Stitches and bleeding

Average rating:

Stitches

Good hygiene will reduce the risk of infection, so take a daily bath or shower, initially avoiding bubble bath and scented soaps. Stitches can feel itchy or tight as they heal, and you may even see a bit of stitch floating in the bath. It's quite normal, so don't be alarmed.

Your perineum - the area between the anus and vagina - may be sore or bruised, but should feel a bit better each day. If it's getting worse, let your midwife know, as it can be a sign of infection.

'Period' pains

After birth, your womb has to shrink to its pre-pregnancy size, and this can feel quite uncomfortable, like period pains. It should get better day by day, but if you feel that the pains are getting worse, contact your midwife. Any pain in your calves or chest should be reported at once.

Bleeding

Expect to bleed for up to six weeks after the birth. For the first few days it'll be similar to a heavy period. This is called lochia and is normal. After around 10 days, blood loss should be much lighter, turning from red to pinky brown and then a yellowy colour.

If the blood loss suddenly gets very heavy, has large clots (egg-size or larger), has a strong, bad smell, or you have flu-like symptoms, you may have an infection. So you'll need to let your midwife or GP know.

Jelly belly

Don't assume you'll get straight back into your pre-pregnancy jeans. The uterus has to shrink, and your muscles need to regain their tone. Lots of women feel that their tummy is like a deflated balloon after the birth and often have a 'shelf' of skin hanging over their pants, especially after a caesarean. To get back in shape, ask your midwife to go through suitable exercises with you.