What to Expect after Vaginal Birth
What happens immediately after delivery?
After your baby and the placentaAn organ that develops during pregnancy that allows the developing fetus to receive oxygen and nutrients and remove waste products. The placenta develops inside of the uterus and connects to the fetus through the umbilical cord. are delivered, your obstetric teamThe healthcare professionals who specialize in pregnancy, childbirth, and the baby during labor. will examine your vagina and perineumThe area of skin and tissue between the vaginal opening and the anus. for tears that need stitches. This is a normal side effect from giving birth vaginally. Sometimes, your obstetric providerA medical provider who specializes in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. Obstetric providers include obstetricians (medical doctors) and Certified Nurse Midwives (advance practice registered nurses who specialize in obstetric care). needs to make a cut in the vaginal opening, called an episiotomyAn incision (cut) that is made between the vaginal opening and the anus (perineum) during birth to assist with the delivery of the baby. This incision is only made when necessary and is stitched up after delivery of the baby. , to make delivery easier. Your anesthesiaThe use of medications to temporarily block pain, sensations, and awareness during procedures and surgery. There are many different types of anesthesia that a CRNA can provide. professional, such as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)Sometimes called a CRNA, nurse anesthesiologist, or nurse anesthetist, these are advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) who specialize in administering anesthesia for surgical, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures. , can use local anesthesiaA type of anesthesia that numbs a smaller area of the body with numbing medication. or your epiduralAn injection of numbing medication into the epidural space that blocks pian signals from specific nerves. Epidurals can be given as a single injection, or with a catheter (tubing) that stays in place to continuously give medication. to keep you comfortable while stitches are being placed. Learn more about Anesthesia Options during Labor and Anesthesia Safety during Labor and Delivery.
Skin-to-skin contact is encouraged if you and your baby are doing well. Holding your baby skin-to-skin can help regulate your baby’s temperature, heart rate, and breathing. This also promotes bonding and supports breastfeeding.
What happens in the first few hours?
Over the next few hours, your obstetric team will:
- Check your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and temperature.
- Monitor the amount of vaginal bleeding.
- Feel your uterusCommonly called the “womb,” this is a muscular organ in the female reproductive system that is responsible for menstruation (the period), growth and development of a pregnancy, and the delivery a baby. through your abdomenSometimes called the “belly” or “core,” this is the part of the body below the chest and above the pelvis. to make sure it is firm and shrinking as expecte.d
- Help you begin breastfeeding or skin-to-skin contact, if you choose.
- Encourage you to start walking a little bit at a time, as this helps blood flow and prevents blood clots.
- Give you medications to help your recovery. These include pain medications such as ibuprofen (Advil®) and acetaminophen (Tylenol®), stronger pain medication if needed, stool softeners, and medications to prevent and manage nausea.
To manage vaginal bleeding and swelling, you will be given absorbent or mesh underwear paired with a large menstrual pad. Your nurseA licensed healthcare professional who practices nursing care. All RNs complete special education and training and are licensed to provide nursing care in their state. may give you a special ice pack and witch hazel pads to put inside the underwear. You will also be given a small squeeze bottle to fill with warm water. This will be used to squeeze water on your vaginal opening as you urinate.
There are other over-the-counter options that you can purchase prior to delivery to help with vaginal recovery. These include a foam or spray to numb the area, special high-waisted underwear, and menstrual pads with built-in ice packs.
If you received an epidural during delivery, your legs may remain numb for a short period while the medication wears off. While your legs are numb, you will need help to use the bathroom.
Another side effect of epidural and spinal anesthesiaSometimes called a “spinal block,” this is an injection of numbing medication into the spinal fluid that numbs the body from the waist down. is a spinal headache. This occurs when there is a small tear in the sac that surrounds your spinal cordA tube of nervous tissue that runs from the base of the brain down to the end of the spine. The spinal cord is responsible for sending nerve signals from the brain to the rest of the body. and nerves. This can cause fluid to leak, resulting in continuous headache pain that gets worse when you sit up, walk, or are in bright light. It may also cause nausea or vomiting.
If you start to notice any of these symptoms after birth, notify your obstetric team and anesthesia professional.
What happens during the first few days?
Most people stay in the hospital for one to two days after a vaginal birth. If you or your baby need extra care, your hospital stay may be longer.
As your uterus starts to go back to its normal size and your body starts to heal, it is normal to experience:
- Vaginal bleeding that becomes lighter (in color and amount) over several weeks
- Cramping as your uterus returns to its normal size
- Pain, soreness, or numbness around your stitches (if present)
- Difficulty moving comfortably when standing, coughing, laughing, or changing positions
- Fatigue as your body recovers from labor and adjusts to caring for a newborn
Learn more about Managing Pain after Childbirth.
Mood changes after delivery
| Baby blues | Postpartum depression |
|---|---|
| Begins within the first 2 to 3 days | Begins within the first few weeks after birth, but can develop during pregnancy or in the first year |
| Mood swings, crying spells, anxiety, difficulty sleeping | Depressed mood, difficulty bonding with the baby, loss of appetite, crying too much, feelings of hopelessness |
| Lasts only a few days to about 2 weeks | Can last for months, or longer |
When should I contact my obstetric provider?
If you have any of the following symptoms, call your healthcare provider or call 911 right away.
- Heavy vaginal bleeding that soaks through a pad in an hour
- Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Redness, swelling, or drainage from your incision
- Severe pain that is getting worse instead of better
- Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or pain and swelling in one leg
- Feelings of sadness or hopelessness that make it difficult to care for yourself or your baby (signs of postpartum depressionA mental health disorder that develops after childbirth. Symptoms include intense feelings of sadness, anxiety, loss of motivation, and difficulty bonding with the newborn baby. )
Learn more about When to Contact Your Healthcare Team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about what to expect after vaginal birth.
I had an epidural during labor. Will it still work if I need stitches after delivery?
Often, yes. If your epidural is still working, your anesthesia professional may use it to keep you comfortable while your obstetric provider performs an episiotomy and/or repairs repairs a tear. If needed, they can also numb the area with local anesthesia.
When will my epidural wear off?
Most people regain normal feeling and strength in their legs within a few hours after the epidural medication is stopped. Your obstetric team will monitor your recovery and make sure it is safe for you to stand and walk.
Why are my legs still numb and weak after delivery?
Feeling numbness, tingling, and/or weakness in your legs after delivery is common. This can happen for a few reasons:
- The physical strain of delivery on the body
- Pressure on the nerves in your back and pelvis that happens during pushing
- A side effect of epidural anesthesia
These symptoms are usually temporary and go away within a few weeks after delivery. If you have any questions or concerns about numbness, tingling, and/or weakness in your legs, you can discuss this with your anesthesia professional or obstetric provider.
Can I breastfeed while taking pain medication?
Most medications commonly used to manage pain after childbirth are safe when breastfeeding. Ibuprofen (Advil®) and acetaminophen (Tylenol®) are often the first choices because only small amounts pass into breast milk. If you need to take medications that can pass into breastmilk, such as opioidsDrugs that are typically used to control and manage pain. Examples include codeine, morphine, and fentanyl. , your obstetric provider will provide you with instructions about how to breastfeed safely. Always take medications as directed and talk with your obstetric provider and anesthesia professional if you have questions.
Will I still need pain medicine after delivery if I had an epidural?
Yes. An epidural provides pain relief during labor, but once it wears off, you may experience soreness from delivery. Your obstetric provider will recommend medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®), to help keep you comfortable during recovery.
Who should I talk to if I have questions about my epidural or anesthesia?
Your anesthesia professional is an important part of your obstetric team. They can answer questions about your epidural, any medications you received, and what to expect as the anesthesia wears off.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or a recommendation for any specific anesthesia technique, drug, or treatment. Users should consult a qualified medical professional before making any decisions regarding anesthesia care. For complete terms, see our Terms of Use.
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