What typically happens to a mother's pulse about a week after delivery?

About a week after delivery, it is common for a mother's pulse to decrease. During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes numerous physiological changes to accommodate the growing fetus, including an increase in blood volume and cardiac output. This increased workload can elevate her resting heart rate.

Following delivery, especially if there are no complications, a mother's body begins to return to its pre-pregnancy state. This includes a gradual decrease in blood volume as excess fluid is eliminated through diuresis. Consequently, the heart does not need to work as hard to pump blood, leading to a decrease in pulse rate. Typically, many women experience a heart rate that returns to baseline levels within a few days to a week postpartum, reflecting the body’s recovery process.

Although fluctuations in heart rate can occur due to factors like blood loss, pain, or emotional response, the general trend is towards a decrease, as the body starts to stabilize during the postpartum period.