After birth

Recovery after birth: the first 6 weeks, and the 40 days

By Nine Moons EditorialMedically reviewed by Professor Dr FarhatUpdated 10 Oct 20268 min read

Quick answer

Recovering from birth takes at least 6 weeks, and often longer. Expect bleeding (lochia) for up to 6 weeks, afterpains as your womb shrinks, sore stitches or a wound, tiredness, and big emotions. Rest, eat well, drink plenty, accept help, and have your postnatal check at 6 to 8 weeks. Heavy bleeding, fever, chest pain, a severe headache, a painful swollen leg, or thoughts of harming yourself need urgent help.

Key facts

Bleeding (lochia)	Up to 6 weeks
Womb	Back in the pelvis by about 2 weeks
Baby blues	Most mothers, in the first 2 weeks
Postnatal depression	More than 1 in 10 mothers
Postnatal check	6 to 8 weeks after birth

Your body after birth

Your womb shrinks back. Afterpains, often stronger while breastfeeding, are the womb contracting. Bleeding (lochia) slowly fades over up to 6 weeks.

The first 6 weeks

Days 1 to 3: heavy, red bleeding, afterpains, sore perineum or wound. Your milk starts to come in.
Days 3 to 10: bleeding gets lighter and pinker. Baby blues often peak around day 4.
Weeks 2 to 6: bleeding turns brownish then creamy and stops. Energy slowly returns.

Stitches and wounds

Keep the area clean, change pads often, and pour warm water over your perineum when you pee. Cold packs wrapped in cloth ease swelling. For a caesarean wound, see our C-section guide.

The 40 days: chilla, nifas and confinement

Many cultures in South Asia, the Middle East, Africa and East Asia set aside about 40 days for a new mother to rest while family helps. The rest and support are excellent for recovery. Some customs are worth adjusting:

Do drink plenty of water, especially if breastfeeding. Restricting water isn't healthy.
Do shower and wash, including your hair. Good hygiene prevents infection.
Do walk around gently each day. Staying in bed all day raises the risk of blood clots.
Eat a balanced diet, not only very rich, ghee-heavy foods. Include protein, vegetables and iron-rich foods.

Food and drink

Eat regular meals with protein, fruit, vegetables and whole grains. Keep taking iron if prescribed; see anaemia. Fibre and fluids prevent constipation.

Feelings

Baby blues (tearfulness, mood swings) are common in the first 2 weeks and pass. Postnatal depression lasts longer and affects more than 1 in 10 mothers; fathers can be affected too. Signs include feeling low most days, losing interest, anxiety, or feeling unable to cope. It's treatable. Talk to your doctor.

If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, get help now: call your emergency number or go to hospital.

Contraception and the next pregnancy

You can get pregnant before your first period returns, even while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor about contraception at your check. Waiting at least 18 months before the next pregnancy is healthiest for you and your baby.

Your pelvic floor

Start gentle pelvic floor exercises in the first days; see how to do them. Return to more exercise after your 6-week check.

Warning signs

Soaking a pad in an hour or passing large clots, fever or chills, chest pain or breathlessness, a severe headache or vision changes, a painful swollen leg, smelly discharge, or a red, painful breast with fever.

Frequently asked questions

When will my period come back?

Usually 6 to 8 weeks after birth if you're not breastfeeding, and later if you are.

When can I have sex again?

When you feel ready, usually after bleeding has stopped. Use contraception.

When can I bathe?

Showering daily is fine from day one. Ask your midwife about baths if you have stitches or a wound.

Sources

NHS: Your body after the birth
WHO: Recommendations on maternal and newborn care for a positive postnatal experience (2022)
NICE NG194: Postnatal care

General information, not medical advice. Medical disclaimer · How we review content

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