How Your Body Changes Postpartum

You might think that, with a little exercise and effort, your body will go back to how it was once you have given birth. However, for most women, this is not actually how it works – in fact, there are some major postpartum changes you might have to deal with as well. Read on to find out what some of them are so you can be prepared to tackle them head-on. 

Loose Skin

You’ll notice that the skin surrounding your tummy is a bit slack, droopy, or puckered after birth. After all, your baby bulge has stretched it. It may take many months for the abdominal skin to heal, but the good news is that it has the ability to smooth out and adapt on its own.

It’s also possible that it won’t snap back at all. The issue is more likely to occur in older women and in women who have dropped a lot of weight in a short period of time – this is one of the reasons why you should avoid doing an intense diet post-pregnancy.

Weak Abs

After pregnancy, many women have diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation). As a result, the abdominal wall becomes weak, and physical therapy and stomach tucks are two effective treatments for this condition. The abdominal muscles are sutured together and tightened during a tummy tuck to strengthen the abdominal wall. Consult your doctor to determine which choice is best for you.

Hair Loss 

In the months after birth, your hormone levels will gradually return to normal. Your hair will alter as a result of this. It will no longer seem as thick, full, or lustrous as it did during pregnancy. It will most likely get thinner and duller, and it might begin to fall out.

Postpartum telogen effluvium, often known as postpartum hair loss, is totally natural. Some women have minor hair loss, in which some strands come out after combing and washing their hair. Others have severe hair loss, resulting in a significant drop in volume and bald patches. This is a one-time shedding. It should be over in a year. If it isn’t, you should consult with your doctor as you might need hair loss treatment. 

If you have postpartum hair loss, you should choose moderate hairstyles that don’t tug on the strands. You should also avoid coloring, bleaching, perming, curling, or straightening your hair.

Bigger Feet

During pregnancy, your body maintains more fluids to support the baby. These fluids tend to congregate in the lower half of your body, particularly in your legs, ankles, and feet. After delivery, the swelling should go down as your body expels the fluids via perspiration and urine. It should take a few weeks. You may reduce your pain by using natural therapies for postnatal foot inflammation and avoiding restrictive footwear.

Even when the swelling has gone down, you may discover that your regular shoes are too tight. This is due to the possibility that your foot size is larger! During pregnancy, your body generates the hormone relaxin, which softens ligaments, including your foot arches. The hormone may cause your arches to sink, resulting in permanently longer/wider feet.