What Happens after Your Pregnancy? (part 3)

7. 6^th Week Home

• Having a pelvic exam at your 6-week checkup isn’t usually as bad as you might expect.

• In the 6 weeks since baby’s birth, your uterus has gone from the size of a watermelon to the size of your fist; it now weighs about 2 ounces.

• At your 6-week postpartum appointment, plan to discuss several important subjects, such as contraception, your current activity level, limitations and future pregnancies.

• People in your OB’s office have probably been helpful to you. Thank them, and ask if you can call with future questions.

• If you still have baby blues or feel depressed every day, tell your doctor.

• If you bleed vaginally or have a foul-smelling discharge, inform you doctor.

• If you have pain or swelling in your legs or your breasts are red or tender, bring it up at your visit.

• Ask questions; make a list. Good questions include the following.

○ What are my choices for contraception?

○ Do I have any limitations as far as exercise or sex?

○ Is there anything I should know from this pregnancy and delivery if I decide to get pregnant again?

• If you take baby with you to your postpartum checkup, take plenty of supplies. You may have to wait.

• If you’re going back to work soon, check on child-care arrangements.

• Continue to involve your partner as much as possible.

• Keep writing your thoughts and feelings in your journal. Encourage your partner to do the same.

8. 3 Months

• Muscles may be sore from exercising—a little more than a month ago, you were given the OK to do any exercises you wanted.

• You may have your first period around this time. It could be heavier, longer and different from those before pregnancy.

• If you haven’t done anything about contraception, do it now! (Unless you want to celebrate two birthdays in the same year.)

• It’s OK to let baby cry when she’s a little fussy and needs to soothe herself.

• Your pounds and inches may not be disappearing as quickly as you would like. Keep exercising and eating nutritiously. You’ll get there!

• Write down baby’s milestones as they happen; write them in baby’s book or keep a journal.

• Look for things your partner can do to be involved in baby’s care. Let him help out when he can.

• If you’ve stopped breastfeeding, let baby’s dad give him a bottle.

6 Months

• Getting on the scale may still be a daunting task. But hang in there, and keep working hard on eating well and exercising!

• Your first period may occur around this time, if you are breastfeeding. It could be heavier, longer and different from those before pregnancy.

• Don’t try to do it all yourself. Let your partner and others help.

• Baby’s feeding schedule should be well established by now.

• Take time for yourself.

• Arrange time for regular activities, such as exercising, baby play groups and meeting with other new moms.

• You’re starting to fit into some of your clothing from before pregnancy.

• Share special baby moments with your partner.

• Record baby’s noises, or take pictures. A recorder and video camera are great for this!

• Find a friend with a baby, and trade child-care duties. It’s a good way for each of you to have some time for yourself.