Week 2 postpartum
In short: what happens in week 2 postpartum?
In week 2 postpartum your womb shrinks to about 300 g and, by days 10–14, can no longer be felt through your tummy. Bleeding gets lighter and turns yellowish-white. The cord stump usually falls off this week, and most babies regain birth weight by days 10–14. The baby blues should lift by the end of the week.
Week 2 postpartum – animated guide
Week 2 (days {from}–{to}): the postpartum dial, womb, postnatal bleeding and your baby’s development (illustrative animation).
Mum
Stitches are largely healed and sitting becomes easier. Night sweats and passing urine often are part of your body getting rid of the extra fluid built up during pregnancy.
Your baby today
The cord stump falls off by itself between days 5 and 15; keep the area clean and dry. Your baby should have at least 6 wet nappies a day and yellow, seedy poos.
Feeding and nutrition
You are in the transitional milk phase; your supply adjusts to how much your baby feeds. A good latch prevents cracked nipples.
Emotions and rest
Tearfulness and low moods should be easing. Unhappiness that lasts longer than 2 weeks can be a sign of postnatal depression.
Check-ups
A check for you and your baby around week 2; a hip check (with ultrasound in some countries) and vitamin D drops for your baby are planned.
Tips for today
- Keep the belly button dry and don’t put anything on it or cover it
- Take short walks
- Eat plenty of iron- and protein-rich foods
- Share how you feel with your partner and loved ones
When to seek medical help
Get checked if bleeding becomes heavier and red again, you have foul-smelling discharge, a fever, a red and painful area on your breast, or low feelings that last longer than 2 weeks.
Postpartum week by week
Bleeding, Colostrum and Milk
Womb Shrinking, Cord Falling Off
Growth Spurt and Emotional Health
Bleeding Easing, First Month
Exercise, Sex and Contraception
The 6-Week Check and Day 40
Frequently asked questions
When does the womb go back to normal after birth?
The womb can no longer be felt through the tummy by week 2 and is close to its pre-pregnancy size by week 6.
What if the umbilical cord doesn’t fall off?
In most babies it falls off between days 5 and 15. If it lasts beyond 3 weeks, or there is redness, discharge or a bad smell, see your doctor.
When do the baby blues go away?
They usually pass on their own within 2 weeks. If they don’t, or they get worse, you should be assessed for postnatal depression.
Can I have a bath in the second week after birth?
You can shower every day. For baths, swimming pools and steam rooms, wait until the bleeding has stopped and your stitches have fully healed.
Postnatal care at SoftCare Clinic
Book an appointment with our specialist doctors for a postnatal check, breastfeeding problems, a stitch or wound check, or support with postnatal depression.
The information on this page is general guidance for an uncomplicated postpartum period and does not replace a medical examination. Heavy bleeding, fever, breathlessness, chest pain, or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby are emergencies: call your local emergency number (999 / 911 / 112).
Medical content editor: Op. Dr. Şükrü Sanus