HealthPartners - Your guide to pregnancy

YOUR BABY’S LOOKS Newborn babies don’t usually look the way you expected. Your baby’s head will not be perfectly round, more likely egg-shaped, pointed, or flattened. The scalp is usually swollen, especially on the top of the head, from labor. The eyes and genitalia of both boys and girls may be puffy and swollen. The skin usually has patches of vernix (the waxy white substance that protects babies in the uterus) on it. There may be blotchy, reddish areas and even some bruising or scrapes on the face. These will usually clear up in a few days. Your baby may have a full head of hair or almost no hair. Hair and eye color will probably change. It may be 6 months or longer before you see your baby’s permanent eye color.

YOUR BABY’S APPEARANCE

Your baby’s skin may be covered with a waxy white substance called vernix.

Your baby’s private area may appear swollen. This is normal and the swelling will go away.

Your baby’s eyes may be swollen. This is from coming down the birth canal.

Red marks may show on your baby’s skin or forehead. They may fade.

THE FIRST HOUR During the first hour after giving birth, your blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature will be monitored closely. The top of your uterus (called the fundus) will be near your belly button. Your health care team will check to make sure it is remaining firm. Your nurse may massage it to keep it contracted and to minimize vaginal bleeding. Medication in your IV and having skin-to-skin contact with your baby while breastfeeding also helps to keep your uterus firm. DISCHARGE AND CRAMPS While the lining of your uterus heals completely, you can expect to have a bloody vaginal discharge (lochia) for a few days. This will decrease and lighten in color to a pale pink, then a pale yellow or white. You will have this lighter discharge for up to 4-6 weeks.

URINATION If you have problems urinating right after birth, tell your health care provider. This may happen because of the type of anesthesia used, the size of the baby, or general discomfort — especially if you had stitches or a cesarean birth. It’s very important that you completely empty your bladder. If you have trouble urinating in the hospital, you might need to have a catheter inserted to empty your bladder. If you are still having problems urinating after you leave the hospital, contact your health care provider. POSTPARTUM CHECKUP Your health care provider will want you to come in for a checkup anytime from a week to 6 weeks after you give birth. During this visit, your provider will check your physical recovery from pregnancy and birth, see how you’re doing emotionally, and talk about what you might need in the future. This visit is also a good time to discuss exercise, birth control, breastfeeding, and when it’s safe to resume sex.

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