How the body changes

A major change is the reduction in the size of womb by a series of process known as involution. During the first week or two, a discharge comes out of the vagina. This is lochia. In the beginning say for 3 or 4 days it is dark red in colour as it is more or less pure blood. Later it becomes pale and then scanty and creamy. Take advice from an expert if it persists after 2 weeks, more so if there is reappearance of blood in it. Remember, other reproductive organs also show involution but the speed is not as fast as in the case of the womb. Following delivery, the temperature is usually a degree higher than normal. Do not worry; it will return to normal within a matter of hours. The pulse behaves a little differently. It is almost always normal as you are over with the labour. In the subsequent week or so it is likely to slow down. Do not panic if it is just 50 or so per minute. That is normal. In the first few days, you may pass a lot of urine. This is called physiological dieresis and need cause no anxiety. Likewise, urine examination may show a little albumin. You may suffer from constipation also.