The first 24 hours for the mother after giving birth
If you're pregnant with your first child, you may be wondering what changes your body might experience during the first 24 hours after birth. This page explains what to expect after a vaginal delivery in a hospital.
What happens in the delivery room immediately after birth?
At the time of delivery, your baby will be placed on your chest for skin-to-skin contact. Your doctor or midwife will examine your perineum and vaginal wall to see if there are any tears that need to be repaired with stitches.
Your midwife will check your baby, your pulse and blood pressure, and check for vaginal blood loss and the firmness of your fundus (the top part of your uterus).
Soon, your baby will be breastfeeding for the first time.
Find out more about your baby's first 24 hours.
How long will I stay in the delivery room after my baby is born?
After a vaginal delivery, you'll likely stay in the delivery room with your baby for about two hours. You may have a meal and a shower before being transferred to the postpartum ward or going home. If you're going home four to six hours after giving birth, you may be able to stay in the delivery room until discharge.
What should I expect physically in the first 24 hours after giving birth?
Your feelings after giving birth will vary. You may feel elated, overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or all of these at the same time. This is normal.
You may experience vaginal bleeding—a bleeding known as lochia. During the first 24 hours, lochia feels like a very heavy period, and you may also experience some lochia clots. If any of the clots are larger, such as the size of a 50-cent piece, tell your midwife. You may continue to lose blood for 4 to 6 weeks.
Some women experience postpartum pain as the uterus begins to shrink back to its pre-pregnancy size. Postpartum pain can feel like labor pains or mild to moderate menstrual cramps. If you're having your second or third child, it's likely to be more intense than the postpartum pain of your first. Warm compresses on your back or abdomen may help. You can also ask your doctor or midwife for pain relief.
Your perineum may swell in the first 24 hours after delivery. You can manage this with the RICE program.
- Rest - Lie down to help reduce pain and swelling.
- Ice - Apply an ice pack for 20 minutes every 2 to 4 hours to reduce swelling.
- Compression - Wear tight underwear and 2 to 3 maternity pads for extra support.
- Exercise - Start pelvic floor exercises as soon as you comfortably can, but definitely within the first few days.
If your perineum is painful, ask your midwife for pain relief. If you have stitches in your perineum, they will dissolve within one to two weeks. Wash the area as usual in the bathroom and pat it dry gently. Eat plenty of fiber and drink plenty of water to keep your stools soft. Avoid straining on the toilet. Ask for laxatives if you become constipated.
Your breasts will produce colostrum to feed your baby. Usually, a small amount is produced. Remember, your baby's belly is only the size of a marble.
If you have a direct vaginal birth at a public hospital or birthing center, you'll likely go home within 24 hours. A midwife may visit you at home. If you have your baby at a private hospital, you may be able to stay longer, if you wish. Ask the hospital what to expect during your stay.
If you have a cesarean section, your experience will be different and you can expect to stay in the hospital for a few days.
If I give birth at home, what care will the midwife provide after the birth?
If you give birth at home, your midwife will stay with you for a while and then return later to check on you and your baby. Talk to your midwife before the birth about what happens next.