Care After Delivery: Recovery and Warning Signs
பிரசவத்திற்குப் பிந்தைய பராமரிப்புThe weeks after birth are a time of healing. This guide covers what to expect, how to care for yourself and your baby, and the warning signs that need medical help.
What to expect in the first weeks
Bleeding after birth is like a heavy period at first and slowly lessens over about four to six weeks. Rest as much as you can, eat well, drink plenty of water and accept help at home. If you had stitches, keep the area clean and dry. After a caesarean, keep the wound dry, avoid heavy lifting and follow your doctor’s advice on movement and rest.
Warning signs: get help straight away
Call 97505 11225 or go to a hospital if you have:
- very heavy bleeding (soaking a pad every hour) or large clots
- fever, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- a wound that is red, swollen, leaking pus or opening
- severe pain in the tummy
- a painful, swollen calf, breathlessness or chest pain
- a severe headache with blurred vision or swelling
- feeling very low or anxious, or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Emergency care is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In a life-threatening emergency dial 108 or 112 for an ambulance.
Feeding your baby
Try to start breastfeeding within the first hour if you and the baby are well. Breastfeed only for the first six months, then add other foods and continue breastfeeding. If feeding hurts or the baby cannot latch, ask for help early: it usually improves with the right positioning.
Your mood and your check-up
Feeling tearful or low in the first two weeks (“baby blues”) is common. If it lasts longer, or you feel unable to cope, please talk to your doctor: help is available. Have a postnatal check-up about six weeks after delivery (earlier after a caesarean or complications) and discuss family planning, because breastfeeding does not reliably prevent pregnancy for long. Keep your baby’s vaccines on schedule.
Care at Abishek Hospital
Dr. Jayanthi Prabakaran, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Abishek Hospital, Erode Fort, sees women for postnatal check-ups, family planning and care after delivery. Message us on WhatsApp or call 97505 11225 to book. Clinic hours are Mon – Sat, 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM, and emergency care is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. About the doctor.
This guide is general information to help you decide when to seek care. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Related videos from our YouTube channel
Videos are general health education, not a replacement for a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does bleeding last after delivery?
When can I start family planning?
When will my caesarean wound heal?
You may also need
Maternity & Pregnancy Care
Antenatal checkups, delivery and postnatal care, with emergency care available 24/7.
Learn moreNormal & Painless Delivery
Supported normal delivery with the option of epidural (painless) labour. Over 2,500 epidural deliveries.
Learn moreGynaecology & Women’s Health
Lady doctor consultations for periods, fibroids, cysts, discharge, pelvic pain, menopause and family planning.
Learn moreFertility & IUI Treatment
Fertility evaluation and IUI treatment, with over 500 conceptions through IUI.
Learn moreBook a consultation with Dr. Jayanthi Prabakaran
Message us on WhatsApp, call, or walk in during clinic hours. Emergency care is available 24/7.