate the premises more often. Oxygen, penetrating into the blood, also improves metabolism.
7. Go to the bath. Cardiopalmus accelerates metabolic processes in the body. Slag comes out with sweat.
8. Visit a massage parlor.

Hormonal background

At the end of lactation, you should consult a doctor if you experience the following symptoms:

• the appearance of hair under the navel, on the chest, on the upper lip;
• a sharp set or rapid weight loss that does not recover after lactation;
• prolonged (a week or more) and painful periods, minor bleeding between cycles;
• dizziness, swelling, sleep disturbances;
• neurosis.

If you find these symptoms in yourself, take a blood test for hormones. Only special study will reveal the real cause of the ailments. Treatment will be prescribed by a doctor. All you can do in this case is to strictly follow the recommendations, there are more products rich in vitamins, exclude coffee and tobacco.

Muscles of the vagina

The timing of the restoration of the pelvic organs after childbirth largely depends on the individual physiological characteristics of the woman, as well as on how carefully the young mother will follow the doctor's instructions.

It takes approximately 6-8 weeks for the pelvic bones to heal. To help your body, do a few simple exercises:

1. Lie on your back, bend your knees, and leave your feet flat on the floor. Place your palms on your stomach and as you exhale, pull it in as much as possible. Hold in this position, first for 3-4 seconds, and then for 10 seconds.
2. After exhaling, make a "Bridge" and tighten the muscles of the retracted abdomen. Press your chin to your chest.
3. Get on all fours, arch your back and pull your stomach in at the same time.

For the speedy recovery of the vagina, doctors recommend following these recommendations:

1. stop sexual life at the time of lochia activation.
2. Wash yourself after going to the toilet.
3. Change sanitary pads more often (up to 5 times a day).

If there were tears during childbirth, stitches were applied, the recovery process may be delayed. To speed up healing, it is recommended:

• to avoid constipation, consume more vegetable oil before meals and reduce the consumption of bread. If necessary, put glycerin suppositories;
• sleep without underwear, protecting the seams from unnecessary irritation;
• lubricate the sutures twice a day with wound healing preparations;
• when resuming sexual activity, use a lubricant.

Exercises to restore the tone of the uterus and vagina should be started as early as possible. However, after a caesarean section, ruptures and cracks, it is worth postponing gymnastics for 2-3 months.

To restore the muscles of the vagina, you can perform a set of Kegel exercises. Exercise should not be neglected. They stimulate blood circulation well and promote tissue healing. Previously, such gymnastics was intended for women with urinary incontinence, and a little later it became an excellent solution for restoring the muscles of the vagina after childbirth. If you conscientiously follow all the recommendations, full recovery can be achieved in 2-3 months.

How long does the navel take to heal

Usually, the umbilical cord clip falls off in babies 3-5 days after birth. With proper treatment, the navel heals in 2 weeks. However, this period is individual. Experts advise:

• dress the baby in clothes made from natural fabrics to avoid allergic reactions;
• daily disinfect the wound with hydrogen peroxide;
• avoid getting moisture on the wound.

The navel is considered healed if it does not bleed for several days, does not secrete fluid, and the skin around it does not differ from the rest of the skin.

Vision

Vision after childbirth may fall due to a lack of vitamins during pregnancy. The baby consumed most of the nutrients. A woman spends a lot of time before giving birth in enclosed space where all objects are close. As a result, the muscles of the eyes weaken, vision deteriorates.

To restore visual acuity, a series of useful exercises to train the eye muscles:

1. Find 2 distant points: one closer (for example, the window handle), and the second - further (for example, the house opposite). With a difference of 10-15 seconds, look from one object to another.
2. Raising your eyelids, close your eyes with your palms, and then open them. Repeat the exercise 10 times. It will help strengthen the muscles of the eyeballs.
3. “Write” numbers from one to nine in the air with your eyes.
4. Close your eyes.

Nails and hair

To restore hair and nails, consume more foods containing calcium. It is this element that is the main "construction" component of the body. The main symptoms of calcium deficiency are:

• fast fatiguability;
• depression;
• anxiety.

Vitamin complexes will relieve calcium deficiency. At the same time, due to a lack of vitamin D in the body, calcium may not be absorbed. In parallel with vitamin complexes, you must use:

• hard and processed cheese(leader in calcium content);
• boiled shrimp;
• skimmed milk;
• black bread;
• sour cream;
• leek;
• dried fruits.

These foods will also help boost your immune system.

• to restore nails, you need to use cosmetics without formaldehyde, and to eliminate their fragility - creams with wax;
• to save teeth (in addition to regular brushing) you need to visit the dentist twice a year;
• to maintain healthy hair, you can use burdock oil.

How to recover mentally

According to statistics, after giving birth, 85% of women experience depression. But do not forget that tears, mood swings, psychosis are not the result of psychological trauma. The period of adaptation to motherhood can last several months. In order not to become discouraged, adhere to the following rules:

1. Keep track of your appearance. The feeling of self-attractiveness improves mood. Give yourself at least half an hour a day, pamper yourself with new clothes and cosmetics.
2. Get to know your baby better, learn to recognize his desires.
3. Don't refuse help. If relatives offer to clean the apartment or cook breakfast for you, agree.
4. Communicate more with your husband. The support of the closest person during this period is very important.
5. Expand your social circle. In addition to relatives, call up friends, invite friends to visit, have parties, attend city holidays.

Recovery after premature, artificial and repeated births

After premature birth, the emotional background of a woman is the main object of recovery. Dealing with emotions on your own is not easy. It is worth contacting a psychotherapist. The specialist will prescribe the necessary procedures and medicines that will not harm the body. Caring for a newborn will help you take your mind off negative thoughts.

Often the cause of preterm birth is chronic illness: diabetes, pancreatitis, hypertension. After delivery, you need to take a blood test for biochemistry. Visit your gynecologist regularly. Without restoring the body, you will not be able to endure next child. Avoid stress, eat right and take walks in the fresh air more often.

After artificial childbirth (abortion), the recovery rate depends on the capabilities of the body. Recovery is faster if the gestational age was short. In this case, you can also drink chamomile and valerian to normalize the emotional background. Planning a pregnancy immediately after an abortion is not worth it. Having resumed sexual life, it is necessary to be protected. Full recovery from both primary and secondary births should take at least two years. During this time, there is a normalization of all processes in the female body.

How to speed up recovery

The key to a quick and successful recovery after childbirth is to follow the doctor's recommendations. A woman needs a good rest. The sooner you can restore your sleep pattern, the easier it will be for you to adapt to the role of a mother. Try to eat only healthy food. Useful material during the recovery period after childbirth, both you and your child need. Do not neglect the help of relatives. Ask a spouse or close family member to fill in for a few hours so you can change scenery and relax.

After childbirth, you need to communicate with the child more often, get to know him closer, breastfeed. Try to always stay in a good mood. A positive attitude is the key to health. Give yourself pleasure, enjoy life, and then the recovery time after childbirth will not only be reduced, but will also leave you with pleasant impressions for life.

With the advent of a child, a woman's life changes, and her body experiences numerous stresses and changes. Gradually reproductive system is restored and again becomes capable of bearing and giving birth, about which ...