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The postpartum recovery period usually refers to the first 6 weeks after delivery and it might get extended. Many factors influence how a woman recovers from childbirth, and everyone’s experience is different. Some contributing factors include whether a woman has had past deliveries, and most recently, multiple deliveries, a vaginal delivery, or a cesarean delivery. Week 1 postpartum - The vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth is called lochia. It contains blood and mucous membrane that lined the uterus during pregnancy. A woman has lochia whether the delivery was vaginal or cesarean. Avoid using tampons for up to 6 weeks after delivery, as they may increase the risk of infection. Afterbirth pains also occur regardless of the type of delivery. These pains result from the uterus shrinking to its pre-pregnancy size. Right after childbirth, the uterus is round and hard, and it weighs about 2.5 pounds, but it shrinks to 2 ounces within about 6 weeks of delivery. Breast milk arrives a few days after delivery. The breasts may feel full, tender, or uncomfortable, due to the amount of milk. The medical term for this is engorgement. 2 weeks postpartum - During early breastfeeding, soreness of the breasts is common. Also, a woman will still have lochia, but the flow and the color will be lighter than it was a week ago. 6 weeks postpartum - Within 6 weeks of a delivery, the uterus has returned to its prepregnancy size. The doctor may say that it is OK to resume sexual activity. However, many women do not feel ready right away, and this is perfectly normal. A woman’s period may have returned by this time, though there is no cause for concern if it has not. The body goes through many changes during pregnancy. After delivery, even more changes take place, rapidly. The most important thing is to rest and concentrate on healing, emotionally and physically. (www.medicalnewstoday.com)

A healthy immune system attacks harmful viruses, fungi, and bacteria. Both psoriatic arthritis and IBD involve an abnormal immune system response, in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue. Chronic inflammation damages the joints in PsA and the digestive tract in IBD.Research suggests that there is a link between PsA and common forms of IBD, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. A 2016 review of studies and a 2017 study found that people with psoriasis — about 30% of whom have PsA — were more likely than other people to receive a diagnosis of IBD. Studies point to genetic similarities and shared inflammation pathways in PsA and IBD, especially Crohn’s disease. Some research also suggests that people with these conditions have lower levels of beneficial bacteria in their body. Due to the overlap between IBD and PsA, researchers have concluded that people who have these conditions can benefit from similar treatments. Many people with psoriatic arthritis also have IBD. Both of these chronic diseases involve inflammation. The symptoms of IBD may include diarrhea, bloody stool, and pain in the abdomen. It is important for people with psoriatic arthritis to discuss any digestive issues with their doctor. Several medications can treat both psoriatic arthritis and IBD. (www.medicalnewstoday.com)