Postpartum Recovery: What To Expect (2025)

The postpartum period, often called the fourth trimester, is a time of significant physical and emotional changes for new mothers. Understanding what the postpartum period includes can help reduce concerns and prepare moms for the road ahead. Learning about the postpartum healing timeline can also provide a better understanding of what to expect.

Common Physical Changes After Labor And Delivery

“Every woman is going to have a very different healing process, but some physical changes are almost universal,” said Emily Hamaker, MD, a family medicine physician with Franciscan Physician Network who delivers babies at Franciscan Health Mooresville. “The biggest thing a lot of women experience is pain with stitches, especially if they had a tear, postpartum stitches and episiotomy healing, or a C-section. That soreness can last for a while, and I think that’s something some women aren’t necessarily expecting.”

Postpartum bleeding and hemorrhage, or lochia, can last a few weeks.

“Women will also have different amounts of bleeding after delivery,” said Dr. Hamaker.

In addition, cramping is common, particularly during breastfeeding.

“The cramping can be quite intense for the first couple of days after delivery, especially if it’s not your first baby,” she said. “It tends to get worse the more babies you have, and it can surprise women how intense those cramps can be, particularly during feeding.”

Other changes to a woman’s body after delivery include swelling and the speed at which the uterus shrinks back to its normal size.

“Many women will have some swelling for a few weeks after birth, and how quickly the uterus shrinks back to normal will vary for each woman,” Dr. Hamaker said. “For some, it happens quickly. For others, it can take longer.”

Breast changes are another common experience during the postpartum period, especially for those who initiate breastfeeding.

“Most women’s breast milk will come in by around three days postpartum. The more you put the baby to the breast right after delivery, the faster and smoother that process will go,” said Dr. Hamaker.

Swollen and tender breasts are common in the first two weeks after delivery.

“The biggest thing women can do to help is to frequently put the baby to the breast to feed,” she said. “Ice packs can also be very helpful. After about two weeks, this tenderness should subside.”

Episiotomy And Postpartum Healing

Whether you’ve experienced a natural tear or an episiotomy (a surgical cut in the perineum to prevent severe tearing), postpartum stitches and episiotomy healing typically take about six weeks. It’s important to follow your doctor’s advice and avoid activities that might delay the healing process.

“If you experience sharp pain or a tugging sensation at the site of the stitches, it’s important to let your provider know,” Dr. Hamaker said.

Women should avoid sexual activity for at least six weeks postpartum to heal properly and reduce the risk of infection.

The 5-5-5 Rule For Postpartum Rest

The 5-5-5 rule is a guideline for what kind of help a postpartum mom needs: five days in bed, five days round the bed — meaning minimal walking around — the next five days around the home. This practice will help you prioritize rest and recovery while gradually increasing activity.

“For many women, this is not realistic because they have a lot of other things to take care of around the home — maybe older children need care too,” Dr. Hamaker said. “But the 5-5-5 rule is a good reminder that you’ve just gone through a major physical change and need to recover.”

Franciscan Health is proud to be recognized for excellence in infant and maternal health. We are designated as a baby-friendly hospital, offering comprehensive postpartum support. At the Indianapolis hospital campus, a pelvic health physical therapist visits all moms during their hospital stay to set the foundation for recovery.

However, Dr. Hamaker added, “Starting gentle exercises, like short five-minute walks as early as tolerated, helps support recovery. But if any activity increases bleeding, it’s too much for your body.”

Equally important is continuing light activity to encourage healing, “Walking for a few minutes each day can support recovery. Pelvic health physical therapy guides women through safe strengthening exercises around four to six weeks postpartum,” she said.

Recognizing And Managing Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression and anxiety are common but often unexpected, said Dr. Hamaker.

“The first two postpartum weeks can bring emotional highs and lows because of hormonal shifts,” she said.

There is a difference between postpartum blues and depression. Open communication with loved ones and getting professional support are critical steps to address these feelings.

For women who have postpartum depression symptoms or anxiety before delivery, they must put a plan in place for how they’re going to manage things if they do start to struggle. If symptoms continue beyond two weeks or you feel overwhelmed, contact your healthcare provider. In addition, it’s important to note thatmen can get postpartum depressionand may benefit from professional support.

Support For Breastfeeding Challenges

Breastfeeding can come with challenges, from difficulty latching to managing engorgement. Breast engorgement can take new moms by surprise during the first weeks postpartum. Dr. Hamaker recommended, “It’s helpful to discuss strategies for managing engorgement with your OB provider during the third trimester, especially if you plan to breastfeed.”

New moms should use resources like lactation consultants, who are available at Franciscan Health, to provide one-on-one support.

“New moms can also attend drop-in lactation groups to get advice and connect with other mothers,” she said.

Franciscan Health offers resources like the Village Postpartum Support Group, where moms can connect and share experiences.

Partners And Family Members Play A Vital Role

Support from loved ones is hugely important, especially in those first couple weeks as a mom heals. Partners and family can take the lead in caring for the older children, doing household chores and grocery shopping.

“Being a listening ear and understanding the mom’s physical and emotional journey are key ways to help,” Dr. Hamaker said.

When To Call Your Doctor

Talk with your provider during recovery if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Breast pain with redness or fever, which could indicate mastitis (an infection of the breast tissue)
• Heavy bleeding, such as passing clots larger than a quarter
• High blood pressure or headaches with vision changes
• High fever or severe abdominal pain

At Franciscan Health, we’re here to support you through every step of your postpartum journey.For more than a century, we have provided women with high-quality obstetrics and gynecology care through each phase of life. Whether you need guidance, treatment or reassurance, our expert physicians are ready to help.