After the Birth

It's natural to focus on your baby's birth while you're pregnant. But it's a good idea to also know what to expect after labour.

You'll probably spend a large part of the first few days after birth looking at your baby.

If you notice anything that worries you about your baby, however small, speak to your midwife.

You'll probably be in hospital for 1 or 2 days after a caesarean section, and may need to take things easy for several weeks.

What happens straight after the birth?

You'll be offered an injection of vitamin K for your baby. This helps prevent a rare bleeding disorder called haemorrhagic disease of the newborn.

Early days - Your baby after the birth

Being active may feel like a challenge when you're tired, but gentle exercise after childbirth can help your body recover and may help you feel more energetic.

How to look after a newborn baby in those first few days (0 to 12 weeks).

Exercise in pregnancy

The more active and fit you are during pregnancy, the easier it will be for you to adapt to your changing shape and weight gain. It will also help you to cope with labour.

There are no rules about when to start having sex again after you have given birth.

NHS vaccination schedule: vaccines for babies under 1 year old

Complications that can affect the placenta during pregnancy or childbirth.

Sometimes a doctor or midwife may need to make a cut in the area between the vagina and anus (perineum) during childbirth. This is called an episiotomy.

Advice about stitches, piles, bleeding and other physical changes after birth, plus tips to help you make a healthy recovery.

Find out what screening tests your newborn baby will be offered.

All parents are offered a thorough physical examination for their baby within 72 hours of giving birth.

The examination includes screening tests to find out if your baby has any problems with their eyes, heart, hips and, in boys, testicles (testes).

The newborn hearing screening test helps identify babies who have permanent hearing loss as early as possible. This means parents can get the support and advice they need right from the start.

Every baby is offered newborn blood spot screening, also known as the heel prick test, ideally when they're 5 days old.

All births in England, Wales and Northern Ireland must be registered within 42 days of the child being born.