What to Expect During the First 3 Months Postpartum

Livy Christiansen
Sep 22
3 min read

Growing a human is certainly no easy feat. Therefore, it should be no surprise to hear that pregnancy takes a massive toll on women – mentally and physically. And while pregnancy itself requires extensive preparation, so does the period of time right after giving birth.

So, let’s break down exactly what to expect postpartum.

The Stages of Postpartum

Postpartum starts immediately after childbirth and typically lasts six to eight weeks. While there isn’t a “one size fits all” timeline to expect, there are three distinct phases of postpartum (as classified by healthcare providers):

Acute Phase – What to Expect Immediately After Delivery

For this period of time – which typically lasts for six to twelve hours after childbirth – you can expect your care provider to closely monitor your heart rate, bleeding, swelling, and general physical condition.

Subacute Phase – What to Expect 3 Weeks Postpartum

Starting 24 hours after giving birth, you’re less likely to experience a medical emergency. Your body will continue to noticeably change and recover for the next two to six weeks. In this phase, you’re halfway between giving birth and having your first checkup appointment. And many of your initial postpartum symptoms should be easing up around now!

Delayed Phase – What to Expect 6 Months Postpartum

In this final phase, you may continue to see gradual changes to your body. However, most women will return to their pre-pregnancy bodies(ish) by six months after giving birth.

What Are the Most Common Postpartum Symptoms?

During pregnancy, your hormones spike, and your entire internal abdominal structure changes to make room for your baby. So, after you give birth, it has to work hard to revert itself back to its original condition. The physical changes you experience after giving birth are a direct result of this major physical change to your body! Therefore, they are completely and absolutely normal.

So, here’s what to expect regarding postpartum bleeding, hair loss, and every other symptom after delivering your little one:

Postpartum Bleeding

Light bleeding is extremely common for about a month after delivery. This is simply your body discarding extra lining and blood from your uterus. If the bleeding is heavy for longer than the first few days, that could indicate a hemorrhage, which you would want to consult your doctor about.

Postpartum Hair Loss

Many women lose hair after giving birth, so this is completely expected and normal. While you’re pregnant, your body often stops shedding hair, causing you to shed a little extra after delivery. (It will correct itself – promise!)

Postpartum Cramping

Unfortunately, cramping persists beyond childbirth. Your uterus has to significantly decrease in size without a child in it, so cramping typically lasts for about two weeks.

Postpartum Back Pain

Your back will also probably ache after delivery. Many women experience soreness thanks to lying on their backs for hours, straining, and receiving an epidural. However, this pain should ease up after a couple of days. If it doesn’t, let your doctor know.

Postpartum Depression

Because of the drastic hormonal changes during pregnancy and childbirth, symptoms of depression and anxiety are extremely common during postpartum. (Postpartum depression and/or anxiety affects 1 in 10 mothers. And 80% of new mamas experience the milder baby blues.)

So, don’t hesitate to lean on your partner, close friends, and family during the first few weeks postpartum. And if symptoms persist beyond that, consider reaching out to a professional for more support.

Postpartum Belly

Alas, your belly won’t immediately deflate after giving birth. It’ll take several weeks or months for your stomach to return to your pre-pregnancy size because of how much it grew with your little one inside.

It’s Time for Your Postpartum Check-up

After a month and a half of living with your little one, it’s time for your doctor to check on both of you. Here’s what to expect at 6-week postpartum appointment:

Physical Examination. Your doctor will check your blood pressure, pulse, measurements, uterus, and breasts.

Blood Tests. If needed, you may have your blood drawn to check for anemia or other health conditions.

Mommy Check-Up. This is your opportunity to bring up any concerns, sustaining symptoms, and/or future plans with your healthcare provider.

Baby Check-Up. The doctor will measure your baby and assess their early developmental progress.

Postpartum Support for Texas Moms

As you’re experiencing the baby blues, hardly sleeping, and learning how to be a mama, we encourage you to be gentle with yourself. Also, don’t hesitate to use the resources at your disposal.

Overnight nurses support new and experienced moms by helping care for your little one so that you can get some much-needed rest. And daytime doulas offer guidance and work with you throughout the day so that you can feel confident in this new role.