How long does it take to be out of pain after childbirth? Fully back to normal?

Question

Its not the pain of childbirth that scares me as much as the amount of damage that it seems to do to the body. I know people who are still in pain years after. Is this normal? When can you start having sex again? Going to work? Walking? Is it possible to get your pre-baby figure back?

What about hair loss and all the illnesses like high blood pressure and diabetes?

As someone has said below 'your body will never be the same again' yikes what on earth does that mean?

Answer 1

Pain after childbirth is usually very minimal & goes away in days or weeks for most people.I haven't really heard of anyone suffering from childbirth pain years after giving birth,even in the most complicated cases.But it could be a very very rare incident.Usually,one would start walking the same day or atleast the next day of child birth,if it's a vaginal birth or atleast the 2 or 3rd day if C-section.Sex after a child,is recommended after 6 weeks,but if you feel well enough,you can indulge before that period.Pre-baby figure takes time & a whole-lotta effort on your part.You have to watch what you eat & exercise.You cannot expect it to happen overnight either.
Blood pressure & diabetes does occur in pregnant women due to the pregnancy itself,but it doesn't happen to everyone.And in most cases it is not fatal.Your doctor will monitor you closely if you happen to have it during your pregnancy.Good Luck.

Answer 2

Oh my gosh, who have you been talking to?

I had a C-section due to a complication and I never felt any pain during or after... a bit stiff, but no pain.

My body returned to normal after about 4 weeks. You can have sex again after your 6 week check which is about the time bleeding clears up, having sex before this may increase the chances of infection, but to be honest you won't feel up to it anyway before this time.

If you have a vaginal birth, then technically you can walk around the next day and with a little work of course you can get your pre-baby figure back, although some women do say that your shape alters a little, but not necessarily for the worse.

I've not heard about side effects of hair loss!!! Pregnancy can have an effect on your blood pressure that can result in a condition called Pre-eclampsia, luckily its rare and generally affects overweight women.

Its also true that you can get diabetes known as Gestational diabetes when you are pregnant which means you will be closely monitored, but as soon as the baby is born, this condition disappears.

I don't know anyone who has had children and are feeling bad years afterward, don't listen to other peoples horror stories, people only tell you the bad and never the good!

Answer 3

You should not really get any pain after "normal" delivery except a few after pains which feel like mild period pains which last a day or so whilst the womb returns to its normal size.

If you experience pains afterwards it usually means that you have had some trauma to your pelvis during birth or the pregnancy. But its very rare.

You bleed afterwards for approx 6 weeks (like a long period) but you can have sex straight away if you wish to, but be careful as you are extremely fertile at this point and you could get pregnant straight away!

You shouldn't return to work for a minimum of 3 months after having a baby,
You can do gentle exercise like walking immediately after the birth but don't over do it, you may have some stitches so walking may be difficult for a week or so.

and it is possible to get your figure back, watch what you eat and exercise whilst pregnant and you shouldn't have too much of a problem but it isn't guarenteed.

Hair loss happens but again it can be controlled, high blood pressure is usually controlled by rest either at home or in hospital, diabetes can occur if you have a family history of it or if you have had a large baby in the past.

Answer 4

Labour pains stop when the baby is born.
If you have stitches you will be sore for a few weeks Too sore for sex
If you don't need stitches then you will be tender and it will sting when you pass urine. This will last about a week or so.
You may get back pain if you have had an epidural ( many women don't like having epidurals for this reason) It could be due to bad posture so de careful
After this it is only emotional pain you feel as the strongest love you can have is that of a mother to her child. (that is more painful than any physical pain you may experience)

Hair loss and high blood pressure come with age whether you have children or not

Answer 5

Pregnancy related illnesses like high BP or gestational diabetes usually resolve themselves within 24 hours after delivery.
Walking with a vaginal delivery can be done within 1 - 3 hours (depending on if you had an epideral and how long it takes to wear off.)
If you have a mild episiotomy then it feels ALOT better in about 1 week , if it was more severe you may have pain for several weeks.
Most can return to work in 6 weeks
Sex can be resumed in 6 weeks , once doctor clears you medically.
Pre baby figure can return fairly easily after baby #1 if you keep in mind during the pregnancy that while you may be eating for 2 the other person isn't an elephant so it doesn't need to eat that much.
I never lost hair , teeth or anything else.
Pain for years is not normal.

Answer 6

I just gave birth birth May 11 and I was 40wks and 6days and my baby was late so I had to be induced which took 12 hrs and 47min of labor. Since I was induced I did not have the contractions hit me all at once, they came gradually. I had an epidural which does hurt but the pain does not last long. I never had any morning sickness or any kind of pregnancy problems. I had a really good pregnancy. I only bleed for 3 wks and went back to work 1 month later. I was 145 lbs size 9 before I got pregnant and the day of my induction I was 187 lbs. Yes it is possible to get back your pre-pregnancy size. I am now 162 lbs size 11 because I am breast feeding it really helps you loose weight faster. I went walking after 3wks. Had sex 6 wks later because it was my birthday and my 1 yr. anniversary. Giving birth is a beautiful thing so enjoy every minute of it and take lots and lots of pictures. I hope I answered all of your questions.

Answer 7

Someone has led you down the wrong path when it comes to being prego and having a baby.
It's one of the most amazing experiences you can go through.

Pain after years????
I was a little "uncomfortable" after my first child.
I wouldn't say in pain.
I got my figure back no problem.
Actually better then before.
It all depends on how hard you work at it.
Your pre baby body shape doesn't miraculously come back.
It takes hard work and dedication.
You can usually start to have sex 4 -6 weeks after.
Depending on how you're healing.
For work, here in Canada we're allowed 1 full year off to raise our children.
Hair loss??? My hair grew better while prego.

You can always loose weight after the baby is born.
Don't let the reasons you gave above, stop you from having a baby.

Answer 8

About 6-8 weeks. That's how long I took b4 I was back 2 normal. U can start having sex then. Exercise actually helped me with the pain. Not streneous ones of course. It is very possible 2 get ur pre-baby figure.

Answer 9

I feel your body never gets back to normal, but I wouldn't say you're in pain. I've had alot of trouble after childbirth, which i need an operation to repair muscles which were ripped during childbirth. My feet have also increased a size since having my baby 2 and a half years ago. all this said, it is definitely worth all the grief when you become a mother.

Answer 10

It depends what kind of childbirth you have and your own health.
Some seem to recover perfectly. Admittedly I didnt but I would still do it again!
With my first son I had a heamorrhage, infection, complications, operation, etc I'd say that within 10 weeks I was out of pain and within 4 months I felt ok - back to normal
The second and third were earsier, back to normal and feeling ok in about 3 months, out of pain by about 3 weeks.
It is scary, it is a bit tough, the baby will be hard work, but you get through it, as millions have before us, time goes fast when you have a baby! Just go easy on yourself and dont try to be superwoman!