Most women feel ready to go home from the hospital within 24 hours. Many women feel very tired after their delivery and feel like staying in the hospital for another day. However, many insurance plans are now recommending dismissal from the hospital within 24 hours. If you feel too tired, or unable to go home, let your healthcare provider know. Most women stop bleeding after a vaginal delivery within 5 days.
Most women have some bleeding for at least two weeks.
If you start bleeding heavily, or you stopped bleeding and then restarted, or if you notice pus or a bad odor from the bleeding, contact your healthcare provider. Women can return to work and pre-pregnancy activities within 6 weeks of delivery. Your return to work depends on you, your body, and your job. All of these questions, plus your general well-being, help determine when you can resume your routine. Most providers instruct women not to have sex for 6 weeks following delivery.