Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy
MBBS · DGO · Diploma in ART — Kiel University, Germany
Founder & Medical Director — Mother Hospitals & IVF Center, Boduppal
TGMC Registration: 50624 · 19+ Years of Clinical Experience · 5000+ IVF Cycles
The first 6 weeks after delivery — physical recovery, breastfeeding support, mental health screening, and planning ahead. Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy, Boduppal, Hyderabad.
The 6 weeks after delivery are as medically important as any trimester of pregnancy — yet postpartum care is often the most underserved part of maternity care in India.
After delivery, your body undergoes rapid and profound changes. Oestrogen and progesterone levels drop sharply — triggering hormonal adjustment, breast milk production, and emotional sensitivity. The uterus involutes (returns to normal size) over 6 weeks. Any wounds (episiotomy, C-section scar) heal during this period. Blood volume and cardiovascular dynamics normalise. These changes can produce a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms — all of which Dr. Prashanthi monitors carefully.
Most serious maternal complications — including postpartum haemorrhage, infection, postpartum preeclampsia, DVT, and postpartum depression — occur in the first 6 weeks after delivery. Dedicated postpartum care catches these early. At Mother Hospitals, postpartum care is not an afterthought — it is a structured, compassionate part of the complete maternity journey.
While the puerperium (formal postpartum period) is 6 weeks, many health professionals now recognise that recovery — particularly emotional and psychological recovery — can take up to 12 months. Sleep deprivation, identity adjustment, relationship changes, and the demands of a new baby are cumulative. Mother Hospitals supports women beyond the 6-week check — please reach out at any point in the first year if you need support.
Recovery differs depending on your mode of delivery — but in both cases, Dr. Prashanthi provides clear, practical guidance.
Breastfeeding is the optimal nutrition for your baby — but it can be challenging, and support makes an enormous difference.
Postpartum depression is a medical condition — not a character weakness, not bad motherhood. It is common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of.
PND affects approximately 1 in 7 new mothers. It is different from the "baby blues" — which affect 70–80% of mothers in the first few days and resolve within 2 weeks. PND is more persistent, more severe, and requires treatment.
Symptoms of PND include:
PND is NOT: a sign of weakness, a sign you are a bad mother, a sign you don't love your baby, or something you should just "snap out of".
Treatment works: Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), SSRIs (such as sertraline — safe in breastfeeding), partner and family support, and peer support all significantly improve PND. Dr. Prashanthi screens for PND at the 6-week postpartum visit using the validated Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and arranges appropriate support without delay.
Please reach out at any time — you do not have to wait until your 6-week check. Call 97059 93366 or WhatsApp us.
The pelvic floor muscles support the bladder, bowel, and uterus — and they take a significant strain during pregnancy and vaginal delivery.
These symptoms are extremely common after childbirth but are NOT normal or inevitable long-term. They respond well to pelvic floor physiotherapy.
Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) should begin as soon as comfortable after delivery — even in the first week, starting very gently. Squeeze the pelvic floor muscles (as if stopping urine flow), hold for 5–10 seconds, and release. Aim for 10 repetitions, 3 times daily. Build up gradually. These exercises also help after C-section.
If symptoms persist beyond 3 months, or are significant, Dr. Prashanthi will refer to a specialist pelvic floor physiotherapist. Do not accept leaking as a permanent part of motherhood — it is treatable.
Two topics that are consistently underaddressed at postpartum appointments — Dr. Prashanthi covers both thoroughly.
The 6-week check is the appropriate time to discuss readiness for your specific exercise goals.
Key fact: Fertility can return as early as 3 weeks after delivery in non-breastfeeding women — before your first period. Contraception is needed if you do not wish to conceive again immediately.
This appointment is essential — please do not skip it. Dr. Prashanthi conducts a comprehensive review of your physical and emotional wellbeing.
Episiotomy or perineal repair (vaginal delivery) or C-section scar — assessed for complete healing, any infection, scar tissue concerns, or persistent pain.
Blood pressure check — postpartum hypertension and preeclampsia can develop or worsen after delivery, even in women without issues during pregnancy. Blood test (FBC) if heavy lochia or fatigue suggests anaemia.
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale — a validated 10-question screening tool. Completed by the mother. Dr. Prashanthi reviews results sensitively and arranges appropriate support if needed.
Assessment of pelvic floor symptoms (leakage, prolapse), discussion of safe return to exercise, and physiotherapy referral if indicated.
Selection of the most appropriate contraception method based on breastfeeding status, medical history, and future pregnancy plans. Mirena or Nexplanon can be inserted at this visit.
Women who had GDM receive a postnatal OGTT or HbA1c at this visit to confirm glucose has returned to normal — and receive ongoing lifestyle guidance.
MBBS · DGO · Diploma in ART — Kiel University, Germany
Founder & Medical Director — Mother Hospitals & IVF Center, Boduppal
TGMC Registration: 50624 · 19+ Years of Clinical Experience · 5000+ IVF Cycles
Common questions about postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, PND, exercise, and contraception after delivery.
The postpartum period (also called the puerperium) is the 6-week (42-day) period following childbirth during which the body undergoes significant physical, hormonal, and emotional changes as it returns to its pre-pregnancy state. This includes uterine involution (the uterus shrinking back to normal size), healing of any delivery wounds, hormonal adjustment (oestrogen and progesterone drop sharply after delivery), and the establishment of breastfeeding. Many health professionals now refer to the postpartum year — recognising that recovery, particularly emotional recovery, can take up to 12 months.
Lochia (the postpartum vaginal discharge) is normal and expected after both vaginal delivery and C-section. It begins as bright red bleeding in the first few days (similar to a heavy period), gradually changes to pink/brown (days 4–10), and then becomes yellowish-white as it reduces (weeks 2–6). Lochia typically stops completely by 4–6 weeks. Contact Dr. Prashanthi if: bleeding suddenly becomes much heavier after it was getting lighter, you pass large clots (larger than a golf ball), you develop fever, foul-smelling discharge, or feel unwell — these may indicate retained products of conception or uterine infection.
Baby blues affect 70–80% of new mothers — feeling tearful, emotional, and overwhelmed in the first few days after birth. This is caused by the sudden drop in oestrogen and progesterone after delivery and usually resolves within 2 weeks without treatment. Postpartum depression (PND) is different — it is more persistent (lasting beyond 2 weeks), more severe, and requires treatment. PND affects 1 in 7 mothers and can develop any time in the first year after birth. Symptoms include persistent low mood, anxiety, inability to enjoy time with the baby, severe sleep disturbance, and — in severe cases — thoughts of harming yourself or the baby. PND is not a weakness. It is a medical condition that responds well to treatment. Please reach out to Dr. Prashanthi without delay.
Light walking can begin within the first few days of delivery. However, high-impact exercise (running, jumping, aerobics) should be avoided until at least 12 weeks postpartum, and only resumed after the pelvic floor has recovered — ideally assessed by a pelvic floor physiotherapist. Gentle yoga and Pilates (with appropriate modifications) can often begin from 6–8 weeks. The 6-week check is a good time to discuss your readiness for exercise. Returning to exercise too soon after a C-section or after a difficult delivery can worsen pelvic floor weakness and delay wound healing.
Yes, reduced libido and discomfort with sex are very common in the postpartum period and can persist for several months, particularly in breastfeeding women. Contributing factors include: perineal soreness and healing, hormonal changes (low oestrogen reduces vaginal lubrication), sleep deprivation and exhaustion, anxiety about pain, and emotional adjustment to motherhood. Vaginal dryness (especially in breastfeeding women, due to low oestrogen) can make sex uncomfortable — water-based lubricants or local oestrogen pessaries can help. Most women find their libido and comfort improve gradually over 3–6 months. Discuss any persistent concerns at your postpartum check.
Yes — but the choice of contraception matters. The Progestogen-Only Pill (POP or mini-pill) is safe while breastfeeding and does not reduce milk supply. The Mirena IUS (hormonal coil) and the Nexplanon implant are highly effective, long-acting options safe during breastfeeding. Barrier methods (condoms) are always safe. The Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (containing oestrogen) should NOT be used in the first 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding as oestrogen can suppress milk supply. After 6 months or when mixed feeding begins, the COCP can be considered. Do not rely on breastfeeding alone as contraception — it is not reliable, especially once feeds become less frequent.
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience: heavy postpartum bleeding (soaking more than a pad per hour), high fever (above 38.5°C), severe abdominal pain, signs of wound infection (redness, swelling, discharge, opening of the wound), chest pain or difficulty breathing (could be pulmonary embolism), severe headache with visual changes (could be postpartum preeclampsia), severe persistent leg pain or swelling (could be DVT), or thoughts of harming yourself or the baby. Do not hesitate — call Dr. Prashanthi on 97059 93366 or go directly to the emergency department.
The 6-week postpartum check at Mother Hospitals is a comprehensive review of the mother's physical and emotional wellbeing. Dr. Prashanthi assesses: wound healing (perineal repair or C-section scar), blood pressure, anaemia (blood test if indicated), uterine involution (ensuring the uterus has returned to normal size), breastfeeding challenges, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) screening for PND, pelvic floor symptoms (incontinence, prolapse), return to exercise readiness, contraception discussion, and a gestational diabetes glucose check if applicable. Any concerns about the baby's feeding, weight gain, or development are also addressed. This appointment is essential — please do not skip it.
Explore other specialist services at Mother Hospitals & IVF Center.
The weeks after delivery are not just about the baby — your recovery, mental health, and wellbeing matter too. Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy provides dedicated, compassionate postpartum support from delivery to the 6-week check and beyond.
Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy · TGMC Reg: 50624