Having a baby is a major physical and emotional change, and recovery can take time. Many symptoms after childbirth are a normal part of the postnatal period, while others may need treatment or further assessment.
Postpartum or postnatal problems can affect your physical health, mental wellbeing, sleep, pelvic health and ability to recover from pregnancy and birth. Knowing what is expected — and when to ask for help — can make it easier to get the right support.
What Are Postpartum Issues?
“Postpartum” refers to the period after giving birth. During this time, your body is recovering from pregnancy and childbirth while also adapting to the demands of caring for a new baby.
Some common postpartum issues include:
- Vaginal bleeding and discharge, known as lochia
- Perineal soreness, particularly after a tear or episiotomy
- Pain or discomfort following a caesarean section
- Breast or nipple pain and feeding difficulties
- Constipation or haemorrhoids
- Urinary leakage or difficulty controlling your bladder
- Pelvic-floor weakness
- Tiredness and difficulty sleeping
- Headaches or other physical symptoms
- Anxiety, low mood or feeling overwhelmed
- Postnatal depression
Not every symptom is a sign that something is wrong. However, persistent, worsening or unusual symptoms should not simply be put down to the demands of having a newborn.
What Causes Postpartum Issues?
Physical changes after birth
Pregnancy causes significant changes to the body, and childbirth can affect the pelvic floor, abdominal muscles, bladder, bowel and reproductive organs. Healing can also take time after a vaginal tear, episiotomy or caesarean section.
Hormonal changes
Hormone levels change rapidly after delivery. These changes, combined with sleep deprivation and the demands of caring for a newborn, can contribute to tiredness and emotional changes.
Breastfeeding and feeding difficulties
Breastfeeding can sometimes cause sore or cracked nipples, breast engorgement, inflammation or masitis. Problems with feeding or milk supply can also be stressful and may affect emotional wellbeing.
Mental health
It is common to experience a range of emotions after having a baby. However, persistent low mood, severe anxiety, feelings of hopelessness or difficulty coping may indicate a postnatal mental health condition that deserves medical support.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Postpartum Issues?
Postpartum symptoms vary considerably from person to person and can depend on the type of birth and any complications experienced.
Common symptoms can include:
- Vaginal bleeding or discharge after birth
- Abdominal or pelvic cramping
- Perineal pain, swelling or soreness
- Pain around a caesarean-section wound
- Breast tenderness or nipple soreness
- Constipation or haemorrhoids
- Urinary leakage or urgency
- Pelvic-floor weakness
- Back or pelvic pain
- Tiredness and poor sleep
- Headaches
- Feeling tearful, anxious or irritable
- Difficulty concentrating or feeling overwhelmed
Some symptoms should be assessed rather than simply managed at home, particularly if they are getting worse or affecting your ability to function.
How Are Postpartum Issues Diagnosed?
A GP can talk through your symptoms, your pregnancy and birth history, any complications you experienced and how you are recovering.
Depending on your symptoms, your GP may ask about:
- The type of birth you had
- Any tears, episiotomy or caesarean section
- Vaginal bleeding or unusual discharge
- Pain and whether it is improving
- Your bladder and bowel function
- Breastfeeding or breast symptoms
- Your sleep and energy levels
- Your mood and emotional wellbeing
- Any medications you are taking
- Your pregnancy and medical history
- Fevers or feeling unwell
How Long Do Postpartum Issues Last?
There is no single recovery time after childbirth. Some symptoms improve within days, while others can take several weeks or longer.
Vaginal bleeding gradually changes as the body recovers usually taking around 4-6 weeks but up to 8 weeks in some cases, while soreness from a tear, episiotomy or caesarean section may take time to settle. Tiredness can also continue, particularly when sleep is disrupted by caring for a newborn.
Some problems, such as urinary leakage, pelvic-floor symptoms or persistent pain, can continue beyond the early postnatal period and may benefit from assessment and treatment.
You do not need to wait until your routine postnatal check if you are concerned about a symptom.
How to Feel Better and Recover After Giving Birth
Self-Care at Home
There are several things that may support recovery:
- Rest whenever you can, particularly when you have the opportunity to sleep.
- Eat regular, nutritious meals and drink plenty of fluids.
- Take gentle walks and gradually increase activity as you feel able.
- Follow the advice you were given about caring for stitches or a caesarean wound.
- Keep the perineal area clean and change sanitary pads regularly.
- Avoid pushing yourself to return to normal activities too quickly.
- Ask family or friends for practical help where possible.
- Discuss suitable pain relief with a healthcare professional, particularly if you are breastfeeding.
- Begin pelvic-floor exercises when appropriate and follow advice from your maternity team or GP.
Treatment from a GP
Your GP may recommend medication, further investigations, pelvic-health physiotherapy or referral to another healthcare professional. If you are experiencing postnatal depression or anxiety, treatments can include talking therapies, practical support and medication where appropriate.
Postnatal depression is treatable, and symptoms can begin during pregnancy, shortly after birth or during the first year after having a baby.
If you have pain, bleeding, urinary problems, difficulties with your caesarean wound, concerns about healing or infection your GP can help decide whether you need any treatment such as antibiotics or require further examination and assessment.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
Most postpartum symptoms are not emergencies, but some can indicate serious complications.
Seek urgent medical advice if you experience:
- Sudden or very heavy vaginal bleeding, or bleeding that is increasing
- Severe or worsening abdominal, pelvic or perineal pain
- Fever, shivering or feeling significantly unwell
- Vaginal discharge or bleeding with an unpleasant smell
- A leg that becomes swollen, painful or tender
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- A persistent or severe headache, particularly if accompanied by visual symptoms or other concerning symptoms
- Significant breast redness or swelling that is getting worse despite self-care
- A caesarean or perineal wound that is becoming increasingly painful, swollen or infected, or has opened
These symptoms can sometimes indicate complications such as infection, significant bleeding, blood clots or postpartum hypertension and should not be ignored.
If you experience a mental-health crisis, have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, or experience confusion, hallucinations or beliefs that seem disconnected from reality, seek urgent medical help.
How Dr.Online UK Can Help
Recovering after having a baby can be challenging, and you do not have to wait until your routine postnatal check if you are worried about your health.
Dr.Online UK can provide access to UK-registered GPs who can discuss your symptoms, provide advice and reassurance, and help determine whether you need further assessment or treatment.
Depending on your individual circumstances and clinical assessment, our GPs may be able to provide:
- Same-day online GP appointments
- Advice and reassurance about postpartum symptoms
- Private prescriptions where clinically appropriate
- Fit notes where appropriate
- Referral letters where clinically appropriate
