Your Vaginal Health Postpartum (And What to Do About It)

Giving birth changes your body in many ways, and your vaginal health is an important part of your postpartum story. From immediate post-delivery concerns like soreness and bleeding to longer-term changes in sensation and function, your body is working hard to recover. 

Having clear information about what to expect and how to care for yourself helps you approach this healing time with knowledge and peace of mind.

At The Birth Center of New Jersey in West Union, New Jersey, our dedicated team sees postpartum recovery as more than just physical healing. We’re here to support you through every aspect of this time.

Understanding postpartum and why vaginal recovery matters

The postpartum period officially begins the moment your baby is born and continues for about six weeks, though your body’s recovery process can take much longer. 

During pregnancy and childbirth, your vaginal tissues stretch significantly to accommodate your growing baby and allow for delivery. This stretching, combined with hormonal changes and the physical stress of labor, means your vaginal area needs time and proper care to heal.

Common vaginal changes after childbirth

Your body goes through both immediate and gradual changes as it recovers from delivery. Some symptoms appear right away and resolve within weeks, while others develop over time or may become part of your new normal.

Immediate postpartum changes

The first days and weeks after delivery bring the most noticeable changes to your vaginal area. Your body is actively healing from the stretching and possible trauma of childbirth. During this time, you may experience:

• Swelling and soreness around your vaginal opening
• Bright red bleeding that gradually lightens in color
• Stinging or burning during urination
• Difficulty sitting comfortably
• Tenderness around any stitches or tears

Many women find that immediate discomfort peaks in the first few days and gradually improves over the following weeks.

Long-term postpartum changes

Some changes to your vaginal health develop gradually or persist beyond the initial healing period. These longer-term effects may include:

• Changes in vaginal sensation or sensitivity
• Dryness, especially if breastfeeding
• Differences in vaginal size or shape
• Reduced muscle tone in your pelvic floor
• Discomfort during intercourse when you're ready to resume intimacy

Many of these changes improve with time, proper care, and sometimes specific treatments or exercises. 

Factors that influence your recovery

Several factors determine how your vaginal area heals after childbirth, including:

• The length of your labor
• The size of your baby
• Tearing or episiotomy during delivery
• The type of delivery (vaginal or cesarean)
• Your age and overall health
• Whether this is your first baby
• Your breastfeeding status

Women who deliver via cesarean section may have different experiences, though they still face hormonal changes that influence vaginal health. Understanding these factors can help you set realistic expectations for your own recovery timeline.

Supporting your vaginal recovery

Gentle care in the early weeks helps your body heal properly and can prevent complications.

Immediate comfort measures

Start with basic care to reduce pain and promote healing in the first weeks after delivery.

• Ice packs for swelling
• Warm sitz baths
• Keeping the area clean and dry
• Avoiding tampons and douching
• Getting plenty of rest

These simple measures can provide relief while your body begins its natural healing process. Most women find these techniques helpful in managing discomfort during the first few weeks postpartum.

Long-term healing support

Focus on activities that restore your strength and function as your body continues to recover.

• Pelvic floor exercises, like Kegels, to restore muscle tone
• Drinking at least eight glasses of water daily and eating protein-rich foods
• Starting with short walks and gradually increasing activity as cleared by your provider
• Discussing concerns about pain, bleeding, or sexual health at follow-up appointments

If you’re concerned about your recovery, reach out to our team. Signs like heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, or foul-smelling discharge need immediate medical attention.

At The Birth Center of New Jersey, we believe in supporting families through every stage of their birth experience, including postpartum recovery. Our team understands the physical and emotional aspects of healing after childbirth, and we're here to guide you through this important time. 

To schedule a postpartum appointment or discuss your recovery concerns, call us today at 908-627-4455 or book a visit online.