Your baby this week
Your baby is 4 months old and a whole little person now! Your baby laughs out loud, reaches for everything, rolls around, and 'talks' to you in long babbling conversations. Your baby might be showing interest in what you're eating (but it's best to wait a bit for solids!). Your baby can hold their head up strong and loves sitting propped up to see the world. You've given your baby the best start in life with every feed, every cuddle, every sleepless night.
Your recovery this week
Sixteen weeks postpartum. Four months of learning, growing, adapting, and loving. Your body has largely recovered — though full pelvic floor and core healing continues for up to a year. Your hormones are stabilizing. Decreased oestrogen can lower your sex drive for up to a year — this is normal. If you're thinking about another pregnancy, WHO recommends waiting at least 18 months between pregnancies to allow your body to fully recover. Your confidence as a parent grows every day. It's okay if it still feels hard some days. You're not just surviving anymore — you're thriving.
Common symptoms this week
Every recovery is different — you may notice some of these, all of them, or none at all. Be gentle with yourself.
- Stabilising hormones
- A largely recovered body
- Lower sex drive (low oestrogen)
- Growing parenting confidence
This week’s checklist
- Consider transitioning to Cycle Tracking mode in the app when ready
- Schedule a general health check-up for yourself
- Continue pelvic floor exercises — make them a lifelong habit
- Make time for activities you enjoyed before baby
- Take a family photo to capture this stage — it goes so fast
What’s normal this week
Most of what you’re feeling is your body healing exactly as it should — the everyday aches and changes don’t need a call. The signs below are the rare exceptions: noticing one doesn’t mean something’s wrong, just that it’s worth a quick check.
When to call your doctor
- Persistent pelvic floor issues (leakage, heaviness, prolapse symptoms)
- Ongoing mood difficulties — PPD can start up to 12 months postpartum
- Pain during intimacy that isn't resolving
- Any concerns about baby milestones or your own health
This guide offers general information for typical postpartum recovery and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Always follow your doctor’s guidance for you and your baby.
Frequently asked questions
What is normal 16 weeks postpartum?
Around 16 weeks after delivery, it is common to experience stabilising hormones, a largely recovered body, lower sex drive (low oestrogen), growing parenting confidence. Every recovery is different.
What happens 16 weeks after delivery?
Sixteen weeks postpartum. Four months of learning, growing, adapting, and loving.
When should I call my doctor after delivery?
Call your doctor if you notice persistent pelvic floor issues (leakage, heaviness, prolapse symptoms); ongoing mood difficulties — PPD can start up to 12 months postpartum; pain during intimacy that isn't resolving; any concerns about baby milestones or your own health.
Last updated June 2026
References
Ovyacare’s guidance is written in-house and aligned with leading medical authorities: