Postpartum Care at Home

Natural Delivery

• Day 3
  Discharged from hospital / Pain in perineal area subsides / Appetite returns

• Day 4–5
  Lochia turns brown / Bowel movements begin

• Day 6–7
  Uterus returns to original size / Digestion and metabolism normalize / Body weight decreases by 2–3 kg / Perineal area may feel tight when sitting

• Week 2
  Lochia turns yellow

• Week 3
  Lochia decreases significantly / Postpartum depression symptoms gradually lessen

• Week 4
  Lochia turns whitish / Uterus and perineum nearly recovered

• Week 5
  Lochia almost gone

• Week 6
  Body nearly restored to pre-pregnancy state / Weight returns / Menstruation may resume even without ovulation

Cesarean Section

• Day 3
  Stitches on surgical wound removed, discharged from hospital / Able to move around

• Day 4–5
  Movement still uncomfortable / Risk of postpartum depression may increase / Lochia turns brown → yellow

• Week 2
  Lochia decreases significantly / Depression symptoms gradually lessen

• Week 3
  Lochia turns whitish / Uterus and surgical wound almost recovered

• Week 5
  Lochia almost gone

• Week 6
  Body nearly restored to pre-pregnancy state / Weight returns / Menstruation may resume even without ovulation

Daily Life

• Day 3
  Sit up 2–3 times (with assistance) / Walk 3–4 times daily / Wash face, brush teeth / Eat soft food

• Day 4–5
  Short walks indoors / Receive help with baby care and housework / Lochia continues

• Day 6–7
  Begin light postpartum exercises / Start baby care activities / Walk 2–3 times daily (10 minutes each)

• Week 2
  Start going outside occasionally (short walks)

• Week 3
  Resume light household chores / Take short walks / Avoid prolonged standing

• Week 4
  Receive postpartum health checkup / Resume light housework and meal preparation / Wash hair

• Week 5
  Increase daily activity / Begin stretching, light exercise

• Week 6
  Resume most daily routines / Begin postpartum strengthening exercises (pelvic floor, abdominal muscles, etc.)