Signs of Recent Delivery

Key points

• • After a birth, the breasts enlarge and produce the first milk (colostrum), while the nipples and areola remain darkened from the pregnancy.
• • The womb is enlarged and then shrinks back over the following days, and a discharge called lochia is passed for some days.
• • The vulva and vagina show stretching and small tears, and the perineum may show a healing repair.
• • On the abdomen, silvery or pink stretch marks and a dark midline may be seen.
• • These signs help to decide questions such as a concealed pregnancy, the abandonment of a newborn, or a false claim of childbirth.