Baby2Body’s Guide To Postpartum Recovery: What To Expect In Weeks 7-12
When it comes to postpartum recovery, it can be difficult to know what to expect, especially if you’re in your third trimester and really focusing on getting through labor and delivery. And yes, sometimes looking ahead can feel overwhelming, but often knowing what to expect can also help you to feel more in control of the weeks and months ahead.
That’s why we’re sharing exactly what to expect during postpartum recovery — so you can take it all in when you need to — maybe you want to be prepared now, maybe you want to save these posts and read them as the time comes — it’s completely up to you!
Just remember, every woman is different, every pregnancy is different, and every delivery is different, so what to expect after birth varies a lot. We’re sharing some common symptoms of postpartum recovery — but you might not experience everything you see here & you might find you notice other things more. Let us know how you’re feeling in the comments!
If you missed them, here are the other posts in this series:
If you had a vaginal birth:
If you had a c-section:
Here’s what you can expect in weeks 7-12 of postpartum recovery:
So, by now you’ve likely had your 6-week check with your doctor where you may have been told you can now do things like exercise and have sex — that might have made you feel like things should just be “back to normal” but it might not feel like that in reality, and that's ok, mama. Things will take time — you’re actually only half way through your fourth trimester — and looking after a newborn means like will never be back to how they were pre-baby.
We’re talking you through some things you need to know about weeks 7-12 of postpartum recovery.
1. Your menstrual cycle & contraception
Just a quick note on your menstrual cycle — if you are bottle feeding, your period may have returned already, if you are breastfeeding you may not return to having normal periods until you begin to reduce your feeds and that’s because the hormone that helps your body produce milk, prolactin, also stops you from ovulating and having your period
Whether you’re breastfeeding or not, it’s common to have irregular periods for months after birth but remember that you can become pregnant again as soon as 3 weeks after you gave birth, even if you are breastfeeding, so a missed period could be a sign of pregnancy. If you aren’t wanting to conceive, talk to your doctor about contraception if you didn’t do so at your 6 week check — if you are interested in trying for another child, talk with your doctor about your plans so they can help ensure that your body has the time it needs to recover before becoming pregnant again.
2. Intimacy
As we mentioned, you might have had the “all clear” from your doctor to have sex at your 6 week check — that doesn’t mean it’s happened yet! Many women find their sex drive doesn’t return for much longer than 6 weeks and your connection with your partner may feel strained due to the stress involved with having a newborn and going back to work.
If you don’t feel like having sex just yet, remember your feelings are valid. Have open conversations with your partner about how you feel & talk bout other ways you can connect and feel intimate. If you are feeling up to it, start slow and use lubrication. Remember, sex should be enjoyable, so if you experience any pain, stop and consult your doctor.
For more: Postpartum Intimacy: How to Rekindle Things After Having a Baby.
3. Your body & physical activity
As with intimacy, you probably received exercise clearance at your 6 week check, and whilst it’s definitely a good idea to start moving your body to help you recover, decrease stress, and positively impact your mood, don’t push yourself too hard too soon. It’s really important to start off slow, warm up and cool down properly, and stop if you feel any pain or discomfort. Listen to your body & don’t push yourself at this early stage.
Incorporate movement into your everyday routine by:
Getting outside for a 10 minute walk
Opt for the stairs over the elevator when possible
Park further away from the store you are entering to get in some extra steps
Walk around your house when talking on the phone
Everyone’s recovery period is different but talk with your doctor if you are finding it difficult to workout for either mental or physical reasons. One thing to be mindful of is diastasis recti — a common condition that occurs when two muscles in the middle of your stomach separate during or after pregnancy. If you have diastasis recti, it’s important that you avoid certain abdominal exercises.
Here’s how to check for diastasis recti:
4. Your emotions
It’s common for mixed emotions to continue as your hormones are still adjusting and you’re taking care of a newborn — maybe for the first time! Feeling exhausted or overwhelmed at this stage is normal — often by this time, family or friends have gone back home, and you and/or your partner have gone back to work. If you are feeling lonely, that is okay, but you don’t need to figure things out on your own, be sure to talk to your support system about how you’re feeling — they can still be amazing support from afar!
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that you have a “comprehensive postpartum visit no later than 12 weeks after birth” to further monitor your mental, physical, and social well-being, but if this is not possible, have a mental health check-in with yourself: are you experiencing any postpartum depression symptoms? It is important to constantly track your symptoms to ensure you are healthy for you and baby.
How’s your postpartum journey, mama? Let us know in the comments!
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