HealthPartners - Preparing for childbirth

BLADDER You should try to empty your bladder right after you give birth and again every 3 to 4 hours while you’re in the hospital.

What can help • Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time • Lie down as much as you can

If your bladder becomes full and pushes on your uterus, it can keep your uterus from contracting and cause you to bleed more. When you get home, you’ll probably pass large amounts of urine for the first few days. Besides urine, you’re also getting rid of the extra fluid that made your legs and hands swell late in your pregnancy.

• Try a cold washcloth or a warm bath • Use wet wipes instead of toilet paper • Ask your provider about using creams, suppositories, or pain medication

POSTPARTUM

CARE

WARNING

Tell your nurse or provider if you: • Have a frequent or urgent need to urinate • Have severe pain or rectal bleeding • Feel you need to take a laxative

BOWEL MOVEMENTS Hormones, medications, dehydration, pain in your perineum (area between the vagina and anus), and less physical

activity may slow your bowel function. You may not have a bowel movement for 2 to 3 days after giving birth. When you do, it may be uncomfortable or cause you to feel a little afraid. When it’s time: • Take some deep breaths and try to relax your body • Put your feet on a stool and rest your elbows on your knees • From the front, hold a clean sanitary pad over your perineum for support • Avoid straining because it can make hemorrhoids worse • Don’t resist the urge to go • Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day • Eat lots of grains, fruits, and vegetables • Walk or do yoga stretches • Ask your provider about taking stool softeners HEMORRHOIDS Hemorrhoids are swollen veins inside the rectum or outside on the anus. They can become painful, itchy, and even bleed. Hemorrhoids are not usually serious but can be uncomfortable. What can help

Self-Care If you can, it helps to get up and move around soon after you give birth. If you received medication during labor, you may need to wait for it to wear off before you can safely get up. Moving around

SCAN + PLAY

lowers the risk of blood clots, helps your bladder and bowels work better, and can reduce some of your pain and discomfort, even after a cesarean birth. It may take 4-6 weeks before you feel more like your pre-pregnancy self. Even though you’re busy with your baby and family, it’s important to take good care of your own body, inside and out. Giving yourself plenty of personal care and attention will help you feel more comfortable, healthy, and confident as you adapt to life with your new baby.

Chapter 8: Postpartum Care

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