Postpartum symptoms: What’s normal and what not to ignore

get much worse or linger forever so dont ignore it. Talk to your provider and get treatment.
If you have thoughts of harming your baby or yourself go to the emergency department and get immediate help. Support groups talk therapy and medication are all possible treatments.
So when does postpartum depression start? Basically it can start right away after delivery or it can start weeks later. Typically it starts within one to three weeks.
Postpartum belly
After giving birth your belly still looks like youre several months pregnant. It takes several weeks to months for your middle section to return to something like its prepregnancy size.
Your uterus takes six to eight weeks to shrink back to its normal size. It also takes time to shed the extra fat your belly added to support and nourish your baby during pregnancy.
Stretch marks are common too.
Some moms end up with a bulge in their belly due to a condition called diastasis recti. This condition occurs when your abdominal muscles separate due to the stretching caused by pregnancy. Its a common issue and it can be treated. 
Other common postpartum symptoms
Your body needs to shed excess fluids once its not supporting a growing baby any longer. As a result you may sweat and urinate more often. Many women also experience swelling which happens most often in the legs and ankles.
You will also experience breast engorgement once your milk production kicks in. Your breasts may feel tender as well particularly if you arent breastfeeding.
You may experience shortness of breath more easily than you did before pregnancy too.
Postpartum exercise
Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a Csection your body needs to recover and heal after delivery. Your muscles are still stretched out. You may have required an episiotomy or suffered some vaginal tearing. Delivery can be traumatic to your body.
If you had a Csection you will need to follow certain weight lifting restrictions. This is to allow your surgery incision to heal properly. The restrictions should last for a minimum of six weeks.
You could put your baby in the carriage and go outside and have a brisk walk immediately after delivery Dr. Foster said. But to engage your core and engage in some intense exercise you need to wait at least six weeks.
Speak to your provider for guidelines on how and when it is safe for you to exercise. Physical therapy can be very helpful too. Thats especially true if
you need some help strengthening and stabilizing your pelvic floor muscles.
What is the importance of your postpartum diet?
A wellbalanced diet is essential to your postpartum recovery. You need to rebuild your strength and stamina to give your baby your best. Healthy vitamins and minerals help speed up your bodys recovery.
Staying hydrated is important too. Drink lots of water.