How does the body recover after childbirth? Recovery after childbirth: how the process occurs and how to speed it up. How long after childbirth does the body fully recover?

After becoming a mother, a woman never stops wanting to be beautiful. But not everyone immediately returns to their previous form. On the contrary, to become attractive again, you need to make an effort. Where to start recovering after childbirth so as not to harm your health and get results?

Read in this article

The first weeks after childbirth

At first time higher value than appearance, they gain health and well-being. And rehabilitation itself is more about restoring body functions that changed during pregnancy. It is also important to establish lactation, because this is not only a condition for the healthy development of the baby, but also helps in increasing body volume.

A woman must control:

• . At first they will be abundant, but with a tendency to decrease and lighten the color. These lochia are signs of cleansing of the uterus. If they do not shrink or come with clots, you need to consult a doctor before the scheduled examination time.
• Emotional condition. Women after childbirth are often bothered by despondency and the desire to cry. This it will go faster, if you establish a routine, get enough sleep.
• Condition of the internal genital organs. They are more likely to earn money as usual if the woman does not lie in bed. It is important to establish lactation; this also helps to normalize the balance of hormones, which means it will ensure the restoration of the cycle after childbirth. At first it will be changeable; with frequent feedings, there may be no menstruation for several months.
• , if available. At first they will ache. Stitches in the perineum may make it difficult to urinate, causing discomfort, or may cause discomfort during bowel movements. With them, it is especially important to avoid constipation, that is, watch your diet (eat prunes and drink plenty of water). You can take Paracetamol to relieve pain.

Helping the body recover

As your health improves, your appearance becomes more important in the problem of how to recover after childbirth. There are several aspects here that may be of concern. But the problem must be solved comprehensively, without forcing events.

Stomach

Even if the woman did not gain weight during pregnancy excess weight, it may remain convex after childbirth. This is natural, because the muscles are stretched and weakened, and the same thing happened with the skin. But it’s not yet possible to seriously engage in sports to tighten them up.

Hair

The main problem with hair is intense hair loss. The balance of hormones is to blame for this, leading to weakening of the bulbs. Nursing mothers suffer less from this; their balance of substances returns to normal more smoothly. The following will help restore thickness to your hair:

• a diet with sufficient protein and B vitamins;
• short haircut, which will ease the load on the bulbs;
• strengthening masks (raw yolk + 1 tsp. butter, hold for half an hour).

Full-fledged exercise in the first weeks after childbirth is, of course, unacceptable. The load is limited to walks with the baby and household chores. But after 6 - 8 weeks you can do exercises to recover after childbirth:

• Lie on your back with your knees bent and your palms pressed to your stomach. Exhale, drawing in your stomach and pressing lightly on it. Inhale slowly, releasing your abdominal muscles. Repeat 10 times.
• Lie down as in the first exercise, but your hands should be behind your head. Raise your pelvis up, hold for 2 - 3 seconds, and slowly lower. Do 10 repetitions.
• Get on all fours, leaning heavily on your palms and feet. Raise your pelvis up, straightening your legs and arms. Do this 10 times.
• Lie on your side, leaning on your palm, arm straight. Separate your pelvis from the floor and rise slightly, pausing. Do 10 repetitions on both sides.

Vitamins for mom's health

Vitamins for recovery after childbirth are needed not only from foods. The body needs to replenish missing substances with drugs.

Now a young mother needs vitamins B, K, E, C, PP, A, and many microelements. They will help strengthen hair, nails, improve the condition of the skin, blood vessels, normalize the functioning of the reproductive system, digestion and metabolism.

There are special complexes for mothers:

• "Vitrum Prenatal"
• "Ferrum Lek"
• "Alphabet".

You should ask your doctor which composition to choose.

When in the house Small child, it is very difficult to find time for yourself. But when correct mode it is possible and even necessary. After all, taking care of your appearance is an element of health and well-being.

After a miracle happened, when after a long nine months of waiting a beautiful baby was born, you can look at him for hours without ceasing to be moved. However, new mothers rarely feel completely happy, because looking at their own reflection in the mirror can instill regret and self-doubt. Many people, even before the baby is born, believe that the figure will quickly return to normal, but in most cases this does not happen. Not every woman after childbirth is able to return to her previous weight as soon as possible. Moreover, some do not succeed even after several months or even years. Due to the fact that this problem is more than relevant, we suggest talking about how to recover after childbirth.

Returning the body to its original state

First of all, it should be noted that the shape of the abdomen of a woman who has just given birth is determined by its contents, in this case the enlarged uterus. So, during nine months of pregnancy, this organ stretches, and accordingly, its volume increases due to the appearance of new muscle fibers. Thus, by the time of birth, the volume of the uterus increases by five hundred, and its weight by 25 times! Of course, after delivery it will take time for the said organ to return to its original state. After a woman gives birth to a baby, the size of the uterus corresponds approximately to the parameters that were observed in the fourth month of pregnancy. And the tummy at this stage is already very noticeable. Answering the question: “How long does it take the body to recover after childbirth?”, we note that the uterus returns to its original size in approximately five to six weeks. We now suggest that you learn about the first steps that need to be taken to speed up this process as much as possible.

We use ice

If you are wondering how to quickly recover after childbirth, then keep in mind that you need to act in the first hours after the baby is born. So, even while in the maternity hospital during the first three to four days, it is recommended to apply ice to the lower abdomen for five to seven minutes several times a day. Cold stimulates vascular contraction and a reduction in bleeding of the damaged surface of the uterus, which speeds up the process of cleansing the cavity of this organ from blood clots and prevents bleeding from developing.

Lactation

Be sure to keep in mind that it will be much easier for a breastfeeding woman to lose weight after giving birth. Moreover, experts recommend putting the baby to the breast not according to the clock, but at the baby’s request. With this regimen, the young mother’s body begins to produce the required amount of oxytocin, which promotes contraction of the uterine muscles. In addition, stimulation of the nipple at the level of reflexes causes contraction of muscle fibers in the female genital organ.

We lie on our stomach and move

In order for the uterus to contract faster, it is useful to lie with your stomach down more often. This speeds up the process of emptying its cavity. So, it is quite enough to lie on your stomach several times a day for a quarter of an hour.

In addition, the process of recovery of the mentioned organ is most positively influenced by getting to your feet as soon as possible (several hours after birth). Thus, due to muscle activity while walking, stimulation occurs Bladder, the overflow of which interferes with the contraction of the uterus. In addition, the outflow of blood clots from its cavity improves.

How to recover using a bandage

In addition to the size of the uterus, the shape of the abdomen is also determined by its rectus muscles, located in the anterior section. abdominal cavity. During the process of bearing a child, they stretch and often move apart, forming the so-called diastasis. This phenomenon can persist for several months after birth, but, as a rule, it goes away after 8-12 weeks. To combat stretched and diastasis, experts recommend using a special one. It helps support the stretched abdominal wall, fixes the abdominal organs and prevents the formation of a hernia. In addition, its use helps to secure the seam from caesarean section. If you want to use a bandage, then mandatory Consult your doctor who will tell you how to wear it correctly.

Choosing a bandage

There are three types of this medical device. The first of them is called a bandage belt and is a wide (15-30 cm) elastic band that covers not only the stomach, but also the hips, and is fastened with Velcro. This device is indicated for use both during pregnancy (located with the wide side on the back), and in postpartum period(strengthens the most voluminous part in the abdominal area).

There is also a grace bandage. It has the shape of high-waisted briefs with thick inserts in the abdomen and lower back, as well as a wide waistband. Another type of bandage - called a postpartum bandage - is recommended for use by women who have had a cesarean section.

Contraindications to wearing a bandage

When wondering how to quickly recover after childbirth, you should not focus solely on the speed of returning to your original appearance. The main factor is maintaining your own health. After all, even such a seemingly harmless thing as a bandage has a number of contraindications. These include the following pathologies:

Kidney diseases;

Gastrointestinal diseases, which are accompanied by bloating or cramping pain (for example, colitis);

Allergic skin diseases ( contact dermatitis and etc.);

Inflamed skin in areas in contact with the fabric of the bandage;

Inflammation of sutures after cesarean section.

How to use a postpartum bandage

The bandage must be put on only while lying on your back. In this position, the abdominal muscles are in a relaxed state, which allows them to be fixed correctly. In the absence of contraindications, the bandage is recommended to be used throughout the entire postpartum period, that is, about two months after the birth of the baby. Moreover, it will not only be an excellent way to restore your figure, but will also reduce back pain, which quite often causes discomfort for young mothers. Do not forget that when wearing a postpartum bandage, you need to take breaks of 30-50 minutes every three hours throughout the day.

How to recover after childbirth with the help of gymnastics

Another important stage in the process of restoring a normal figure is special physical exercise. However, there is no need to rush into gymnastics. So, you can start active exercises 8 weeks after birth, if your baby is born naturally, and not earlier than 2.5-3 months if you have had a caesarean section. For more early stages the load on the abdominal muscles can lead to serious consequences in the form of increased intra-abdominal pressure, which entails the preservation of diastasis, prolapse of the vaginal walls, and suture separation.

Gradual loads

To maintain health after childbirth, it is recommended to resort to breathing exercises. They are performed while lying on your back. As you inhale, we try to inflate your stomach as much as possible, and as you exhale, we draw it in as much as possible. You need to repeat this exercise about 15 times in one approach, of which you can do up to 10 per day. The training can be a little more complicated. To do this, the exercise should be performed while lying on your stomach. At the same time, you will also stimulate the functioning of the intestines, which will solve the problem of constipation that so often worries mothers. However, keep in mind that such training is only recommended for women who have given birth naturally. If your baby was born via cesarean section, then such exercises are contraindicated, because they can provoke discrepancies.

Another great answer to the question of how to recover after childbirth is walking. Moreover, this the most effective way toning the abdominal muscles has almost no time or medical indications. Thus, the process of walking uses most of the muscles of our body, and maintaining the body in an upright position helps to tense the muscles of the abdominal wall. At the same time, you can always keep the degree of stress under control by changing the intensity of movement depending on how you feel.

Home workouts

After 1.5-2 months after giving birth, you can slightly increase the load on the abdominal muscles. However, it should be kept in mind that vigorous physical activity can affect production. breast milk. Therefore, aerobics, shaping, and dance classes are recommended only six months after the baby is born. Until this point, it is best to limit yourself to home workouts.

A few simple exercises

1. Take the starting position, lying on your back. We bend our legs at the knees so that the lower back is pressed to the floor. We lightly clasp our neck with our hands. We are slowly raising top part torso, stretch our chin to our knees, while straining our abdominal muscles. We repeat this exercise 30 times.

2. Take the starting position lying on the floor on your back. At the same time, the legs are straightened, the arms are extended along the body. Smoothly raise your legs up at an angle of 30-45 degrees. We don't bend our knees. We repeat the exercise about 20 times.

Don't forget about proper nutrition

If you are concerned about how to regain your figure after childbirth, then much attention should be paid to what you eat and in what portions. So, limit your consumption of animal fats, which are found, for example, in pork and cream. In addition, eliminate high-calorie foods from your diet and be sure to watch your portion sizes. However, you shouldn’t get carried away with diets either. Your diet should be healthy and varied, because everything you eat will affect your baby (if you are breastfeeding). So, after giving birth, a woman must include fresh vegetables and fruits, cereals and dairy products in her menu. Consumption should be limited bakery products, butter, as well as everything salty, fatty, fried and spicy. All this will help maintain health (both your own and your baby’s) and quickly restore your previous weight after childbirth.

Skin care

Not the least important role in shaping the appearance that a woman acquires after childbirth is the condition skin. This is especially true for our tummy, which undergoes stretching during pregnancy, which often leads to the appearance of stretch marks and the formation of the so-called “apron” (excess skin). As a rule, the occurrence of such unpleasant consequences is of an exclusively individual nature. In most cases, after the birth of a child, the skin on the abdomen of a young mother quickly contracts and returns to normal condition. However, in order to speed up this process, it is still necessary to do something after childbirth. First of all, experts recommend increasing its tone using a contrast shower. It is advisable to take it in the morning. To get started, use a few minutes warm water, and then turn it on hot. Then let it go cold water for a few seconds. Be sure to keep in mind that it takes much longer to heat the body than to cool it. After this procedure, it is recommended to rub yourself with a hard towel. A kind of massage will help stimulate skin blood flow.

Besides contrast shower You can also use special cosmetical tools. However, their choice should be approached very carefully. This is due to the fact that the substances they contain are easily absorbed into the skin, can pass into breast milk and harm the health of your baby.

Conclusion

So, today we found out that it is quite difficult to accurately and unambiguously answer the question of how long the body recovers after childbirth. After all, this process not only depends on how the baby was born, but also on many individual factors. However, regardless of this, you can always help your body with the right physical activity, healthy eating, cosmetics and much more.

The birth of a baby is an important event in the life of every woman. However, the joy of the birth of a long-awaited child may be overshadowed 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 your own health and recovery after childbirth.

Condition of a woman in the first hours after childbirth

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

If after two hours the woman feels satisfactory and no abnormalities are found in the child’s development, the young mother and the newborn are transferred to the delivery room, where specialists monitor the pressure and temperature of the woman in labor.

First 3 days

Colostrum appears in the first 3 days after delivery

In the ward, the woman is usually asked to lie on her stomach for the next 2 hours. The uterus will be able to contract more often, and the discharge will be more intense. In the first few days it is possible painful sensations, so doctors often prescribe painkillers.

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

In the first 2–3 days after childbirth, even if there were no ruptures, a woman may feel pain in the perineum. This occurs due to deformation and stretching of 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 regular breast milk.

From 4 to 14 days

By the end of the second week, the perineal muscles restore their function. At the same time, muscle tone decreases gastrointestinal tract, which can cause a woman to suffer from constipation.

From two weeks to a month

By the end of the third week, the placental area heals. At this time, a woman can become very irritable. There is aching pain in the chest and perineum (if there are stitches). If you do not breastfeed, menstruation will resume. There may be slight lumps 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 takes the baby in her arms.

How many kilograms does a woman lose during childbirth?

During childbirth, a woman loses about 5–6 kg of weight

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

• child. Average weight - 3.5 kg;
• placenta. Weighs 600–900 g;
• uterus. Significantly increases in size, reaching 1 kg;
• amniotic fluid. Weight can reach 800 g;
• mammary gland. Weight - up to 0.5 kg;
• blood, intercellular fluid, body fat. Increase body weight from 5.5 to 7.5 kg.

A weight gain of 11–12 kg during pregnancy with a normosthenic physique is considered normal. During childbirth, you can lose 5.2–5.7 kg naturally. From the rest overweight you need to get rid of it 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. Some of the calories go into milk, giving it the necessary fat content. Next, you will lose up to 1.5 kg monthly even without additional physical activity. Lochia is removed from the body - bloody issues, of which up to 1.5 kg accumulates in the uterine cavity during pregnancy, as well as oxytocin, released during breastfeeding and reducing 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 through natural feeding, delays the excretion of salts from the kidneys. Salts absorb water, which leads to the formation of edema.

Table: complete recovery of the body after childbirth	Organs	What changes have you undergone?
When they recover	Uterus	After birth, the uterus weighs 1 kg and is halved in the first 10 days. The organ has the shape of a ball. Lochia persists and leaves the body within eight weeks.
After 2–2.5 months, the uterus takes its previous shape and weighs about 100 g.	Cervix At natural childbirth	the shape changes: from conical to cylindrical. The external os narrows.
In 3 months it is completely restored.	Menstrual function	The uterus takes its natural position. Recovers by the end of breastfeeding. If the child is on artificial feeding
- in 3 months.	Vagina	Tearing, weakening of muscles.
Recovery usually takes 2 months.	Breast	It increases in size and may lose its shape.
It is not always possible to restore the previous shape, but elasticity can be restored with regular massage over a few months.	Musculoskeletal system	Spreading the pelvic bones, increasing the elasticity of the joints, weakening the spine.
Stomach	The musculoskeletal system is restored in 3–4 months.	Sagging.
Physical education for 1–2 years strengthens and tones the abdominal muscles.	The cardiovascular system	Active blood supply and an enlarged fetus can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids.

It takes a month to recover.

Video: woman’s pelvic muscles after childbirth

How to recover after childbirth at home

There is an opinion that women become younger after childbirth. This is partly true - the cells undergo regeneration. At the same time, there is general exhaustion 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 restore overall tone

The abdominal muscles are especially severely deformed. Under the load of a growing fetus, they stretch greatly. 8 weeks after birth, the uterus returns to normal, and the abdomen should also return to its previous shape. However, if this does not happen, you will need to do abdominal strengthening exercises 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 suture area, and also recommend that the patient sleep on her stomach for better contraction of the uterus. It is better to restore back muscles in the pool 3 months after childbirth.

IN postpartum period women often suffer from insomnia. This is due to the desire to become a good mother. The woman experiences strong feelings and sleep disturbances. WITH negative emotions need to fight. Start cheering yourself up: walk more, make pleasant purchases, remember your hobbies, read a book, watch a movie. Talk to folk medicine: chamomile, oregano or valerian will not harm either you or the child.

Breathing and heart function

To restore your metabolism after childbirth, walk more and breathe fresh air.

Due to the growing fetus, the diaphragm rises. It puts pressure on the lungs, making it harder to breathe. This 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 returns to normal.

The cardiovascular system after childbirth also recovers naturally on its own. Blood flow volumes decrease. Blood clotting improves. Full recovery lasts throughout the entire lactation period. If after giving birth you feel pain in the chest area or cough for no reason, you should consult a doctor.

Gastrointestinal function and metabolism

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

1. Don't go hungry. The lack of calories can be compensated by fat deposition.
2. Eat meals often (5-6 times a day) and in small portions. This way you stimulate the production of sugar in the blood, which will improve the metabolism in the body.
3. Eat hard-boiled egg whites and drink skim milk. These foods are low in calories. Include carrots in your diet. She's rich folic acid, which has a positive effect on the immune system.
4. Take a walk after eating. This will improve your metabolism.
5. Get more sleep. During sleep, a person produces growth hormone, which helps restore metabolism.
6. Spend more time on fresh air, ventilate the premises more often. Oxygen, penetrating into the blood, also improves metabolism.
7. Go to the bathhouse. Cardiopalmus accelerates metabolic processes in organism. Toxins come out along 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;
• sudden weight gain or rapid weight loss that is not restored after lactation;
• long (a week or more) and painful periods, minor bleeding between cycles;
• dizziness, swelling, sleep disturbances;
• neurosis.

If you notice these symptoms, take a blood test for hormones. Only a special study will reveal the real reason ailments. The doctor will prescribe the treatment. All you can do in this case is to strictly follow the recommendations, eat more foods rich in vitamins, and avoid coffee and tobacco.

Vaginal muscles

The “Bridge” exercise is effective for recovery pelvic bones after childbirth

The timing of recovery of the pelvic organs after childbirth largely depends on the individual physiological characteristics women, and also on how carefully the young mother will follow the doctor’s instructions.

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

1. Lie on your back, bend your knees, and leave your feet on the floor. Place your palms on your stomach and as you exhale, draw 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 tense the muscles of the retracted abdomen. Press your chin to your chest.
3. Get on all fours, arch your back and draw in your stomach.

To quickly restore the vagina, doctors recommend adhering to the following recommendations:

1. Stop sex life during the activation of lochia.
2. Wash yourself after visiting the toilet.
3. Change sanitary pads more often (up to 5 times a day).

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

• to avoid constipation, consume more vegetable oil before meals and reduce bread consumption. If necessary, use 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 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 vaginal muscles, you can perform a set of Kegel exercises. You shouldn't neglect exercise. 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 vaginal muscles after childbirth. If you conscientiously follow all the recommendations, full recovery can be achieved within 2–3 months.

How long does it take for a belly button to heal?

Usually the umbilical cord clamp disappears in babies 3–5 days after birth. At correct processing 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;
• disinfect the wound daily with hydrogen peroxide;
• Avoid getting moisture on the wound.

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

Vision

Rose hips help restore vision after childbirth

Vision after childbirth may decrease due to a lack of vitamins during pregnancy. Most useful substances consumed by the baby. A woman spends a lot of time before giving birth in a confined space, where all objects are close. As a result, the eye muscles weaken and vision deteriorates.

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

1. Find 2 distant points: one closer (for example, a window handle), and the second farther (for example, the house opposite). With a difference of 10-15 seconds, move your gaze from one object to another.
2. Raise 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” the numbers from one to nine in the air with your gaze.
4. Close your eyes.

Nails and hair

To restore hair and nails, consume more foods containing calcium. This element is the main “building” component of the body. The main symptoms of calcium deficiency are:

• fast fatiguability;
• depression;
• anxiety.

Vitamin complexes will relieve calcium deficiency. However, due to a lack of vitamin D in the body, calcium may not be absorbed. In parallel with vitamin complexes, it is necessary to consume:

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

These products will also help strengthen your immune system.

• To restore nails, you need to use cosmetics without formaldehyde, and to eliminate their fragility, creams with wax;
• to preserve your 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

Good way avoid postpartum depression - communication with your husband

According to statistics, after childbirth, 85% of women experience depression. But do not forget that tears, mood swings, psychoses are not a consequence psychological trauma. The period of adaptation to motherhood can last several months. To avoid getting discouraged, follow these rules:

1. Keep track of your appearance. Feeling your own attractiveness improves your 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 wishes.
3. Don't refuse help. If your family offers to clean the apartment or cook breakfast for you, agree.
4. Communicate more with your husband. Support itself loved one very important during this period.
5. Expand your social circle. In addition to relatives, call your girlfriends, invite friends to visit, throw parties, attend city festivals.

Recovery after premature, induced and repeated births

Chamomile - very effective depressant

After premature birth emotional background women are the main target of restoration. Dealing with emotions on your own is not easy. It is worth contacting a psychotherapist. The specialist will prescribe the necessary procedures and medications that will not harm the body. Caring for a newborn will help take your mind off negative thoughts.

The entire period of bearing a child, the woman’s body is exposed to heavy loads. Changes are taking place that have a dramatic impact on physical condition mother. The birth of a baby is stressful for the whole body. Much attention among specialists it also causes recovery after childbirth.

The process takes long time, requires a serious attitude towards health and the recommendations of doctors. A young mother and her loved ones should be attentive to emerging painful symptoms and immediately notify the doctor to prevent serious complications.

The reverse development of organs, as well as all body systems that have undergone changes during pregnancy and childbirth, is called involution, which occupies the entire postpartum period. Return to prenatal state occurs within 6-8 weeks. The exception is the hormonal system, as well as the functions of the mammary glands in a nursing mother, whose increased activity is necessary throughout lactation.

Uterus. It is the uterus that has undergone the greatest changes during pregnancy. Its size increases more than 500 times during the entire pregnancy. After birth, the weight is about 1 kg. The internal cavity after the birth of the child is filled with blood and represents an exposed wound in the place where the placenta was attached.

The first days are bloody copious discharge, so-called lochia. Gradually they become smaller, turning from reddish-brown to transparent in color.

This process goes away on its own, but if a week after birth large blood clots more than 3 mm in size, you must immediately consult a doctor. This symptom indicates incomplete removal of the placenta.

The return of the uterus to its original shape and size causes pain in the lower abdomen. Breastfeeding your baby on demand helps speed up recovery. This is due to the fact that the hormone oxytocin is produced during breastfeeding. Oxytocin injections, if necessary, are prescribed by the attending physician. Also, for a faster and more complete return of the uterus to its normal state, a special massage is recommended.

The process of clearing blood clots accumulated in the cavity takes from 3 to 5 days. Within a week, the weight decreases to 500 g. Full recovery occurs by the end of involution. The cervix returns to its original state by 12-13 weeks. The shape of the neck itself also changes, from conical it becomes cylindrical, which does not cause any pain.

Vagina. After 1.5-2 months, the vaginal lumen returns to its prenatal size. Although full recovery lumen size never occurs, interfere sexual relations it won't be a married couple.

The chosen infant feeding regimen is critical to the restoration of the menstrual cycle after childbirth. The mother's hormonal levels quickly return to pre-pregnancy levels if the baby is on artificial or mixed form feeding.

When feeding the baby with adapted artificial formulas, the restoration of menstruation after childbirth occurs in a period of 6 to 8 weeks. Hormonal levels drop to normal levels, and gonadotropic hormones are produced. The functionality of the ovaries is restored, the egg undergoes maturation and is released into the abdominal cavity.

A woman's period after childbirth returns on average after 6 months. It is considered normal when menstrual cycle will be able to recover after 3 months or after 1 year. The term is affected individual characteristics body of a young mother.

Menstruation after the birth of a child is less painful, as many women note. This is due to the fact that metabolism is restored in the hypothalamus and the feeling of pain is reduced.

After returning to sex life After childbirth, the couple needs to use protection. Which means of contraception are suitable in each specific situation should be found out from the attending physician, who will advise the couple.

Problems with stool

One of the most painful problems for a new mother is constipation. This is due to significant expansion intestinal walls. Immediately after the birth of a baby, the intestines take up much more space than usual. Muscles that promote bowel movements and muscles pelvic floor need time to return to functionality.

Eating foods that cause a laxative effect, such as pumpkin, prunes, and zucchini, helps relieve constipation. But this method is not suitable for nursing mothers, as it can have a negative impact on the baby’s health. The child may have problems with the stomach and stool.

The best way is a warm, relaxing shower that relieves tightness and tension. Experts also recommend doing abdominal massage to restore intestinal tone.

Gently stroke the tummy clockwise. Exhale - press stronger hand, inhale - ease the pressure. Repeat 5-10 times.

Hemorrhoids are another problem that occurs after the birth of a child. Hemorrhoids Quite often they fall out during childbirth. Small nodules usually disappear within the first week. Large nodes that cause pain require professional treatment. In this case, you should consult a proctologist who will prescribe a course of therapy.

Answers to the question of how to restore normal stool after childbirth can be found on forums for young mothers who are faced with this problem or on specialized websites. Women share their own experiences folk remedies. But consultation with a specialist is necessary to solve problematic issues.

Hormonal background

Changes in hormonal levels occur with initial days pregnancy. After the birth process, the process of returning to normal indicators. The hormones responsible for breast milk production and lactation continue to function.

Experts note that hormonal imbalance arising after childbirth is common occurrence. Stabilization of hormonal levels is carried out by the body itself without external intervention.

In some cases, consultation with a gynecologist and endocrinologist is required, who, after examining the woman’s health status, decide how to restore hormonal background mothers after childbirth and prescribe a course of medication.

The following symptoms will help determine that there is a problem:

1. Rapid weight gain or sudden weight loss.
2. Unusually heavy sweating.
3. New problems with hair. Both hair loss and excessive skin growth are possible.
4. Decreased libido.
5. Severe fatigue.
6. Change psychological state. For example, irritability, apathy, tearfulness, depression.

The appearance of one or more symptoms is a signal that you need to see a doctor. Self-medication in this issue is strictly contraindicated.

Where to begin?

Restoring the body after childbirth requires integrated approach to a woman’s condition, so it’s worth determining where to start. To begin to regain physical shape, you need to consider the following factors:

1. Balanced diet. Nutrition should be high in calories, healthy, helping the body recover faster. It is necessary to remove spicy foods, sweet baked goods, and fried foods from the diet.
2. Some, trying to lose weight quickly, sit on strict diet, which is not recommended by doctors. After childbirth, the body needs the entire complex of vitamins and minerals, which a diet with food cannot provide strict restrictions. The main condition of any diet for a nursing mother is not to harm the baby.
3. Adding vitamins and vitamin complexes into the diet.
4. Physical exercise.
5. Massage, use of traditional methods.
6. Use of creams and oils.

Restoring your shape should begin with simple walks and a light massage that will not affect the seam on the skin of the abdomen after a cesarean section. Classes should be short, the main load falls on the abdominals, buttocks, thighs, and shoulder girdle. For women who are breastfeeding, exercises for pectoral muscles not recommended during breastfeeding.

The first exercises to get back in shape after childbirth should not be done earlier than 2 months. After a cesarean section, the start time for exercises may be delayed until complete healing postoperative sutures. In addition to the external suture on the skin of the abdomen, the main thing is the complete healing of the scar on the woman’s uterus.

Premature exercise often leads to inflammatory processes internal organs. The training at first should not be longer than 5 minutes. Gradually the training time increases. It will take months for your beautiful figure to recover.

To recover after childbirth, you should start a set of exercises in a gentle manner, with a light load. The number of approaches should be minimal. The load increases gradually. When pain or bleeding Exercises must be stopped and seen by a doctor.

Breathing exercises. Despite the apparent ease, they bring good effect. Not recommended after cesarean section and when diagnosing diastasis, when there is a divergence of the rectus muscles in the anterior abdominal wall. Breathing exercises consist of alternating deep inhalations and exhalations and holding your breath for a few seconds. Repeat 10-15 times. Do it only while lying on your back.

Walking. When walking with a child, a mother can alternate the rhythm of her steps. Go faster, slower, the main thing is not to bring the body to exhaustion. A walk should bring joy and last no more than 30 minutes in the first days in order to benefit the body.

Walking up the stairs is very useful. First, you can climb 1-2 floors. You should not run up the stairs, especially in the first months after childbirth. Simple walking helps to quickly bring the body back to normal and get back in shape.

For practicing at home:

1. Warm up. Hula hoop exercises are often done as a warm-up. It’s good if the hoop is weighted. Simple side bends can be done both as separate elements of gymnastics and as a warm-up before exercise to strengthen the abs.
2. Abdominal exercises. There are entire complexes aimed at restoring the shape of the abdomen after childbirth. At first, you can do a few simple exercises, such as planks, hip raises, and crunches. Wall squats are a good way to regain your body shape. You can start doing strength elements after your health improves.
3. Restoration of breast shape. The mammary glands change greatly in appearance. You can visually notice an increase in the shape of the breast, its sagging. There is a special one for the chest muscles. physiotherapy. A properly selected bra helps you maintain your shape. A tight, small bra can only lead to mastopathy.

When to start and how many approaches to do for each element, the woman decides herself, based on her internal state and in the absence of signs of malaise. Only regular exercise will help the body recover faster.

Restoration of psycho-emotional state

With the help of diet, physical exercise, cosmetology and cosmetic procedures recover quite quickly physical forms, slimness and beauty. Experts note an increase in the number of women experiencing postpartum depression, which affects the well-being of the mother and child, who is very close to the mother emotionally.

Depression also affects the relationship between spouses in the family. It can be difficult for a young mother to get out of this state on her own. Here, the help of loving relatives is needed, especially the husband, who will take part of the care of the child upon himself.

A peculiarity of the appearance of depression after the birth of the first baby can be considered the young mother’s lack of confidence in her abilities, who is afraid of everything. With the advent of the second baby, depression appears quite rarely and is usually associated with family relationships. A late child in the family most often mobilizes the mother to fast recovery health.

To survive postpartum depression, you need to consider the following:

1. A woman should have free time during the day to relax and take care of her appearance. Let the tired mother sleep during the day or make herself a nourishing mask while the father goes for a walk with the baby.
2. Find a hobby based on your interests. It doesn't have to be knitting or sewing. A woman can do crafts and get carried away with flowers. The main condition is to take your mind off the chores around the house.

Every woman needs time for her body to recover after childbirth. And, of course, every young mother is interested in the question, how soon will this happen? Gynecologist Vera Makarova told us which organs are subject to changes, how long it takes for all functions to return to normal and what precautions must be taken.

“After childbirth, a woman goes through a period of so-called involution, when all the organs that were displaced by the fetus return to their normal position,” says Vera. - As a rule, this period lasts 6-8 weeks. The exception is the mammary glands, since lactation takes a longer period of time.”

Uterus

After the separation of the placenta, which occurs during childbirth, the uterus becomes round and shrinks to 1 kg. After a week, her weight is already 500 g, and after 1-1.5 months it completely returns to its previous size - 50 g. During this period, the woman can feel aching pain in the lower abdomen, especially during breastfeeding, as it causes contractions of the uterus.

As for the cervix, after the first birth it never again acquires its previous conical shape. True, only a gynecologist can notice this.

Uterine massage:

• Lie on your back, relax your stomach
• Feel the fundus of the uterus (its uppermost part after childbirth - just below the navel)
• Gently “move” the uterus upward, from the borders to the center
• You should try to massage as gently as possible.

Menstrual cycle

During the postpartum period, a woman’s body experiences bloody discharge, lochia, which is much more abundant than the usual menstruation. As they recover, they change color and gradually become transparent, and by the sixth week they have the same appearance as the discharge before pregnancy.

At this time, you should be especially careful to observe intimate hygiene. It is recommended to use special postpartum pads, the size of which is adapted to hold lochia. They need to be changed every two hours.

As a rule, the menstrual cycle in women who breastfeed is completely restored 6 months after childbirth. If a woman refuses breastfeeding, the cycle will return after 1.5 months. There are exceptions: for some, during breastfeeding, the cycle is restored within a month after birth, while for others, menstruation does not begin throughout breastfeeding.

Breast

Breasts undergo dramatic changes during and after pregnancy as they prepare to produce milk. It is worth noting that in the first few days after birth, milk as such is not secreted; instead, a unique substance, colostrum, appears, which protects the baby’s body from bacteria and prepares it digestive system to milk. Colostrum is thicker than milk and has a yellow tint. Milk begins to flow in the first week after birth, in response to the baby's sucking movements.

The cardiovascular system

In the first weeks after birth in female body stands out a large number of platelets - blood cells that help blood clot. This happens because the body loses a lot of blood during and after childbirth. During this period, you need to periodically take tests and consult with your doctor to avoid thromboembolism, a complication caused by the formation of blood clots. This is especially true for women who have had a caesarean section.

Genitourinary system

Surprisingly, but true: in the first days after childbirth, a woman practically does not feel the need to urinate, because the tone of the bladder is significantly reduced, and it takes time for it to recover. At the same time, doctors recommend visiting the toilet every two hours, even if there is no such need. More infrequent visits are fraught with overfilling of the bladder, which, in turn, adversely affects the contraction of the uterus.

Complete healing of the vagina occurs 6-8 weeks after birth. Having passed this stage, you can resume intimate life. However, if there were individual complications, you need to consult a gynecologist.

Tell us, what helped you recover after childbirth?

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