Even after a super-smooth delivery, it's normal to experience some changes postpartum. These are a few of the most common conditions obstetrician-gynecologists see.

Postpartum bleeding, also known as lochia discharge, is expected during the first six weeks after giving birth. It’s common for the heaviest bleeding to occur in the first few days after childbirth, and then taper off over the next six weeks. <a href=" https://hello.onewillow.com/article/blt20b5cb60c53061a5" target="_self">Learn more.</a>

Postpartum bleeding

Constipation can accompany both the pregnancy and postpartum periods. The most common time frame is in the first few hours to days after giving birth. If you don’t pass a bowel movement in the first few days, your health care provider may be able to suggest or prescribe a laxative or stool softener. <a href=" https://hello.onewillow.com/article/bltcc6e11a04e268afd" target="_self">Learn more.</a>

Constipation

Hemorrhoids are often the result of all that pushing and pressure from labor, which can cause the veins in those sensitive areas to swell—both internally and externally. It might take some time for hemorrhoids to subside, but several tried-and-true remedies can help. <a href=" https://hello.onewillow.com/article/blt4ede7dd8a31cbc54" target="_self">Learn more.</a>

Hemorrhoids

Well after you’ve healed from labor and delivery, one symptom that can linger is the inability to effectively control the release of urine from your bladder. You may experience involuntary leaking when running, jumping, laughing, or sneezing. Home remedies may come in handy, and your provider may refer you to a pelvic-floor physical therapist. <a href=" https://hello.onewillow.com/article/blt25385e643702990c" target="_self">Learn more.</a>

Urinary incontinence

During pregnancy and delivery, your pelvic floor is stressed and stretched more than it has been at any other time in your life. This can result in weakening and impaired coordination of these muscles. If you feel like the symptoms of pelvic-floor dysfunction are negatively impacting your day-to-day life, speak with your obstetrician or gynecologist. <a href=" https://hello.onewillow.com/article/blt6b2dd0553bcb9313" target="_self">Learn more.</a>

Pelvic-floor dysfunction

On delivery day, physical changes can be wide-ranging. Tearing with a vaginal delivery is common—and there are four degrees of tears. Understanding the differences between these degrees can help prepare you for both delivery and your postpartum healing journey. <a href=" https://hello.onewillow.com/article/blt910a7c9b066bb2b7" target="_self">Learn more.</a>

Vaginal tears

This condition occurs when the rectus abdominis—your abs—separates wider than an inch down the middle and stays there postpartum. It can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms tend to accompany other postpartum experiences, such as bloating, constipation, and lower-back pain. If you think you’re experiencing diastasis recti, talk to your provider. <a href=" https://hello.onewillow.com/article/blt8d36f81302b89fe6" target="_self">Learn more.</a>

Diastasis recti

The first couple of weeks after childbirth can be disorienting. Are you feeling exhausted and challenged by simple tasks? Elated one minute, sad the next? If so, you might have what’s known as the ”baby blues,” which up to 80 percent of moms will experience in the first two to three weeks following delivery. <a href=" https://hello.onewillow.com/article/blt80680bf8d2137fa3" target="_self">Learn more.</a>

Baby blues

Even with the smoothest of births, it's normal to experience changes.

Postpartum conditions and complications

Pregnancy, labor, and delivery bring myriad changes. 

Physiological and psychological changes of motherhood

Although it might not seem like you have time to “recover” from delivery, you and your baby just went through something big. Be kind to yourself, ask questions, and ask for help from your friends, family, or providers. 

Common postpartum conditions