Last month, we talked about what to expect immediately in the first two weeks postpartum: what is normal, what may be of concern. Because the fourth trimester is often cited as it pertains to your baby, sometimes it can be good to take a step back and focus on the momma as well. In a continuation of the discussion last month, let’s talk about how your postpartum recovery will continue in the weeks and months (!) after delivery.
Six weeks is often used as a milestone for both you and your baby. By six weeks, your uterus should be back at pre-pregnancy size with a cessation of bleeding. However, there may be a few days where the bleeding restarts with bright red blood as the final placental shedding occurs. Most people are cleared for exercise and sexual activity, though you should take longer to ease back into things. For those who have had a C-section, you may be cleared to drive and lift more than your baby. Your scar may feel numb or itchy as tissue healing and remodeling occurs. Walking is a great way to ease back into physical activity, particularly after a major abdominal surgery like a C-section!
Mentally and emotionally, you may be emotional and exhausted. However, lingering feelings of depression or anxiety are not normal. It is important to address any concerns for postpartum depression and anxiety at your 6 week follow up with your doctor.
Some things that assist with your recovery at 6 weeks include:
Resuming an exercise program that you enjoy (slowly and carefully) guided by a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist
Resuming sexual actvity when you feel ready (most aren’t ready by 6 weeks)
Nap as often as possible
Get screened for postpartum anxiety and/or depression (no one is judging you- we want to help!)
The “latent” period of postpartum recovery occurs from 6 weeks to 6 months after delivery but full postpartum recovery takes up to 2 years (that we are aware of in 2025). By that time, your hair should stop falling out. You should no longer have physical symptoms (like bladder leakage or Diastasis Recti). Your period may come back around the 6 month mark, but it could take up to 2 years for your hormones to re-balance. If you’ve had a C-section, you may feel more tired at the 6 month mark than those who had a vaginal delivery. Mentally, you may be getting more into a routine as your baby is sleeping more. Though, of course, it is important to address any lingering mental health concerns.
In order to help your recovery, you can:
Continue your exercise routine, for both mental and physical health
Get checked out by a pelvic floor PT if you have any lingering symptoms (e.g., incontinence, pain with sex, back pain, etc.). You can start care as early as 4 weeks postpartum.
Overall, these are very normal things to experience. And, just because you reach the six month mark, do not feel the pressure to be “totally” normal by then. Some people say it takes them 1-2 years to feel like themselves after having a baby. Another important thing to note: while some pelvic floor issues may be common postpartum, anything that bothers you, that lasts for a greater than 6 weeks or significantly impacts your daily life are NOT normal. This includes back, hip, and pelvic pain; pain with sex; and bowel and bladder issues. And it may be important for any person who has given birth to get checked out by a pelvic floor PT. Pregnancy is a major change to the body — and it is one we are well versed in assisting with here at Recharged PT!
Give us a call if you have questions!
<3 Recharged Performance Therapy Team
(321) 802-1630
https://www.rechargedperformancetherapy.com
References
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/postpartum-recovery
https://www.healthline.com/health/postpartum-recovery-timeline
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/postpartum