Your baby this week
Your baby is becoming so interactive! Your baby smiles when you smile, coos back when you talk, and loves watching your face. Your baby might be sleeping a slightly longer stretch at night (maybe 4–5 hours — every baby is different). Your baby is getting better at tummy time and can lift their head more. Your baby is growing out of those newborn clothes already — time flies.
Your recovery this week
If cleared by your doctor, you can begin returning to regular exercise — start gently. Remember: being 'cleared' at 6 weeks means basic healing is done, but full pelvic floor recovery takes 8+ months and core rehabilitation can take up to a year. Walking, swimming, yoga, and gentle home exercises are ideal because they focus on this gradual rebuild. Hair shedding may peak around now — it's your body releasing the extra hair pregnancy hormones held onto. Sleep deprivation is still real. If you're returning to work soon, start thinking about childcare arrangements and pumping/storing milk. There's no 'bouncing back,' only moving forward.
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.
- Postpartum hair shedding
- A still-rebuilding pelvic floor
- Ongoing sleep deprivation
- Possible leakage during activity
This week’s checklist
- Start gentle postnatal exercise — walking, swimming, yoga
- Focus on core and pelvic floor rehabilitation
- If returning to work, research childcare options
- Practice pumping and storing breast milk if needed
- Prioritize protein and hydration to support milk supply
- Continue daily pelvic floor exercises
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
- Pain during exercise (especially pelvic or abdominal)
- Urinary leakage during physical activity
- Persistent fatigue beyond normal sleep deprivation
- Mood changes that are new or worsening
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 7 weeks postpartum?
Around 7 weeks after delivery, it is common to experience postpartum hair shedding, a still-rebuilding pelvic floor, ongoing sleep deprivation, possible leakage during activity. Every recovery is different.
What happens 7 weeks after delivery?
If cleared by your doctor, you can begin returning to regular exercise — start gently. Remember: being 'cleared' at 6 weeks means basic healing is done, but full pelvic floor recovery takes 8+ months and core rehabilitation can take up to a year.
When should I call my doctor after delivery?
Call your doctor if you notice pain during exercise (especially pelvic or abdominal), urinary leakage during physical activity, persistent fatigue beyond normal sleep deprivation, mood changes that are new or worsening.
Last updated June 2026
References
Ovyacare’s guidance is written in-house and aligned with leading medical authorities: