Childbirth is a miraculous process during which a new person enters the world. But what happens to a woman's body after childbirth? Which changes are irreversible and what will return to normal soon?
How long does it take for the uterus to shrink?
Before childbirth, the uterus is approximately 15 times larger than it was before pregnancy, and its weight increases to one kilogram. Contractions during the third stage of labor cause the placenta to detach from the uterine wall, leading to the birth of the placenta. As the uterus shrinks, the fibers retract and the muscle cells decrease in size. The process of uterine involution is felt as weaker contractions, which intensify during breastfeeding due to the release of oxytocin and can be more painful. Along with the shrinking of the uterus, the blood vessels that nourished the placenta retract.
After childbirth, blood clots are present in the uterus, which are expelled in the form of lochia. The first few days, lochia is bright red with a greater amount of blood; then it becomes brown with a higher proportion of tissue secretions and turns yellow by the end of the second week, ultimately acquiring a mucus-like consistency. This process typically lasts 4 to 5 weeks, but it is not unusual for it to continue throughout the entire postpartum period.
The vagina after childbirth
The vagina is a very elastic organ. It returns to its original state within 3 weeks after childbirth, but it remains less elastic, its surface is smoother, and the walls of the vagina slightly decrease. Within a few days, the vagina regains its muscle tone and begins to shrink.
When to resume sexual activity?
The speed of healing for any vaginal tears depends on the extent of the injury. In the case of small tears that did not require stitching, healing occurs quickly. Larger injuries take longer to heal, and they need time, so it's best to wait to resume sexual activity until recommended by a doctor. In any case, avoid sex until you do not feel any pain, and start slowly.
During your first sexual experiences after childbirth, you may notice lower vaginal lubrication than you were used to during pregnancy. This is due to lower estrogen levels. If you are breastfeeding, the vaginal mucosa will remain drier throughout the breastfeeding period, as estrogen levels are generally low during this time. Don’t hesitate to use lubricants. If you are fully healed, it is safe.
Why exercise after childbirth?
A woman’s body undergoes many changes during pregnancy and childbirth. Unfortunately, it cannot always help itself. This can lead to weakened pelvic floor muscles, poor posture, pain, and postpartum incontinence. Fortunately, with the right exercises, you can get back in shape within a few weeks.
Women who do not exercise after childbirth risk the weakening of previously toned muscles, including the pelvic floor muscles. This can lead to stress incontinence. For many women suffering from urinary leakage, even ordinary actions like sneezing, laughing, or lifting a child become a nightmare. Exercises after childbirth are also suitable for women who have had an episiotomy, as this procedure involves cutting the pelvic floor muscles, making it necessary to start exercising as soon as possible.
Postpartum exercises
To avoid health complications, it is recommended to exercise regularly for at least 10-15 minutes a day. However, in the first few weeks, it is advisable not to overdo it. You can start exercising at least six weeks after childbirth and only after all birth injuries have healed. The exercises should primarily focus on the pelvic floor muscles, which are the most weakened by pregnancy and childbirth. You can use special health aids like Aniball or Aniball Inco, which are designed for this purpose. If you are struggling with postpartum incontinence, don’t lose hope. Regular exercise can help you eliminate it completely or at least minimize it. We recommend checking out detailed instructions for postpartum exercises.
