Postpartum symptoms: what happens after giving birth?

Contents

01
Night sweats
02
Body odour
03
Baby blues
04
Hair loss
05
Contractions during breastfeeding
06
Bloodshot or swollen eyes

One of the main explanations for the appearance of these symptoms in the postpartum period is that during pregnancy, there is a progressive increase in hormones, with progesterone levels nine times higher and oestrogen levels eight times higher. Once the placenta is delivered at birth, progesterone and oestrogen levels drop and return to normal within 2 to 4 days[1]. These hormonal changes can have a number of consequences.

Take care mama

These symptoms can be perfectly normal! Don't worry, they are temporary. Do seek help if they persist.

Night sweats

Night sweats are one of the symptoms of the postpartum period! More than 10% of women will experience night sweats during the first month postpartum[2].

The body eliminates the excess fluid retained during pregnancy, linked to hormonal changes. These hormonal fluctuations and/or the lack of oestrogen are considered key factors contributing to the onset of hot flushes[3]. In addition, the intravenous drip during labour can increase night sweats due to excess fluid.

What can be done to limit the phenomenon?

Ask for help if…

If you are not breastfeeding, you may consider taking menopause food supplements, containing sage in particular to reduce night sweats. They also often contain plants to help rebalance hormones, which can be helpful in the post-partum period. To find out more, discover our selection of menopause vitamins containing sage for sweating and shatavari for the cycle.

Why this product?

Pink Balance, the maca and shatavari powder with a strawberry and raspberry flavour, combined with a blend of natural B vitamins. Adaptogens help to rebalance hormones, which can help reduce postpartum symptoms.

Baby Project

Pink Balance

Hormonal balance supplement

£26.15

Vitamin B6 for hormonal activity

Adaptogenic plants (maca, shatavari)

Beneficial for fertility and reproductive health

100% organic and natural

Discover

Body odour

Changes in body odour after childbirth are mainly linked to the rapid shift in hormone levels following birth. It is also thought that body odour helps babies recognise their mother, which is particularly true for breastfed infants [4]. To support this, use unscented natural toiletry products.

Did you know?

During pregnancy: 9 times more progesterone and 8 times more oestrogen.
Once the placenta is delivered at birth, progesterone and oestrogen levels drop sharply and return to normal within 2 to 4 days.

What can you do to limit the phenomenon?

Ask for help if…

Baby blues

The baby blues is a transient state occurring between the second and fifth day after birth, with a peak on the third day. It generally lasts between four and seven days, and can sometimes be reduced to twenty-four hours. This change in mood is due to the drop in oestrogen and progesterone levels following birth.

The figures [5] indicate that between 60 and 80% of women will experience baby blues, which typically occurs between the second and fifth day after birth, generally lasting between 4 and 7 days, and sometimes as little as 24 hours.

It is characterised by alternating feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritability, and unpredictable mood swings.

What can you do to limit the phenomenon?

Seek help if...

Discover our products

Pink Balance, our hormonal balance food supplement, is a delicious red berry powder for hormonal balance and compatible with breastfeeding. It contains maca and shatavari, traditionally used for hormonal balance, and is rich in B vitamins, which are particularly beneficial for hormones. By helping to balance your hormones, it may help reduce these 3 symptoms.

Hair loss

Hair loss is one of the more common postpartum symptoms. The high levels of oestrogen during pregnancy prevent hair from shedding at its normal rate. The rapid drop in oestrogen levels after birth triggers the shedding of this accumulated hair, with a peak typically around four months postpartum.

What can be done to limit the phenomenon?

Seek help if…

Post-partum challenge

Everything is ready for baby's arrival — but have you prepared things for YOU? Jolly Mama coaches you to help you better prepare for and navigate your post-partum

Boost your hair with our food supplement for hair loss :

Mama hair is the anti-hair loss and growth-boosting supplement! Based on 2 patented active ingredients, its efficacy has been demonstrated through studies to limit hair loss and increase growth, strength and shine.

Hair essentials, our capsule for hair growth based on a patented active ingredient, Cynatine® HNS keratin, to strengthen growth and limit hair loss.

Mamaload, our collagen food supplement, is a cacao powder with 3 g of collagen in a highly absorbable form, containing amino acids that help build the keratin in your hair and thus boost its growth.

Contractions during breastfeeding

You may experience contractions whilst breastfeeding your baby[6]. The stimulation of the nipples during breastfeeding triggers the release into the bloodstream of a hormone called oxytocin. This hormone causes the contraction of all smooth muscles and helps your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy shape and size[7]. These contractions also help to reduce postpartum blood loss. So, even if you feel uncomfortable, these cramps are helping your body to heal.

What can you do to limit the phenomenon?

Ask for help if…

Ease the pain with Happy Postpartum

Our post-partum food supplement contains ginger, which helps reduce cramps.

Bloodshot or swollen eyes

Bloodshot eyes after giving birth are caused by the bursting of tiny capillaries, or blood vessels, in your eyes when you push during labour and delivery. They will start to heal immediately and should clear up completely within one to two weeks.

What can be done to limit the phenomenon?

Seek help if...

Author

Pauline Benaroch

Dietitian nutritionist specialising in women's nutrition

Nutrition expert at Jolly Mama, Pauline Benaroch supports women from fertility through to the postpartum period with an approach grounded in science and enjoyment. Founder of the community @LesHealthyMamas (+10,000 members) and author of Je mange quoi pendant 9 mois (Larousse, 2024), she champions balanced and accessible nutrition for all women.

Baby Project

Pink Balance

Hormonal balance supplement

£26.15

Vitamin B6 for hormonal activity

Adaptogenic plants (maca, shatavari)

Beneficial for fertility and reproductive health

100% organic and natural

Discover