Health

Postpartum Body Changes: What To Expect And How To Cope

This article discusses the different postpartum body changes that women can expect after giving birth and how to cope with them by Cassandra Andrus
Estimated reading time: 3 min 22 sec
Postpartum Body Changes: What To Expect And How To Cope Photo by Rafael Henrique on Pexels

Welcoming a new life into your world through childbirth is one of the most significant experiences any woman can ever have.

However, a woman’s body undergoes several major changes during and after pregnancy, which can make her feel less confident and overwhelmed.

While some of these changes happen during pregnancy, most of them occur after childbirth. This article will discuss the different postpartum body changes that women can expect after giving birth and how to cope with them.

What To Expect: Postpartum Body Changes

1. Breast changes

During pregnancy, a woman’s breasts grow in size as they prepare to produce milk for her baby. However, after childbirth, the breasts may become engorged with milk, leading to soreness, swelling, or even pain.

As a new mother, wearing a supportive bra and gentle massage will help to ease these discomforts and avoid breast infections.

2. Stretch marks

During pregnancy, stretch marks may develop on a woman’s stomach, thighs, breasts, or hips as the skin expands to accommodate the growing baby.

Postpartum, these stretch marks may become more noticeable, but there are creams and lotions available over-the-counter to fade them away.

3. Hair loss

After childbirth, women commonly experience hair loss due to hormonal changes in their bodies. However, this is temporary and should ease gradually within the first year after childbirth.

Meanwhile, taking a healthy diet, getting enough rest, and avoiding tight hairstyles can help reduce the extent of hair fall.

4. Body shape changes

Many women gain weight during pregnancy and may struggle to lose it after childbirth.

Additionally, the abdominal muscles that were stretched during pregnancy, along with the skin, may not go back to their previous shape, leading to a changed body shape. However, regular exercise with the approval of the doctor and eating a balanced diet can help women regain their pre-pregnancy physique gradually.

5. Vaginal delivery changes

If a woman undergoes vaginal delivery, she may experience swelling, soreness, or even stitches in the vaginal area. This can make going to the bathroom difficult or painful.

Related Article Your Body After Baby: The Journey Back To Feeling Like Yourself Your Body After Baby: The Journey Back To Feeling Like Yourself

To help ease these issues, a woman can use warm compresses, sit in a Sitz bath, or use cooling packs.

How To Cope With Postpartum Body Changes

1. Prioritize self-care

Most new mothers spend most of their time taking care of their newborns and forget about themselves. However, it is essential to prioritize self-care and rest to heal and recover from postpartum body changes fully.

Self-care can take different forms, such as finding time to take a relaxing shower, sleeping, practicing yoga, or even seeking help from friends, family, or a therapist.

2. Seek Professional Help

If postpartum body changes cause significant discomfort or pain, it’s essential to seek professional help, such as visiting a doctor or lactation consultant.

These professionals can offer personalized advice or recommend treatment options or even activities that can help alleviate the symptoms.

3. Gently Exercise

Regular exercise not only promotes physical fitness but also helps ward off postpartum depression and anxiety. The doctor may suggest gentle exercises that are safe and beneficial.

Walking, stretching, kegels, or postnatal yoga are excellent ways to start to help regain the body’s strength and shape.

4. Practice healthy eating habits

Eating well-balanced meals with essential vitamins and minerals after childbirth helps the body to heal. A healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains can promote overall wellness and healing process.

5. Connect with other new mothers

Connecting with other new mothers going through the same experience can be instrumental in easing any postpartum anxieties and stress.

Joining parenting groups, attending baby classes, or even joining an online support group can help women connect and share the experience, which helps reduce anxiety levels and promote a sense of belonging.

Final Thoughts

While postpartum body changes can leave women feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and even depressed, it’s crucial to keep in mind that these changes are temporary and part of a natural process.

Prioritizing self-care, seeking professional help, and connecting with other new mothers can help women cope better with these changes, feel more confident about themselves, and enjoy parenthood fully.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

Follow us on Google News

Stay informed on the latest news and trends in the healthcare industry.

Follow
Also check Medical conditions that cause hair abnormalities Medical conditions that cause hair abnormalities Vitamins and Minerals for Stronger Hair and Reduced Hair Loss Vitamins and Minerals for Stronger Hair and Reduced Hair Loss Eight bizarre signs that you need more iron Eight bizarre signs that you need more iron Ignoring Your Appetite: A Health Risk You Shouldn’t Ignore Ignoring Your Appetite: A Health Risk You Shouldn’t Ignore The link between stretch marks and cancer The link between stretch marks and cancer Don’t ignore these 10 signs of anemia Don’t ignore these 10 signs of anemia Fact or Fiction: The Truth Behind Hair Loss Myths Fact or Fiction: The Truth Behind Hair Loss Myths How does the woman’s body change in week 14 of pregnancy? How does the woman’s body change in week 14 of pregnancy? Andropause: Symptoms Every Man Should Be Aware Of Andropause: Symptoms Every Man Should Be Aware Of Alcohol consumption heightens the risk of this disease by three times Alcohol consumption heightens the risk of this disease by three times Don’t ignore these pregnancy discomforts (part 1) Don’t ignore these pregnancy discomforts (part 1) What’s the Real Story: Hats and Hair Loss? What’s the Real Story: Hats and Hair Loss? 8 common causes of male insecurity 8 common causes of male insecurity Effective ways to combat hair loss Effective ways to combat hair loss Hypothyroidism: Symptoms you shouldn’t ignore Hypothyroidism: Symptoms you shouldn’t ignore Understanding Hair Loss: The Science Behind Alopecia Understanding Hair Loss: The Science Behind Alopecia Five Silent Clues of Thyroid Dysfunction Five Silent Clues of Thyroid Dysfunction The unspoken symptoms of menopause The unspoken symptoms of menopause The silent epidemic: 10 signs of iodine deficiency The silent epidemic: 10 signs of iodine deficiency Hair Loss and Iron Deficiency: Identifying the Right Time to See a Physician Hair Loss and Iron Deficiency: Identifying the Right Time to See a Physician Dyslexia: Coping with English Texts Dyslexia: Coping with English Texts Wake up thinner with these sleep hacks Wake up thinner with these sleep hacks Is Self-Satisfaction Linked to Hair Loss? Is Self-Satisfaction Linked to Hair Loss? Castor oil benefits for skin and hair Castor oil benefits for skin and hair Revolutionary Diagnostics for Hair Loss Revolutionary Diagnostics for Hair Loss 10 effective ways to reduce stretch marks 10 effective ways to reduce stretch marks Why Am I Losing My Hair? 8 Possible Explanations Why Am I Losing My Hair? 8 Possible Explanations 10 Common Questions About Taking Hot Showers During Pregnancy 10 Common Questions About Taking Hot Showers During Pregnancy 30 signs you’re not getting enough ‘good’ fat in your diet 30 signs you’re not getting enough ‘good’ fat in your diet Understanding the Symptoms of High Estrogen Levels in Women Understanding the Symptoms of High Estrogen Levels in Women
To top