The Postpartum Period (Puerperium): How Long It Lasts, Symptoms, and Tips

The postpartum period, also known as the puerperium, is an important phase that begins immediately after childbirth and typically lasts up to 12 weeks, though some changes can persist for months or more. During this time, the body undergoes significant physical and emotional changes as it returns to its pre-pregnancy state. Key aspects include:

• Uterine involution. The uterus shrinks back to its normal size, often accompanied by cramps and vaginal bleeding (lochia).

• Hormonal shifts. These can lead to mood swings, hot flashes, and night sweats.

• Breast changes. Engorgement, nipple pain, and potential mastitis may occur, especially when breastfeeding.

• Common issues. Perineal pain, constipation, urinary incontinence, and fatigue.

• Mental health. Baby blues are common, but persistent symptoms may indicate postpartum depression or anxiety.

Understanding the postpartum period can help you recognize what’s normal and when to seek help. In the sections below, we’ll explore recovery stages, symptom management, and how to support both physical and emotional well-being.

What Is the Postpartum Period?

First of all, what is the definition of “postpartum”? Postpartum means after birth, referring to the period after childbirth. Therefore, the postpartum period—sometimes referred to as the puerperium—starts with the birth of your baby and extends until about twelve weeks after childbirth. Keep in mind that some of the effects of your pregnancy and the delivery of your baby may last longer.

The postpartum period is a time of adjustment. It's a time to adapt to your new life as a parent and how your daily routines change. This period also requires adjustments as a couple while caring for a newborn. You are physically healing from pregnancy and childbirth, and emotionally navigating all of these changes.

How Long Does the Postpartum Period Last?

The duration of the postpartum period was typically considered to last 6 to 8 weeks after childbirth; however, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists now considers it to last up to 12 weeks. They also recommend individualized care and more frequent checkups based on your health needs in the postpartum period. 

Physical Symptoms in the Postpartum Period

After giving birth, your body goes through a wide range of changes—some temporary, some longer-lasting. Whether you had a vaginal delivery or C-section, your post-pregnancy body is healing and adjusting. Below is a breakdown of the most common postpartum symptoms so you know what to expect during recovery and how to care for your body after pregnancy.

Uterus and Vaginal Healing

After childbirth, your uterus begins the process of shrinking back to its pre-pregnancy size, a process called involution. At the same time, you'll experience bleeding and other signs of recovery.

• Postpartum bleeding stages (Lochia). This discharge contains blood, mucus, and uterine tissue. It typically starts bright red, transitioning to pink or brown, and finally yellow or white. Lochia can last from 2 to 8 weeks postpartum. Bleeding may be heavier when breastfeeding due to uterine contractions. Learn more about the stages of lochia.

• Cramping and “afterbirth pains.” Wondering how long cramping lasts after birth? These uterine contractions can persist for up to 10 days as your uterus after pregnancy shrinks. They’re often more noticeable when breastfeeding. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help, but remember to ask your healthcare provider what’s safe if you're nursing.

• Vaginal delivery recovery. Swelling and soreness in the vaginal area are normal, especially if you had a tear or episiotomy. For vaginal recovery after childbirth, cold packs, warm baths, and numbing sprays can ease discomfort. Your provider can suggest the best treatment based on your symptoms.

• Painful urination. Due to pressure on your bladder and urethra during vaginal delivery, urination might sting. Running warm water over your perineum while peeing and staying hydrated may reduce discomfort.

Hormonal Changes: Postpartum Hormones

Your hormone levels shift drastically after giving birth, affecting everything from your mood to your sweat glands.

• Postpartum hormones timeline. Right after giving birth, estrogen and progesterone drop rapidly. This shift can cause mood swings, night sweats, and fatigue. If you're wondering when postpartum hormones regulate after birth, it varies. Hormones may begin stabilizing within 6 to 8 weeks, though this can take longer if breastfeeding.

• Sweating. Hormonal changes can lead to excessive sweating, especially at night. It usually resolves within a few weeks, but in the meantime, you may prefer to sleep on a towel to prevent your sheets from getting soaked. If concerned, speak with your provider.

• Hair loss. Temporary hair shedding is another result of postpartum hormonal changes. This often stops around 6 months after giving birth, and gradually improves. Learn more about postpartum hair loss in our dedicated guide.

Menstruation and Ovulation

• When does your period come back after birth? If you're not breastfeeding, your first postnatal period may return as early as 6 to 8 weeks after delivery. If you’re nursing, it may take longer, sometimes not until you stop breastfeeding. Ovulation can occur before your first period, so contraception is important if you're not planning another pregnancy.

• First period after giving birth: how long should it last? Your initial cycles may be heavier or lighter than usual and irregular at first. Discuss any concerns with your provider, especially if you experience very heavy bleeding or large clots.

• Stages of postpartum bleeding. Lochia occurs before your regular period returns. See the section on uterus and vaginal healing above for more about the stages of postpartum bleeding.

Perineal Discomfort or C-Section Healing

Postpartum discomfort is common, whether from tearing, stitches, or surgical wounds.

• Postpartum perineal care. The perineum (area between the vagina and anus) can be sore or swollen. Support healing with ice packs, sitz baths, and rest. Pain relief sprays or creams may be recommended.

• C-section recovery. If you had a cesarean, expect abdominal tenderness, soreness at the incision site, and slower mobility for the first few weeks. Gentle movement, wound care, and support belts can help. Notify your provider if you see signs of infection like redness, swelling, or fever.

• Hemorrhoids and fecal incontinence. Hemorrhoids from labor strain may linger postpartum. Use witch-hazel pads, sitz baths, and stay hydrated to ease discomfort. If you’re experiencing stool leakage or trouble controlling gas, let your provider know—pelvic floor therapy may help.

Swelling

Postpartum swelling—especially in your face, feet, or hands—is common.

• Postnatal swelling. It’s common to have some swelling of the hands, feet, legs, or face during pregnancy, and this may still be present for a while after giving birth.

• When does swelling go down after birth? Usually within the first week or two. Elevating your feet, staying hydrated, and gentle movement can help. If swelling becomes worse or is only in one leg, or is accompanied by pain or redness, contact your provider to rule out conditions like deep vein thrombosis.

• Swollen breasts. Your breasts may feel hard, full, and tender a couple of days after you deliver your baby, as they are filled with milk. Once you settle into a regular breastfeeding routine, the discomfort may go away. If you’re formula-feeding your baby, the engorged feeling in your breasts will probably subside within about 7 to 10 days. If you don’t plan to breastfeed, you can lessen the discomfort by wearing a comfortable bra and loose clothes, taking pain relief medication (if your healthcare provider gives you the green light), and applying ice packs to the area to help reduce swelling. Just don’t express extra breast milk to lessen the pain—this sends a signal to your body to produce more milk, which will prolong the process.

Other Postpartum Body Changes

• Fatigue. In the first few months after giving birth, it's normal to feel exhausted. You've experienced significant emotional and physical changes, and now you have new challenges to navigate. Your newborn needs to be fed frequently and may not sleep for long stretches, which provides plenty of reasons for your fatigue. To help alleviate exhaustion and stress, try to sleep when your baby sleeps and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Follow a balanced diet that includes plenty of high-protein and iron-rich foods. Additionally, focus on only completing the bare minimum of household tasks. For instance, allow the dishes to stack up and let someone else cook, or opt for home-delivered meals. This is a time to take it easy and prioritize both yourself and your baby.

• Changes to your abdomen. It’s normal to still look pregnant at first. If you have diastasis recti, consult your provider or a postpartum physical therapist for appropriate exercises.

• Stretch marks. They may fade over time, even if they don’t disappear completely.

• Weight loss. You may quickly lose 10–20 pounds postpartum from the baby, placenta, and fluids, but your weight may not fully return to what it was for a while yet. Be gentle with your post-pregnancy body—eat nutritious foods, move your body, and avoid crash diets, especially if breastfeeding, as this can affect your breast milk supply. Your provider can offer guidance on the weight loss to aim for and how you can safely achieve it in the long term.

• Urinary incontinence. Leaking urine is common and usually improves with pelvic floor exercises. Kegels can help.

For some recovery tips after labor and childbirth, read our informative article dedicated to postpartum healing.

Emotional and Mental Changes

Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience filled with joy, but it also brings a range of emotional and mental challenges. Your mind and body are adjusting to major hormonal shifts, a new lifestyle, and the intense demands of caring for a newborn.

It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed or experience mood changes during this time. Many new parents experience what's commonly referred to as the “baby blues,” but for some, these symptoms may develop into a more serious condition like postpartum depression.

Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression

Up to 80% of new mothers experience the baby blues, which include mild mood swings, crying spells, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. These symptoms typically occur in the first few days after birth, peaking around day 4 or 5, and usually resolve within 1 to 2 weeks. These emotional changes are largely due to the rapid drop in pregnancy hormones like estrogen and progesterone after delivery.

Feeling sad or tearful during this time doesn’t mean you're a bad parent. It simply means your body and mind are adjusting to the postpartum hormone changes and the responsibilities of parenthood.

If your low mood lasts longer than two weeks, or if feelings of sadness or anxiety become more intense, you may be experiencing postpartum depression (PPD). This condition affects about 1 in 7 women and can start any time in the first year after birth. Symptoms may include:

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness

• Loss of interest in daily activities

• Irritability or anger

• Trouble bonding with your baby

• Changes in appetite or sleep

• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.

If you recognize these symptoms, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider. PPD is treatable with therapy, medication, or both. Getting support early can make a significant difference in your recovery. 

Sleep Deprivation

Caring for a newborn often means fragmented and inadequate sleep, especially in the early weeks. Sleep deprivation can intensify mood swings and stress, making it harder to cope with day-to-day tasks. It may even increase your risk for postpartum depression and anxiety.

Try to rest when your baby sleeps, even if it's just for short naps. Ask your partner, family, or friends for help with household tasks so you can get more rest. Prioritize sleep and self-care, and remember that this exhausting phase won't last forever.

Mood Swings

Hormonal fluctuations and lack of sleep can make your emotions feel like a roller coaster in the days and weeks after birth. You may feel elated one moment and weepy or irritable the next. These postpartum mood swings are common and often part of the baby blues.

However, if mood changes persist or interfere with daily life, this could be a sign of a more serious mental health concern, such as postpartum depression or anxiety. Discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider so they can guide you toward the right care.

When to Seek Support

It's okay to need help, and it’s important to ask for it. Talk to your partner, friends, or family about how you’re feeling. Don’t try to carry the emotional load of new parenthood alone.

If you’re ever so stressed that you feel overwhelmed or afraid you might harm yourself or your baby, put your baby in a safe place like a crib and walk away to take a few deep breaths. Then call a family member, friend, or your healthcare provider for help. Never shake your baby, even in frustration. This can cause serious and life-threatening injuries.

You can also:

• Join a new parent support group

• Speak to a mental health professional

• Ask your healthcare provider about local services or community resources.

Postpartum Recovery Timeline

Here’s a general idea of how the postpartum period might appear, but it's important to remember that everyone is different, and you may or may not experience these symptoms or this timeline.

Postpartum Checkups

Postpartum care is very important for every parent after giving birth. You’ve just been through pregnancy and childbirth, and now there’s a new tiny person in your life, so these post-pregnancy checkups are vital for your physical and mental well-being. Your postpartum checkups are a chance for you to ask any questions, share any concerns, and for your healthcare provider to ensure there are no health problems or complications. Your post-pregnancy checkup schedule may go as follows:

• Your healthcare provider will likely want to see you for a checkup within 3 weeks after giving birth. This can be in person, by phone, or via video chat.

• The initial checkup will be followed by individualized ongoing care as needed, and your provider will be able to tell you when any subsequent visits or tests need to take place.

• Within 12 weeks of giving birth, you’ll also have a full, in-person postpartum checkup for your physical, mental, and emotional health.

If you had a cesarean delivery, you may need to have a checkup about two weeks after giving birth so that your healthcare provider can take a look at how the incision is healing. 

If you had gestational diabetes during pregnancy, you may need a checkup 3 to 10 days after birth, and an additional blood glucose test may be recommended.

At your first postpartum checkup, your provider will likely check your weight, blood pressure, breasts, and abdomen, and do a pelvic exam. They are also there to answer any questions you may have. It might help to write down any questions or concerns you have so you can get all the answers you need without missing something important.

You might also need to get vaccinations such as the Tdap vaccine or the flu shot if you haven’t already. Your provider will be able to tell you which immunizations you are due to have. 

Postpartum Health Conditions and When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

While the postpartum period is a time of healing, it’s important to know that postpartum complications can happen, even weeks after childbirth. Understanding which postpartum symptoms not to ignore can help you identify when something may require prompt medical attention.

This section outlines common postpartum complications, their symptoms, and when to contact your healthcare provider to ensure a safe recovery.

Common Postpartum Health Conditions

• Preeclampsia after birth. Preeclampsia is a serious postpartum complication that can occur even after a healthy delivery. Known as postpartum preeclampsia, it involves high blood pressure and often develops within the first 48 hours, but can appear up to six weeks after birth. Watch for symptoms such as severe headaches, vision changes, or upper abdominal pain. Your provider may monitor your blood pressure and provide treatment to prevent long-term issues like cardiovascular disease. 

• Postpartum depression. While baby blues are common, persistent sadness, irritability, or anxiety could indicate postpartum depression—a serious mental health condition and one of the more common postpartum complications. Symptoms may start within weeks of delivery or develop gradually in the first year. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential. 

• Postpartum endometritis. This infection of the uterine lining is more likely after a cesarean birth. If you experience fever, foul-smelling discharge, pelvic pain, or general malaise, notify your provider. This postpartum complication is typically treated with antibiotics and responds well to early intervention.

• Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Heavy bleeding within 24 hours or up to 12 weeks after delivery is known as postpartum hemorrhage. It can result from uterine atony (when the uterus fails to contract), retained placenta, or conditions like placenta accreta. Though relatively rare, PPH is a serious postpartum complication that requires immediate treatment. Signs include soaking through multiple pads per hour or passing large clots. 

• Postpartum thyroiditis. An often-overlooked postpartum complication, this inflammation of the thyroid can cause an initial overactive thyroid followed by underactivity. Symptoms like fatigue, mood changes, and weight fluctuation can be mistaken for common postpartum fatigue. If these signs persist, request a thyroid screening. Some cases develop into chronic hypothyroidism requiring long-term treatment. Source: Cleveland Clinic

• Gestational diabetes follow-up. Even after birth, people with prior gestational diabetes remain at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. A postpartum glucose tolerance test—usually between 6–12 weeks postpartum—is important for monitoring your health. Lifestyle changes, medications, or ongoing care may be needed to reduce long-term risk.

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

Some postpartum symptoms should not be ignored, as they may be signs of serious health issues. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience:

• A fever above 100.4°F (38°C)

• Nausea or vomiting that persists

• Burning or pain during urination

• Heavy vaginal bleeding (e.g., soaking two maxi pads per hour for more than one hour)

• Severe or increasing abdominal pain

• Leg swelling or pain (possible sign of a blood clot)

• Chest pain or trouble breathing

• Painful, red, or lumpy areas on your breasts (possible mastitis)

• Signs of incision infection (redness, warmth, discharge)

• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge

• Ongoing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety lasting more than 10 days.

Even if a symptom seems minor, it’s better to check in than risk a worsening postpartum complication. Don’t wait for your scheduled checkup—early treatment can prevent more serious problems and support a smoother recovery.

Tips to Support Your Postpartum Recovery

Bringing a new baby into the world is an incredible experience, but it also marks the beginning of a major transformation for your body and mind. Whether you had a vaginal birth or a cesarean section, your postpartum recovery journey is unique. It takes time, rest, and support to heal both physically and emotionally.

Here are trusted, practical tips for after-birth care to help you feel stronger and more like yourself in the weeks and months after delivery.

1. Prioritize rest and sleep. Sleep may be hard to come by with a newborn, but it’s essential for postpartum healing. Fatigue can slow recovery, impact your mental health, and make it harder to care for your baby.

• Nap when your baby naps, even if it’s just 15 minutes

• Don’t hesitate to ask for help with meals, chores, or childcare

• Avoid overscheduling—this is a time to rest and bond.

Even small windows of rest can help your body rebuild and regulate the hormonal shifts that occur after delivery.

1. Eat well and stay hydrated. Nutrient-dense foods fuel recovery, especially if you’re breastfeeding. A balanced diet can also support mood, hormone balance, and energy levels.

• Include iron-rich foods to replenish blood stores (e.g., lentils, leafy greens, lean meats)

• Choose whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to support digestion

• Drink plenty of water, especially during breastfeeding sessions.

Good nutrition is a core part of after-delivery care for the mother, not just for recovery, but to help you feel your best.

1. Manage discomfort gently. Mild cramping, sore muscles, or perineal pain are common. Here’s how to treat postpartum aches:

• Use cold packs for swelling or soreness in the perineum

• Try warm sitz baths for vaginal discomfort or hemorrhoids

• For C-section recovery, follow wound care instructions and avoid lifting heavy objects

• Take over-the-counter pain relief if approved by your provider.

Gentle movements like slow walks can help improve circulation and reduce stiffness during your postnatal care period.

1. Care for your pelvic floor. Pelvic floor muscles stretch during pregnancy and birth, and need time and support to heal. Practicing gentle Kegel exercises can improve strength, bladder control, and core stability. If you're experiencing pain, incontinence, or heaviness, ask your provider about a referral to a pelvic floor physical therapist.

2. Support your mental health. Emotional ups and downs are normal in the early postpartum days, but lasting sadness or anxiety can signal something more serious. Mental health is a vital part of after-birth care.

• Share how you’re feeling with your partner, friends, or a therapist

• Join a new parent support group

• If you feel overwhelmed or hopeless, reach out to your provider immediately.

Postpartum depression and anxiety are treatable, and getting support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

For more help on your postpartum journey, download our New Parents Guide, with everything from pregnancy and labor to feeding and postpartum.

The Bottom Line

Postpartum care isn't just about physical healing; it's also about giving yourself space to adjust, rest, and be nurtured. Whether it takes six weeks or six months, your postpartum recovery deserves just as much attention and compassion as your pregnancy did.

If you have some spare time, you might find the parenting life section of our website very informative. We’ll answer all your questions, such as when you might get your first period after having a baby, and information on postpartum weight loss, as well as some great postpartum workout ideas to help you get back in shape over time.

And to make your postpartum period a little easier, download the Pampers Rewards App for rewards on all your diaper purchases. 

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}