What to expect when you're expecting (180 page)

Gradual decrease in swelling

Breast discomfort and nipple soreness until breastfeeding is well established

Backache (from weak abdominal muscles and from carrying baby)

Joint pain (from joints loosened during pregnancy in preparation for delivery)

Achiness in arms and neck (from carrying and feeding baby)

Hair loss

Emotionally

Elation, moodiness, or swings between the two

A sense of being overwhelmed, a growing feeling of confidence, or swings between the two

Little interest in sex or, less commonly, stepped-up desire

Your practitioner will probably schedule you for a checkup four to six weeks postpartum. (If you had a cesarean delivery, you may be asked to come in at about three weeks postpartum to have your incision looked at.) During your postpartum visit, you can expect the following to be checked, though the exact rundown of the visit will vary depending on what your particular needs are and your practitioner’s style of practice. Don’t forget to write down all the questions that are sure to come up (and that you’re sure to forget if you don’t write them down).

Blood pressure

Weight, which may possibly be down by about 17 to 20 pounds

Your uterus, to see if it has returned to prepregnant shape, size, and location

Your cervix, which will be on its way back to its prepregnant state but will still be somewhat engorged