Timeline of postpartum recovery

The following is a timeline of what to expect during the first year of  postpartum. The images were all obtained from Healthline. 

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Week 2

Physical status post-vaginal delivery

• Bleeding will start to subside, but may last up to 6 weeks for others
• Your vagina may start to itch which means it is starting to heal
• Your suture may also irritate you, which also means the area is healing

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Physical status after C-section

• You may still feel sore
• It will be easier to move around
• Your scar may become itchy as the incision heals

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Mental health status 

• You may feel symptoms of baby blues
• If your feelings disturb normal functioning (postpartum depression symptoms), it’s important to talk to your doctor and seek support

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One year postpartum

Physical status post-vaginal delivery

• Your body may still feel slightly different, which may be due to extra weight. 
• If you are still breastfeeding, your breasts will appear different compared to pre-pregnancy. 

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Physical status after C-section

• Your scar will have faded
• If you want another baby less than 18 months apart, your doctor will recommend a C-section to lower the risk of uterine rupture during vaginal delivery 

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Mental health status 

• Your mental health status will depend on how comfortable you are adapting to motherhood and how much sleep you’re getting
• Continue taking naps 

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