The short answer
Recovery after birth takes weeks, not days. Bleeding, cramping, soreness, and tiredness are expected at first and should slowly ease. Heavy bleeding, fever, chest pain, trouble breathing, or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby need care right away.
Reviewed by the Phia care team
A nurse, already caught up.
When you need more than an answer, a nurse or another Phia provider can join your thread. You never start over.
What is common in the first weeks
Bleeding and discharge that start heavy and slowly lighten over several weeks
Cramping as your uterus shrinks, often stronger while feeding
Soreness from stitches or a tear, or at a C-section incision
Swollen, tender breasts as milk comes in
Tears and mood swings in the first two weeks, often called the baby blues
Things that help
Rest when you can and accept help with meals and chores.
Drink fluids and eat regular meals.
Ask your clinician which pain relievers are right for you.
Check in with your clinician 2 to 3 weeks after birth, and have a full postpartum visit by 6 to 12 weeks.
Get care right away if
You soak through one pad in an hour, or pass clots the size of an egg or bigger
You have a fever of 100.4°F or higher
An incision or tear is not healing
A leg is red, swollen, painful, or warm
A headache does not get better with medicine, or comes with vision changes
Call your clinician now. If you cannot reach them, go to the emergency room. Tell them you recently had a baby.
Call 911 if
You have chest pain or trouble breathing
You have a seizure
You have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
How Phia helps with recovery
Text Phia your question in your own words, any time. Phia’s AI care agent answers first and keeps track of what you share. When you need more, a nurse or another Phia provider can join the same text thread.
Chat with Phia’s providers is included in the $19 a month membership. Some Pennsylvania Medicaid plans cover Phia when Phia has a contract with the plan, and covered members typically pay nothing. Phia works alongside your OB or midwife. It does not replace them, and in-person visits are not included.
How it works
Every conversation starts with a text. If it needs a clinician, one joins the same thread, so you never repeat yourself or switch apps.
01
Text Phia
Ask about bleeding, pain, sleep, or mood. No app to download.
02
Phia answers
Phia’s AI care agent replies any hour and keeps track of what you share.
03
A nurse joins
When you need more, a nurse or another Phia provider steps into the chat, already caught up.
Good to know.
Still have questions? Text Phia or email care@phiahealth.com.
Sources
CDC Hear Her. Urgent Maternal Warning Signs
AWHONN, via Lamaze International. POST-BIRTH Warning Signs
Mayo Clinic. C-section recovery: What to expect
National Institute of Mental Health. Perinatal Depression
General information, not medical advice. Phia does not replace your OB or your baby’s clinician and is not an emergency service. In an emergency, call 911.
What does $19 a month include?
Chat with Phia’s providers, including nurses, plus support through pregnancy and postpartum. Some Pennsylvania Medicaid plans cover Phia when Phia has a contract with the plan. For covered members, there is typically no cost.
How long does bleeding last after birth?
Bleeding usually starts heavy and lightens over several weeks. Soaking a pad in an hour, or passing clots the size of an egg or bigger, is not normal. Get care right away.
Do I need an app?
No. Text Phia from your phone.
Does Phia replace my OB or my baby’s clinician?
No. Phia supports you alongside your existing care team.
What if I need urgent help?
Phia is not an emergency service. If you or your baby are in immediate danger, call 911 or seek emergency care.
Membership
$19/mo
Chat with Phia’s providers is included.
Text Phia your recovery questions. No app, no forms.
A nurse or another Phia provider can join the conversation.
Support through pregnancy and postpartum.