When you are planning to conceive you would be aware of what you will experience throughout pregnancy. And when you are pregnant you would know what to expect in labor. But ever wondered what to expect after giving birth? Knowing what you would experience after birth helps you to stay prepared ahead. This article helps you to understand what to expect after giving birth and how you can manage them.

Pain
         In case you had a normal vaginal birth you would experience pain in your perineal region. It is caused because the vagina and anus stretch or even tear  during labor. It can also occur due to episiotomy. Doing Kegels exercise, applying a cold pack, and using a sitz bath helps.
         In the case of c-section, you will feel soreness or pain over your suture site. This pain can continue even for about six weeks after birth. Resting, staying hydrated, getting help from your partner, or family members and avoiding lifting weights help to subside the pain.

Vaginal discharge
         After the baby is born, your body tries to get rid of the remaining blood and tissues. It results in spotting or discharge for the first few weeks. Initially, you will notice heavy, bright red, and thick discharge and as the days go it becomes less and lighter in color.

Constipation
         Whether you had a normal delivery or c-section constipation is a common issue that you will experience for the first two weeks. At times you might also experience gas that causes pain in your tummy. Though medication helps to a certain extent it is just temporary. Eating a good amount of fiber-rich foods and staying well hydrated is the key to resolving constipation.

Tiredness
         Since you lost a lot of blood during delivery you will feel tired and sleepy throughout the day. Looking after the baby and feeding the baby makes you even more tired. Having a balanced diet rich in iron, hydration and taking frequent short naps helps to resolve this issue.

Problems with urination
         After delivery, you might find leaking urine while you cough, laugh or sneeze. Starting pelvic floor exercises as early as possible post-delivery avoids this problem.

Hemorrhoids
         Hemorrhoids are commonly known as “Piles” which causes pain and swelling in the anal region. At times it even causes bleeding while passing stool. Using a sitz bath, eating fiber-rich foods and staying hydrated help in managing hemorrhoids.

Swelling of Lymph
         You may experience swelling for the first week or two, especially in the hands, feet, and face post delivery. It takes few weeks for it to go away. Resting and elevating your legs helps in reducing the swelling. 

Breastfeeding problems
         You might experience various breastfeeding issues like insufficiency of milk production, pain or swelling in your breasts, pain or cracked nipples, or latching problems. The treatment depends on what kind of problem you experience.

Sweating
         You will experience excessive sweating, especially at night post delivery due to a sudden drop in your hormonal levels post delivery. It makes you restless and disturbs your sleep. Sleeping in a cold room without blankets and not wearing warm clothes to bed helps.