For moms-to-be, the due date cannot come soon enough. The last couple of months can feel like a drag because the excitement to meet their baby grows by the minute. While it is incredible to experience to meet your baby for the first time, it can be a really tiring and stressful time that can leave you feeling overwhelmed.

To be able to cope well after the birth of your child, you need first to know what to expect so you can prepare for it. The following are some things all pregnant women should expect.

Breastfeeding

If you are planning to breastfeed your baby, you should know that your first feed will be within the first hour after birth. At first, will get colostrum in small amounts, which can cause frustration to many women and even discourage some from continuing for fear of it not being enough for their child. Colostrum, however, is extremely nutritious and your baby’s stomach is very small. Between 3 to 5 days after birth your milk will come in, and the amount of milk you produce will be related to how much your baby gets.

Sleep

You will not be able to sleep well in the first few weeks after birth. This is a fact you need to accept now. Newborns sleep is no regular, and they usually sleep for 2 or 3 hours and then wake up for a feeding. This means that your baby will wake you up several times at night.

Water Weight

Women usually lose 10 or more pounds immediately after giving birth, but you will continue to lose water weight for about a week after delivery. This means that you may sweat or go to the bathroom a lot during this time.

Bleeding

Most women continue bleeding for several weeks after birth, and it may be heavy in the first 10 days. This is normal and you should not be alarmed, but contact your doctor if you feel worried to put your mind at ease.

Contractions

Contractions usually continue after birth for about six weeks, but they are usually at their worst during the first week. These contractions are known as afterbirth pains and they happen because your uterus is returning to its normal size and location.

Mood Swings

It is normal for women to go back and forth between being happy and sad for a few days after delivery. This happens for many factors, which include hormonal changes and physical sensations like feeling a little pain or being tired.

 Problems Going

Bowel movements and peeing may be affected after delivery. You may have, constipation or soreness that cause bowel movements to be a little painful. Peeing can also become painful in some women. You can deal with this by drinking a lot of fluids and eating vegetables and fruits rich in fiber.