Vaginal birth recovery

Use maternity pads (not tampons, which could cause an infection) and change them frequently. Stock up on disposable pants for the first couple of weeks after the birth.

SWELLING

Swelling should subside in around five to seven days if you haven’t torn or had stitches, or seven to ten days if you have. Sitting in a warm bath will help, as can homeopathic remedies from chemists. ‘Arnica soothes bruising and swelling, hypericum reduces discomfort and calendula fights infection,’ says Dr Caroline Longmore of Galen Naturopathic Centre. You could also try sitting on a cool pack. ‘Wrap a small pack of peas in a clean dishcloth,’ suggests midwife Sharon. ‘Petits pois are particularly good as they’re smaller and more malleable! Also, remember your pelvic floor exercises. They’ll aid the blood supply to the area, which helps the healing process.’

TEARS AND STITCHES

Around one in three first-time mums tear during delivery. It’s rare for a tear to require surgery, but you may need stitches. ‘Put a few drops of lavender oil, which is antiseptic and calming, or tea tree oil, which helps to fight infections, into your bath to help heal a tear,’ says Dr Longmore.

If you’ve had stitches, chances are you’ll feel anxious about your first post-birth poo. ‘Your stitches won’t burst,’ says Sharon. ‘But if you’re worried, hold a maternity pad against the stitches when you’re having a poo, which will give you a bit of support. Sitting forward and rocking can make it easier, too. Don’t get concerned if you don’t need to go for a couple of days after the birth – that’s normal – but equally, don’t put it off, as you could get constipated.’

Avoid the sting of weeing by pouring a jug of warm water between your legs when you go.

PILES

Piles are common during pregnancy and after the birth. ‘We’d normally expect them to improve after the birth, but it might take up to about six weeks,’ says Sharon. ‘If they haven’t improved by the time of your six week postnatal check, tell your GP, who could prescribe some cream.’

YOUR SEX LIFE

There’s no ‘right’ time to have sex after having a baby. ‘Most women are physically healed by six weeks,’ says Sharon. ‘Some feel they want to have sex before their postnatal check just to make sure everything’s in working order, but if you don’t feel ready, there’s no hurry. Also, remember you don’t have to have full sex. You could just cuddle or have non-penetrative sex, so you get back that physical closeness with your partner.’

Using a lubricant may make sex more comfortable. Finally, make sure you sort out some contraception, or your baby could have company sooner than you planned!

PREPARATION

Your pelvic floor muscles can become weakened during pregnancy, causing post-birth complications such as stress incontinence. ‘Become an expert at pelvic floor exercises before the birth,’ says midwife Sharon. Ask your midwife to show you how, and try to do six sets a day. Connecting them with something you do frequently, like having a drink or washing your hands, can help.

In the last three months of pregnancy, massaging your perineum – the area between the vagina and the anus – with sunflower or olive oil increases the elasticity of the area, allowing it to stretch more easily and reducing the risk of tearing.