HealthPartners - Taking care of you and your newborn

SKIN CHANGES Rising hormone levels during pregnancy may cause some changes to your skin color, including blotchy brown markings on your face, a dark line down the middle of your belly, or acne. These changes usually go away completely or

MENSTRUAL CYCLE You will probably have your next menstrual cycle sometime within 7-9 weeks after giving birth. If you’re breastfeeding, it could be a

bit longer—most often at about 4-6 months. Some people who breastfeed don’t get a period until they stop breastfeeding. But—and this is important—your body may begin producing eggs before your first period. This means you can become pregnant again. Discuss your thoughts about future pregnancies with your health care provider before you resume sexual activity.

significantly fade within several months after the birth. But in about 30% of women, they can persist. However, any tiny red blood vessels on your skin and red rashes will clear up. Stretch marks will gradually fade to irregular silvery white lines but will likely not disappear altogether.

BATHS AND SHOWERS If you had a vaginal birth , you may be able to shower the first day. Sitz baths (water only up to the hips) or full tub baths are generally safe after the second day.

If you had a cesarean birth , you can usually shower once your catheter and outer dressing over your incision have been removed. Be sure you’re able to stand and walk without getting dizzy. Tub baths are not recommended for up to a few weeks after a cesarean birth. Ask your health care provider how soon you can take a bath.

SEX Having a new baby at home changes just about everything. Babies take up a lot of your time and energy, making it tough

for many new parents to recapture their closeness as a couple. Experts agree that couples should be open about how they’re feeling about resuming sex. Open communication can help minimize frustration and misunderstanding. If you had a tear, episiotomy or cesarean incision, you may have concerns about having sex again. Tears and incisions can take a full 6 weeks to heal, so be sure you share this information with your partner. You may experience vaginal dryness and reduced lubrication because of the hormones associated with pregnancy and/or breastfeeding. This is completely normal and it will improve. When you’re ready, a water-based lubricant can help with this. If you experience difficulty with sexual intercourse, always discuss it openly with your partner. A few times a week, set aside time for each other without the baby to enhance intimacy and rebuild a satisfying sex life. Sharing your feelings about sexuality is the most effective way to get and stay close—physically and emotionally. BE SURE to see your doctor for approval before putting anything in your vagina.

VARICOSE VEINS Varicose veins are soft, blue-colored bulges in your legs that can happen during pregnancy. They’re caused when veins get weak and swell-up with blood. If you developed varicose veins during pregnancy, you probably learned to elevate your legs for relief. You’ll want to keep this up and start wearing support hose for the first 6 weeks after your baby comes. Varicose veins usually improve without treatment and vein surgery is not recommended during the first 6 months after giving birth.

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Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care