My Doctor Online The Permanente Medical Group
Are you having back pain with any of the following?
- Severe pain, weakness or tingling in your leg(s).
- Difficulty stopping urination or loss of control of bladder or bowels.
- Unexplained fever, nausea or vomiting.
- A history of cancer or unexplained weight loss.
We understand that you are experiencing one or more of the health issues that might be impacting your back pain.
We recommend that you discuss these health issues with your doctor before proceeding with this program.
Once you are cleared by your doctor to do this program, we hope it helps you find relief from your back pain.
Common Questions About Postpartum Care
What can I do if I experience a vaginal discharge?
A blood-tinged vaginal discharge, called lochia, may continue for several weeks. Use sanitary pads or panty liners to absorb the flow. Do not use tampons. If you have heavy vaginal bleeding and saturate a sanitary pad in less than an hour, call us right away.
Is it normal to experience cramps after delivery?
You may have some cramps for a few days after giving birth. The cramps are caused by contractions of the uterus as it shrinks back to pre-pregnancy size. These cramps usually increase during breastfeeding. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) might help ease the pain and are safe to take while breastfeeding.
Will I experience perineal discomfort?
The perineum, the area between the vagina and rectum, stretches during childbirth. It is a common to experience perineal discomfort or soreness after a vaginal delivery or if you had a difficult labor prior to having a cesarean birth. To care for the perineal area:
- Apply ice compresses, witch hazel pads, or Tucks pads to your perineum to relieve swelling and pain.
- Before you leave the hospital, we will give you a peri-bottle that you should use to rinse your perineal area with warm water each time you go to the bathroom. Gently pat the area dry from front to back.
- Take a "sitz bath" (a warm-water bath taken in the sitting position where only your hips and buttocks are covered) for 20 minutes, several times a day.
- Make sure you always wash your hands before and after caring for your perineal area.
What can I do to take care of hemorrhoids that occur after delivery?
Hemorrhoids (dilated, twisted blood vessels in and around the rectum) can occur as a result of pregnancy and/or pushing during delivery. Hemorrhoids can cause pain, itching, and bleeding during a bowel movement, but usually improve without treatment shortly after birth. Here are some tips that might help:
- Keep your stools soft by making sure your diet includes lots of liquids, fruits, vegetables, and fiber.
- Avoid sitting for long periods. Lie on your side several times a day.
- Cleanse the area with soft, moist toilet paper, witch hazel pads, or Tucks pads.
- Try applying ice packs to relieve discomfort.
- Sit in a "sitz bath" for 20 minutes, several times a day.
- Use a 1 percent hydrocortisone cream (brand names include Preparation H, Anusol and others) to help relieve the pain.
What can I do to treat constipation?
Constipation is common after having a baby. For relief, try to:
- Drink more fluids and eat more high-fiber foods, like fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, cereals, and dry beans.
- Establish a regular time for bowel movements.
- Try Metamucil, bran tablets, or Fiberall.
- Try an over-the-counter stool softener (one brand name is Colace, also called DOSS or DSS) as we direct.
My breasts feel sore and heavy. What can I do?
Though your breasts have been changing throughout your pregnancy, the first few days after delivery are a period of especially rapid growth and tenderness. Particularly after your milk comes in, regular and frequent breastfeeding is the best way to relieve any pain or engorgement you feel. What you can do:
- Take a warm shower or apply moist heat to the breast before nursing.
- Express milk before nursing to help your baby latch-on.
- Apply a cool compress to the breast after nursing.
- Take a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Avoid anti-inflammatory medication like aspirin.
Do I need to take extra precautions while bathing?
At the hospital, you may shower or wash your hair at any time after talking with your nurse. At home, you may soak in your tub with warm water for soothing (do not use bubble baths). If you have had a cesarean delivery, you may shower unless we tell you otherwise. Just let the water run over the incision (no soap) and then pat it dry.
When will my periods return to normal?
The timing of the return of your menstrual cycle depends on whether or not you are breastfeeding. Nursing mothers usually start their period anywhere from 2 to 12 months after delivery. Non-nursing mothers often begin in about 6 to 8 weeks. Your first period might be heavier or longer than your usual period or it may be intermittent or irregular. Since you can get pregnant after childbirth regardless of whether or not you have had a period, it is important to use birth control every time you have sexual intercourse to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
How long do I have to wait before resuming sex?
It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for your body to heal after a normal vaginal delivery and may take longer if your delivery was complicated or was a cesarean birth. We recommend that you wait 4 to 6 weeks before resuming intercourse, depending on how well you’re healing.
What can I do to help my family adjust to the transition?
Your partner and other children might experience feelings of jealousy and of being left out. You can prevent some of these feelings by asking for help with baby care, starting in the hospital. Even if you are breastfeeding, your partner and other children can care for the baby in several ways. They can help by diapering, singing, burping, dressing, rocking, kissing, bathing, and caressing the baby.
If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder.
This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.