Medically Reviewed By Experts Panel
No matter how you delivered your baby, the postpartum recovery period is generally considered to be the first six weeks after childbirth. The postpartum (or postnatal) period begins after childbirth and is typically considered to end within 6 weeks as the mother’s body, including hormone levels and uterus size, returns to a non-pregnant state.
By the six-week mark, the body also will recover from any tears or incisions that may have occurred during childbirth. If a woman had a caesarean delivery, her body must heal from the surgical incision. If she had a vaginal delivery, she may have experienced tearing or an episiotomy, which requires stitches and can take time to heal. Your uterus should be back to its normal size. Throughout those first weeks, you’ll experience a lot of changes – from new levels of tiredness to hormone fluctuations. And you’ll probably continue to see changes in your body and emotions for several weeks after the initial six weeks of recovery.
During this time, it is important for new mothers to take care of themselves and prioritize rest and self-care. This may include taking time off work, asking for help with childcare, and avoiding strenuous activity or heavy lifting.
While the 6 week rule is a useful guideline, it is important to note that every woman’s body is different. Some women may feel ready to resume normal activity before 6 weeks, while others may need more time to recover. It is important for women to listen to their bodies and adjust their activity levels accordingly. They should also stay in communication with their healthcare providers to ensure that they are healing properly and to address any concerns or complications.
