What is postpartum?
The postpartum phase—sometimes called the “fourth trimester”—is the period after giving birth when your body and mind begin to recover and adjust to life with your new baby. The first three months are a critical time of healing and transition, but postpartum care extends well beyond those early weeks as you set the stage for good mental and physical health.
Your Baylor Scott & White OBGYN is your partner throughout this phase and can offer the comprehensive support and care you and your baby need.
Postpartum symptoms
Whether you had a vaginal birth or a cesarean section (C-section), your body needs time to recover after having a baby. Recovery can take six to eight weeks, but it may take a few months for your body to feel like it’s back to normal. Symptoms may be physical, emotional or a combination of both.
Physical symptoms
As your body heals, you may experience the following symptoms.
- Afterpains: Abdominal pain, called afterpains, occurs as your uterus returns to normal size, often intensifying during breastfeeding. Heat can help relieve discomfort.
- Constipation: Hormonal changes, medications and anesthesia can cause constipation. Drink water, eat fiber-rich foods and consult your doctor if you haven't had a bowel movement by day four postpartum.
- Hair loss: Postpartum hair loss, caused by falling estrogen levels, usually starts three to four months after birth and resolves within 6–12 months. Avoid tight hairstyles and heavy hair products to reduce shedding.
- Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids from pregnancy or pushing during delivery may cause pain and bleeding. They typically shrink over time, and fiber, water and over-the-counter creams can help.
- Perineal soreness: Soreness in the perineum from tearing or an episiotomy can last a few weeks. Use ice packs, warm rinses and avoid long periods of sitting or standing for relief.
- Postpartum swelling (edema): Swelling in your legs and feet is common due to water retention, lasting about a week. Elevating your feet can help.
- Lochia (vaginal bleeding): Lochia, or postpartum bleeding, lasts up to six weeks. Use pads, not tampons, and contact your doctor if you pass clots larger than a quarter.
Emotional
After having a baby, your hormones are in flux, and you’re likely feeling tired and a little overwhelmed. All these feelings are normal. As you adjust to life with your infant, pay as much attention to your mental health as your physical health, and talk to your OBGYN if mental health concerns interfere with your ability to care for or bond with your baby.
Mental health conditions occur in about 20% of women during or after pregnancy. These conditions include postpartum anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and a rare condition called postpartum psychosis.
- Baby blues: After childbirth, up to 80% of new parents experience the "baby blues" due to changing hormone levels and adjusting to life with a newborn. You may feel sad, have mood swings, trouble sleeping or cry a lot. These feelings usually start a few days after birth and last up to two weeks. Talking to family and friends can help, and no specific treatment is usually needed. However, if these feelings last longer or make it hard to care for your baby, speak with your OBGYN to check for postpartum depression.
- Postpartum depression: This is more severe than the baby blues and can happen anytime during the first year after childbirth. Symptoms include sadness, irritability, low energy, physical aches and feeling disconnected from your baby. It can affect your relationship with your baby and their development. Treatment, like therapy and medication, is available, so reach out to your healthcare provider if you're struggling.
- Postpartum anxiety: Excessive worry after having a baby, sometimes paired with physical symptoms like loss of sleep or heart palpitations, is known as postpartum anxiety. It often occurs alongside postpartum depression. Treatment may include medication or therapy.
- Weight loss: After giving birth, you'll lose 6 to 12 pounds, but losing the rest of your baby weight may take a few months. Breastfeeding can help burn calories but don't rush to lose weight too fast, as it may affect your milk supply. If you're breastfeeding, wait until your baby is about two months old before focusing on weight loss. Even then, you'll still need around 500 extra calories a day, so focus on healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein.
Virtual postpartum care
Get access to six months of online care and support to help you and your new baby get a healthy start. Our Postpartum Care program connects you with a dedicated nurse care advocate who provides guidance and resources and can help you access lactation consultants, pelvic floor physical therapists, mental health support and more.
Postpartum recovery
One of the most important things you can do for yourself after giving birth is to allow yourself time to rest and heal. While this may be easier said than done, getting rest allows your body and mind time to recover. Ask for help when you need it. This could mean limiting visitors, asking for help with childcare or asking for help with tasks like cleaning and making meals.
Other than resting, some of the other ways to take care of yourself in the weeks after delivery could involve:
- Nutrition: Try to drink lots of water and eat healthy foods like lean protein, fruit, vegetables and whole grains. Staying hydrated can also help with constipation.
- Caring for your perineal area: If you had a vaginal delivery, you may be sore for a few weeks. Your provider probably gave you some tips to help care for your bottom at home. Using a peri bottle with warm water to rinse after using the bathroom and using witch hazel pads are ways to help your bottom feel better.
- Limiting physical activity: While you may want to return to your pre-pregnancy size, don’t rush to exercise or get back in shape. Your healthcare provider will let you know when it’s safe to exercise. Most people can begin walking or doing gentle movements a few days after giving birth. People who had a C-section birth may need to wait longer. Once you’re able to exercise, begin slowly so you don’t accidentally injure yourself.
- Mental health support: Don’t be afraid to ask for help and be patient with your emotions. The postpartum period can be challenging in so many ways. If you feel sad, overwhelmed, anxious or stressed, talk to your partner, a friend or your healthcare provider about it. There are many resources available to support you.
Postpartum checkups
Your postpartum checkups give you and your OBGYN a chance to discuss physical and emotional symptoms, concerns and questions you have as you recover from childbirth. These visits also allow your OBGYN to monitor health conditions that developed during or shortly after pregnancy to ensure those conditions are managed well.
If you had high blood pressure during pregnancy, you may be seen in the first 48 - 72 hours after discharge, then at two weeks and six weeks postpartum. Otherwise, your first visit should be within three weeks after birth.
Stay on top of these postpartum visits and go even if you feel fine. Your OBGYN can offer valuable tips and advice about weight management, mental health, sexual health and many other concerns.
Find a location near you
You can find comprehensive postpartum care at Baylor Scott & White locations throughout North and Central Texas. If you experience mental health, breastfeeding or other parenting challenges, your OBGYN can refer you to a specialist or support service that meets your needs.
AccentCare - Fort Worth
3880 Hulen St , Fort Worth, TX, 76107
AccentCare Home Health of Brenham
526 W Main St , Brenham, TX, 77833
AccentCare Home Health of College Station
119 Medical Park Lane Ste C, Huntsville, TX, 77340
AccentCare Home Health of College Station
1605 Rock Prairie Rd Ste 206, College Station, TX, 77845
AccentCare Home Health Of Denton
225 W. Mulberry St. Ste A, Denton, TX, 76201
AccentCare Home Health Of Desoto
911 York Drive Ste 203, DeSoto, TX, 75115
AccentCare Home Health Of Fort Worth (Arlington)
700 Highlander Blvd Ste 205, Arlington, TX, 76015
AccentCare Home Health of Huntsville
122 Medical Park Lane B , Huntsville, TX, 77340
AccentCare Home Health of Marble Falls
1100 Mission Hills Dr Ste 100, Marble Falls, TX, 78654
AccentCare Home Health Of McKinney
6800 Weiskopf Ave Ste 100, McKinney, TX, 75070
AccentCare Home Health Of Taylor (Hutto)
567 Chris Kelley Blvd Ste 201, Hutto, TX, 78634
AccentCare Home Health Of Temple
3809 S General Bruce Dr Ste 105B, Temple, TX, 76502
AccentCare Home Health Of Waco
8300 Central Park Dr Ste A, Waco, TX, 76712
AdventHealth Central Texas
2201 S Clear Creek Rd , Killeen, TX, 76549
Andrews Women's Hospital at Baylor Scott & White - Fort Worth
1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104
Baylor Scott & White - Hillcrest Infectious Disease Clinic
50 Hillcrest Medical Blvd MOB1, Ste 104, Waco, TX, 76712
Baylor Scott & White - Plano Brain and Spine Center
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 810, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White - Texas Brain and Spine Institute
900 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White - Texas Brain and Spine Institute - Huntsville
122 Medical Park Ln Ste A, Huntsville, TX, 77340
Baylor Scott & White - The Brenham Clinic
600 N Park St , Brenham, TX, 77833
- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White 65+ Clinic
4716 Alliance Blvd Ste 500, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Cardiac Imaging Specialists
1100 Allied Dr , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Cardiovascular and Imaging Consultants
4708 Alliance Blvd Ste 450, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Digestive Care
3434 Swiss Ave Ste 200, Dallas, TX, 75204
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart and Lung Disease Center - Fort Worth
1420 8th Ave Ste 103, Fort Worth, TX, 76104
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Anna
450 N Standridge Blvd , Anna, TX, 75409
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Decatur
2401 S FM 51 Ste 200, Decatur, TX, 76234
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Denton
3333 Colorado Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Idabel, OK
4 SE Avenue A , Idabel, OK, 74745
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Keller (Satellite)
3124 N Tarrant Pkwy Ste 204, Keller, TX, 76177
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - McKinney (Satellite)
5236 W University Dr Ste 4450, McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Mt Pleasant (Satellite)
1011 N Jefferson Ave , Mt Pleasant, TX, 75455
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Paris
875 S Collegiate Dr , Paris, TX, 75462
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Plano
4716 Dexter Dr Ste 100, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Sherman Sycamore (Satellite)
203 E Sycamore St , Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Sulphur Springs
601 Airport Rd Ste 110, Sulphur Springs, TX, 75482
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care – Sherman Highland (Satellite)
300 N Highland Ave , Sherman, TX, 75092
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Irving
2001 N MacArthur Blvd Bldg 1, Ste 360, Irving, TX, 75061
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Abilene
1219 E South 11th St Ste B2, Abilene, TX, 79602
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Amarillo
1901 Medi Park Dr Ste 2051, Amarillo, TX, 79106
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Dallas
3410 Worth St Ste 250, Dallas, TX, 75246
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Longview
906 Judson Rd , Longview, TX, 75601
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Lubbock
3711 22nd St Ste B, Lubbock, TX, 79410
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Midland/Odessa
420 E 6th St Ste 102, Odessa, TX, 79761
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Waxahachie
2360 N Interstate 35E MOB 2, Ste 310, Waxahachie, TX, 75165
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Specialists - Fort Worth
1250 8th Ave Ste 200, Fort Worth, TX, 76104
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Lung Disease Specialists - Dallas
3410 Worth St Ste 250, Dallas, TX, 75246
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center - Fort Worth
1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104
Baylor Scott & White Ambulatory Endoscopy Center
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 210, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm