For nine months, you've been focused on the birth. Knowing what to expect afterwards makes it easier to feel in control of a new body.

Six weeks is about how long it takes for your reproductive system to return to normal after you give birth. Expect to go through a lot of changes during this time. And even though you now have a newborn to care for, it's also important to take good care of yourself. After all, someone very important is depending upon you.

During pregnancy, the top of your uterus, called the fundus, is located just under your ribs. At delivery, the uterus weighs about 2 pounds. After delivery, your uterus contracts. The fundus will rest halfway between your pubic bone and belly button, and it will feel like a hard mass. During the next six weeks, the uterus will continue to shrink, a process called involution. Eventually it ends up at its pre-pregnancy size and a weight of just 2 ounces.

Involution may cause some pain and tenderness. But these contractions are a good thing. It's a sign that your uterus is on its way back to its normal size.