There are so many parts of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum that surprise first-time (and even repeat) moms. Many of them are healthy, common occurrences, but can be scary if you don’t know they’re coming. 

Here are a few facts about childbirth to help you feel prepared:

1. Your baby may emerge with a bluish tint and covered in vernix

The waxy white substance that coats new babies—known as vernix—helps protect their skin in the womb and for a few hours after birth. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) both recommend delaying a bath for your newborn so the vernix can stay on and benefit your baby longer. 

2. You’ll give birth to your placenta

Your placenta isn’t just a supportive structure for your baby—it’s a whole new organ that you create during pregnancy, then deliver about 5 to 30 minutes after your baby’s birth. It’s disk-shaped and about 8×1 inches, so it tends to be less painful than birthing your baby, but it’s good to know that it’s coming.

3. Childbirth involves a wide variety of bodily fluids

Some women experience all of these, while other women only experience a subset. Though they may sound daunting or even mortifying now, in the moment, you’ll likely be too busy creating life to care or feel embarrassed.

• In the weeks, days, or hours leading up to labor, you may lose your mucus plug—a thick, jelly-like covering that acts as a barrier to keep your uterus safe from infection during pregnancy.
• You’ve probably heard that your “water will break.” Here’s what this actually means—during your pregnancy, your baby is protected inside a cushy, liquid-filled membrane called the amniotic sac. As you get close to birth, that sac ruptures and drains. Unlike what you see in the movies, some women don’t even know when their water breaks, as it can be just a small trickle. Others do experience a big gush of fluid.
• The same muscles that you use to bear down and push your baby through the birth canal are used for pooping. This is just an inconvenient bodily fact. If you poop during labor, take it as a sign that you’re pushing effectively and you’ll likely get to meet your baby soon. 
• After you give birth, your body will still have excess tissue, blood, and mucus to dispel—this substance is called lochia and it looks like an intense period. Lochia tends to be heaviest in the first few days postpartum, and for most women, it tapers off over the course of about 6 weeks. Consult with your doctor or other medical professional to discuss any questions or concerns you have, including about any postpartum symptoms you may experience.

4. Breast milk is one fluid you won’t see at first

Instead, your body will produce colostrum, a nutrient-rich pre-milk substance full of protein and antibodies. It’s so good for your baby that many people refer to it as “liquid gold.” Your colostrum will gradually transition to mature milk over the course of a few days or weeks with continued stimulation from your baby’s nursing or a breast pump.

5. Feelings of love may take time to develop

While many expectant parents anticipate an instant rush of unconditional love upon meeting their baby, it’s common for the bond to take time to build. Be patient with yourself—it will come. Discuss with your doctor or other medical professional feelings of sadness, anxiety, or any other emotional concerns.

6. You’ll still look pregnant for awhile

Though your baby is no longer occupying it, your uterus is still 10 to 20 times bigger than its pre-pregnancy state. Over the following few weeks, it will shrink from about 2.5 pounds back down to about 2 ounces. As it retracts, it will become small enough to return to your pelvis, reducing the extent to which you will appear pregnant. The feel-good hormone oxytocin that’s released during cuddles and breastfeeding helps spur your uterus to contract, so don’t be surprised if you feel cramping while nursing. 

Bonus tips for after your baby’s delivery

If you give birth in a hospital, take advantage of the expertise of the nurses and lactation consultants. They’re available to help you navigate everything from breastfeeding positions to newborn care. Ask them all of your questions and have them show you how to breastfeed while lying down before you leave the hospital. 

While the support and round-the-clock check-ins for you and your baby are very helpful, it can also feel like a lot. Know that you can put up a “do not disturb” sign and work with your care team to get some longer stretches of uninterrupted rest.

Learn more about the research 

HealthyChildren.org. (2019a, July 30). Bathing your baby. 

Herrick E.J., Bordoni B. (2023) Embryology, placenta. StatPearls Publishing.

Kansky, C. M. & Isaacs, C. (2023, June 13). Normal and abnormal puerperium. 

Singh, G., & Archana, G. (2008). Unraveling the mystery of vernix caseosa. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 53(2), 54-60.

WIC Breastfeeding Support (n.d.). The phases of breast milk. U.S. Department of Agriculture.