Pregnancy
What to Expect in the First 24 Hours After Birth
By Raised Editorial ·
The moment of birth is just the beginning. From delivering the placenta to the 'golden hour' of skin-to-skin, here is the biological timeline of the first 24 hours after birth.
You have spent nine months focusing entirely on the moment of birth. But what happens immediately after the baby arrives?
The first 24 hours are a whirlwind of biological shifts, medical checks, and an overwhelming surge of hormones. Knowing what to expect can help you feel grounded during this intense transition.
Here is a chronological look at your body, and your baby, in the first day of life.
The First Hour: The "Golden Hour"
For You: Immediately after the baby is born, your uterus continues to contract to deliver the placenta (the "afterbirth"). This usually happens within 10 to 30 minutes. You may be given an injection of synthetic oxytocin to help the uterus clamp down and prevent heavy bleeding (postpartum hemorrhage). If you had tears or an episiotomy, your midwife or doctor will stitch them now under local anesthetic.
For Baby: Unless they require immediate medical attention, the baby will be placed directly onto your bare chest. This is the "Golden Hour" of skin-to-skin contact. Skin-to-skin regulates the baby's heart rate, breathing, and temperature. They will be covered in vernix (a white, waxy substance) and amniotic fluid; they are usually not bathed for at least 24 hours to protect their skin barrier.
Hours 2-6: Checks and Feeds
For You: The adrenaline of birth will begin to crash. You will likely feel the "postpartum shakes"—intense, uncontrollable shivering caused by shifting hormones and fluid shifts. This is normal. The midwives will monitor your blood pressure and press firmly on your abdomen to check that your uterus is shrinking correctly. They will also expect you to pass urine within a few hours to ensure your bladder is functioning.
For Baby: The midwife will perform the initial newborn checks: weighing them, measuring their head circumference, and checking their reflexes. You will be offered a Vitamin K injection for the baby to prevent rare but serious bleeding disorders. The baby will likely have their first feed during this window, consuming tiny amounts of colostrum (your thick, nutrient-dense first milk) or formula.
Hours 6-24: The Reality Sets In
For You: You will experience heavy vaginal bleeding called lochia, which resembles a very heavy period and can include clots. You will need to wear heavy-duty maternity pads. If you had an uncomplicated vaginal birth, you might be discharged home during this window. If you had a C-section, you will remain in bed with a urinary catheter for the first 12-24 hours while your pain is managed.
For Baby: Newborns are often remarkably sleepy in the first 24 hours as they recover from the exertion of birth. They will pass their first stool, called meconium, which is a sticky, tar-like black substance.
When to Speak Up
In the first 24 hours, you will be closely monitored, but you are the best judge of your own body. According to clinical guidelines, you must alert your healthcare team immediately if you experience:
- A sudden rush of very heavy bleeding or passing a clot larger than a plum.
- Severe, escalating pain that isn't touched by your prescribed painkillers.
- Dizziness, blurred vision, or a severe headache.
- Difficulty passing urine.
The first 24 hours are exhausting and messy. Do not worry about hosting visitors or answering text messages. Focus entirely on resting, hydrating, and staring at the tiny human you just brought into the world.