Postnatal Period

A woman's body undergoes tremendous and several changes during pregnancy. As soon as the baby is out of womb, the body begins its physical healing process, so as to restore its pre-pregnancy state. The uterus, which contains four-and-half liters of water during pregnancy, begins to reduce in size almost immediately after delivery. In about six weeks time, the uterus reverts close to the pre-pregnancy weight of about 50g from a weight of 1000g. The lining within the uterus crumbles and is drained away as Lochia. This is the blood that is lost over a few weeks after delivery. Important organs like the heart, lung and circulatory system that were burdened during pregnancy get back to functioning normally. The vagina slowly returns to its former shape.

Postnatal Care For Mother
Wounds to the uterus, perineum (the area between the vagina and anus) and vagina heal rapidly. Exercising the vagina will help it regain its original shape quickly. After delivering the child, the levels of the hormone progesterone are restored to normal. Hence, a number of problems related to pregnancy disappear on their own. Heartburns vanish, varicose veins get better and constipation is reduced. Piles take a longer time to get better. During pregnancy, hormones soften the joints of the pelvis and spine, and these take time to return to normal. You can have trouble with your back for many months after delivery, so one should avoid lifting and carrying things that are very heavy. The stomach muscles that have been stretched to twice their length, regain their firmness in a few months.

A Healthy Diet
A healthy diet for the new mother is essential to recuperate from the physical strains of pregnancy. One should take a nutritious diet containing bread, cereals, potatoes, fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, lentils, dry fruits etc. Milk and dairy foods, meat, fish and other protein alternatives are also essential. These fruits easily make up for most part of your diet. It is important to eat five meal portions in a day. Eat in moderate amounts and choose lower fat version wherever possible.

Excess Pregnancy Weight
Most of the weight is lost within a few days of childbirth, as the excess water carried during pregnancy is flushed out as urine. Thereafter, weight loss slows down, but if you continue to breastfeed your baby for more that six months, you will find that your weight in decreasing naturally. However, regaining your originally weight may take some time and effort from your side.

Emotional Healing
The entire process of being pregnant and childbirth is an emotional time. It will help if you have someone to talk to about how you feel and what your fears and apprehensions are. If you cannot find anyone to talk, write it down. Even this will help you feel better. Some maternity homes allow the new parents to speak about the experience they had. Doing this helps to reduce the emotional impact for the parents. If the parents are dissatisfied by the care given to them at the maternity home, they can express their concerns.