When do I need to schedule my postpartum visit?
What are some of the signs and symptoms that I should be concerned about?
I had a C-Section. What do I need to consider with my incision?
What can I do for constipation?
When can I drive?
When can I resume sexual activity?
When should I expect my period?
When can I begin exercising?
What are the Baby Blues?
What is postpartum depression?
Who is at risk for postpartum depression?
What should I do if I think I am suffering from postpartum depression?
Welcome to the After Delivery Frequently Asked Questions Section. Here you will find answers to the several of the most commonly asked questions.
As always, if you have any questions left unanswered, please call our office.
Unless you have been instructed otherwise, this visit takes place about six weeks after delivery. You should schedule an appointment soon after you are discharged. In most cases, your appointment is usually scheduled with the provider who performed your delivery. This visit will include discussion of how you are feeling, and any concerns you may have. You will also have a complete physical and Pap smear at this time.
Should any of these warning sign occur, call the office immediately:
In most cases, skin is healing nicely by the time of your discharge from the hospital. The paper tape (Steri-strips) is there to provide extra support to the skin while it finishes healing. The Steri-strips will fall off on their own; you can remove them after two weeks if they haven’t. Some numbness, itching or sensitivity is normal. The tougher tissue below the skin takes longer to heal. The stitches used to close the incision will dissolve slowly on their own. You should limit straining and heavy lifting for the first two weeks after delivery. Gradually increase your activity, as you feel comfortable. Contact the office if you see any separation of your incision or if you experience redness, warmth or discharge from your incision.
Use Milk of Magnesia, if necessary. If stools are still hard, take a mild stool softener as directed. This can be purchased over the counter; a prescription is not necessary.
Drinking 8-12 glasses of water every day, including plenty of fiber in your diet and eating fresh fruits and vegetables may be helpful.
If you have had a C-Section, should avoid driving for first two weeks. If you have had a vaginal delivery, you should minimize driving for first two weeks,
Unless you are advised otherwise, wait until you are comfortable, but not before two weeks. Remember the possibility of becoming pregnant exists, whether or not your menses has returned (including when you are nursing), although fertility is not usual until six weeks after delivery.
Oral contraceptive pills may be started shortly after delivery. Other methods to use before returning to the office are condoms and contraceptive foam, both are available without a prescription. Please contact your doctor if you are interested in another method.
Some discharge is present for 2-3 weeks, occasionally longer. At first it is red, gradually changing to pink, then yellow-gray. Sometimes with excessive activity the discharge returns to red for several days. The return of menstruation is variable. Generally non-nursing mothers can expect menstruation in 6-10 weeks and nursing mothers can expect menstruation in 10-12 weeks.
See Exercise Sheet under the “After Delivery” “ Instructions” tab.
The baby blues are normal feelings of sadness or moodiness that some women experience after the delivery of their baby. These feelings are normal and related to the many changes that are going on including hormonal changes as well as actual physical changes. These feelings are enhanced by the physical discomforts of delivery as well as the lack of sleep most new mothers experience. The baby blues usually occur around day three to five after delivery. You may feel unexplainably sad, easily upset, or be prone to bouts of frequent crying. These feelings should not last more than a few days to about a week. Extra support at home, including a chance to get extra rest and a little extra pampering are helpful.
This differs from the baby blues. Postpartum depression is much more serious in nature. This can occur at any time in the first year after the baby is born. Symptoms vary, but may include:
This may be a serious situation, which requires the help of your provider. It is important that you contact us.
All women are at risk. Between 15-20% of all women experience some form of pregnancy related depression or anxiety. Should it happen to you, please ask for help from family members, friends or your doctor. You may be at higher risk for postpartum depression if you have any of the following: Personal or family history of depression, if your pregnancy was unplanned or complicated, if you have a lack of support from your partner or family, if you are a single parent.
It is important that you tell someone how you are feeling and what you are experiencing. Contact your OB/GYN, primary care physician, or other care provider.
LIFELINE – If you find yourself in a crisis situation and need immediate help, contact Lifeline at 585-275-5151.
WARMLINE – If you would like to speak to someone who has experienced post partum depression, post partum anxiety, or to obtain information you can call 585-234-0054.
Other Resources:
Postpartum Resource Center of New York - www.postpartumNY.org