Your Body After Delivery
For nine months, you've been focused on the birth. Knowing what to expect afterwards makes it easier to feel in control of a new body.
Six weeks is about how long it takes for your reproductive system to return to normal after you give birth. Expect to go through a lot of changes during this time. And even though you now have a newborn to care for, it's also important to take good care of yourself. After all, someone very important is depending upon you.
During pregnancy, the top of your uterus, called the fundus, is located just under your ribs. At delivery, the uterus weighs about 2 pounds. After delivery, your uterus contracts. The fundus will rest halfway between your pubic bone and belly button, and it will feel like a hard mass. During the next six weeks, the uterus will continue to shrink, a process called involution. Eventually it ends up at its pre-pregnancy size and a weight of just 2 ounces.
Involution may cause some pain and tenderness. But these contractions are a good thing. It's a sign that your uterus is on its way back to its normal size.
If you found this helpful, these articles and forums might help, too:
Article: Feminine Protection After Pregnancy
Article: When to Contact Your Doctor After Childbirth
What others are saying
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julie, 6/3/2008 6:45:00 PM
so i weighed 185 at birth got down to 160 then to 140 and now im 160 again it sucks -
erica, 9/25/2008 11:20:52 AM
I had my 3rd child almost 5 months ago. My period seems to be now on tract as far as the time of the month. I am taking birth control pills to help regulate and make my periods lighter even though my tubes are tied. My periods have been typically heavy in the past. but have not lasted for two weeks. How come so long still and when will it be lighter and as long after child birth? I didn't experience this from my last two. -
cary, 10/10/2008 1:14:48 PM
i weighed 165 and i went down to my old weight of 125.. i had an emergency c-section. my son was born at 34 weeks.. he is now 8 months.. well to wat i wanted to ask.. ive been havin this pain near the c-section site[on my right side].. like its not the scar.. but its inside.. its a very sharp pain.. it doesnt always hurt..but sometimes wen i move around, lay down, sit down.. it hurts.. and i can even feel pain up by my bell button.. im really scared cuz i dont kno wat it may be.. has this ever happened to any of you guys.. please email me at carokissez@aim.com
thanx =] -
Sharon, 11/9/2008 11:11:30 AM
Growing up I was never around pregnant ladies or babies, so I had no idea what to expect after delivery. Some important things I was not told are that you WILL look like you are still pregnant immediately after giving birth while your uterus is shrinking, and also be sure to take it easy for the first few days. I was in extreme pain every day because I didn't realize too much activity, like walking around the house, would cause 'down there' to almost burn. Let others do the walking for you while you rest with your new baby. -
brenda perez, 1/8/2009 12:52:58 PM
I had my baby premature 2months she is know 3 months, but know when i have my period i still get this big chunks of red blood or something.I'm really scared and dont know if I should go to the doctor. If you can help me email me at pbrenda93@yahoo.com -
sadie, 3/11/2009 2:30:17 PM
what could cause hemeraging? -
Elizabeth, 7/9/2009 12:24:47 PM
Before I was pregnant I weighed 110 (im a dancer) Then while I was pregnant I gained 20 lbs. After pregnancy I lost 21 lbs. I am now 109 and happy with myself. My baby girl is 1 year old now. I am pregnant again with triplets!!! -
Michaela, 2/2/2010 2:19:26 AM
had my son 8 weeks ago and i am so ashamed about my menstraul flow (always have been) and now i am trying 2 learn everyhting about periods b/c momma didn't teach me. this article helped me and so have many others -
Suzette, 2/19/2010 8:12:40 AM
I have a bouncing baby boy 5mths ago and i haven't seem my period as yet. Is this something i should be really be concern about or visit the doctor? -
alissa, 3/11/2010 10:11:22 AM
i am so big but only 6 months cause the twins are coming omg i am so excited but i should have used protection
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