We all know the typical changes that occur during and after pregnancy, but this post isn’t about those it’s all about FIVE Changes to Your Body After Baby.
We all know the typical changes that occur during and after pregnancy, but this post isn’t about those it’s all about FIVE Changes to Your Body After Baby.
FIVE Changes to Your Body After Baby.
This post is to share the nitty gritty, honest and sometimes uncomfortable things that happen to women’s bodies after having a baby.
This is not meant to be scary, but I feel that moms need to know what to expect.
I also think that moms should know that if any of the following things happen after having a baby, they are not alone.
Table of Contents
FIVE Changes to Your Body After Baby (That No One Ever Told You About)
Your Hair Falls Out
During pregnancy, lovely estrogen helps to give you a full, beautiful head of hair.
You will likely notice a big departure occur around 3-4 months postpartum.
The good news, it does stop (for most). At around 6-12 months, your hair should return to your pre-pregnancy volume.
Hemorrhoids
If you made it through your pregnancy without these, terrific. However for some women hemorrhoids come after delivery. It makes sense.
That is a lot of pushing. Why hemorrhoids occur in pregnancy has to do with the changes in circulation during pregnancy.
However postpartum, it is mainly due to the physical strain during the second stage of labour.
TIP: Using a SITZ bath, soaking in the tub, or using medicated wipes following bathroom usage may help. However if they do not decrease within a few weeks, mention to your health care provider as they should be able to help.
Bladder Leakage
This doesn’t happen to everyone, and for some begins in pregnancy partially due to lack of space and the giant baby jumping on your bladder.
After having the baby this is common for the first few weeks or even a few months.
This is usually related to nerve disruption around the bladder.
For some, this condition continues and is likely related to weakened muscles around the urethra.
This is more likely to occur when doing physical exercise. Like jumping jacks. Trust me.
TIP: if leakage continues, you can see a physiotherapist who specializes in postpartum leakage and some restrengthening can occur.
TIP: To help with the physical problem of, ahem, wetting your pants, using liners will help.
Aunt Flo
I believe most expectant mothers expect some bleeding to occur after having a baby, but honestly, it’s duration surprised me.
After being period free for nine months, it comes back with a vengeance.
For most women, it lasts around 10-14 days.
For others, it may last four PLUS weeks.
There is a light at the end of this tunnel – thanks for letting me know FIVE Changes to Your Body After Baby.
Many women, particularly those who are exclusively breastfeeding, may not have a period return after the initial postpartum flow for 6-12 months.
TIP: Take things slow. Physical activity and stress can prolong your flow.
TIP: If you flow remains heavy after the first week, or you continue to have painful cramping, return to your care provider. There is a risk of retained placenta and an ultrasound might be required.
Your ‘Baby Belly’ Sticks Around
I can’t tell you how many of my friends packed their pre-pregnancy jeans in their hospital bag.
I’m sure there are women out there that were able to wear them out of the hospital, but keep in mind THEY are the exception.
For most women, the baby belly sticks around as your uterus shrinks back from the size of a watermelon.
You should notice a significant change by about 4-6 weeks postpartum.
Some extra fat may be difficult to get rid of and as you are likely aware, some jelly around the belly is a right of passage for mothers.
TIP: Pack maternity pants in your hospital bag to wear home. Have realistic expectations and take things (especially exercise) slow. There is enough pressure on brand new moms, your waist should not be part of it.
Check out this interesting article on What a Baby Really Needs, 10 Baby Products I NEVER should have Bought, Simple Tattoo Designs for Parents Showing off Their Children and How to Prevent Sids.
I hope this post share some content that you don’t always hear about. Please feel free to comment below (anonymously if you wish) with your experiences.
I like that Depend® will donate $1 to charity up to $3 million over 3 years for each photo we share on twiter or instagram
I love that you can get a free sample! Great product!
I like that underwareness is showing the world that wearing a different kind of underwear is no big deal.
I liked all the information, who knew 51 million women have this problem and the free samples is cool too
What I like about this campaign is a subject that was once considered taboo is finally being talked about and addressed.
It’s about an underestimated problem that is more common than someone might think, and helps raise knowledge and awareness about bladder leakage!
I like that Underwareness* is showing the world that wearing a different kind of underwear is no big deal.
I like this article!
I like that it’s bringing awareness to something that a lot of women suffer in silence from!