7 Changes That Can Happen to Your Body During Postpartum

Pregnancy and childbirth can change your body. You will feel a lot of discomfort during postpartum, and several changes happen to your body. Some changes are beautiful, while others can be irritating.

Here we will talk about some of the ways your body changes after postpartum.

What Are Postpartum Changes?

Postpartum changes occur after a mother has given birth.

How Does Your Body Change During Postpartum?

Immediately after birth, your body starts to go through some changes. For months, the body keeps the baby. Now that the baby is out, there will be some changes to it. Changes can be physical, like changes in breast size, whereas some changes are emotional, like feeling depressed due to changes in hormones.

Types Of Postpartum Changes

Two main types of changes occur when you give birth: physical and hormonal changes.

What Should Be Done To Deal With Postpartum Changes?

Postpartum changes start to occur right after childbirth. They go away with time. Usually, it takes a month or two for your body to begin returning to shape. Forcing your body to reverse those changes can be harmful. Pregnancy is beautiful, and you should see the beauty in postpartum body changes.

7 Changes In The Body During Postpartum

Let’s see seven changes your body might go through during postpartum:

A Bulging Stomach

Although you have already given birth, you will still have a stomach like a pregnant woman's belly. This is due to the uterus size, which takes some time to reduce. The stomach will return to normal after some time, but it might not wholly become flat.

Increase The Size Of Your Breasts.

During postpartum, your breast size can increase by at least two sizes due to the milk inside them. After delivery, your breasts will remain heaving, large, and sore for a few days. You might also experience milk leaking from your nipples even if you don't breastfeed your baby.

Your breasts will become smaller with time and come to a standard size once you stop breastfeeding your baby. However, they might remain saggy.

Varicose Veins

Swollen veins are known as varicose veins. They can appear purple or blue and have a twisted appearance. Know that these are not harmful. However, they are a bit uncomfortable. Most of the women get these veins after delivery due to gaining weight and genetics

Lack Of Control Of The Bladder

Loss of urine sensation might occur, especially if you have given vaginal birth. This loss in sensation is due to the pressure the baby applies on the urethra during the birth process. Most mothers get complete control of their bladder eight to twelve months after giving birth.

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks depend on the genetics. As the stomach expands during pregnancy, stretch marks are likely to appear on the stomach area after birth. Stretch marks go away with time if you apply relevant ointments. However, they might not completely fade away.

Wide And Large Hips

After giving birth, a woman’s pelvic bone changes in shape. Changes in the pelvic bone structure can make hips wide for many women after pregnancy.

Vaginal Pain And Pain In The Nipples

Vaginal pain will occur in those women who give vaginal birth. This is because vaginal muscles stretch a lot when the baby comes out. Applying ice packs will ease the pain.

After delivery, you most likely will breastfeed your baby. Breastfeeding will cause nipple pain, especially in the first week, and your nipples might bleed and become sore. Lactation consultants can help you if your nipple pain doesn't go away.

Changes In Skin Appearance

During postpartum, your skin might change significantly as well.

Dark Splotches On The Skin

Many women get this skin condition during pregnancy, in which grayish-brown splotches appear on the face. This is Melasma and it may remain for eight to ten months. For some, it persists, so visiting a dermatologist becomes mandatory. Moreover, if you had papular Eczema during pregnancy, a skin condition that causes the skin to be itchy and patchy, it might worsen during postpartum.

The Appearance Of Facial Hair

During postpartum, you might get a lot of hair growth around your cheeks and the back of your neck. Unwanted hair can also surround your nipple areas, and this is because of high estrogen levels in your body even after giving birth.

More Acne And Pimples

The change in routine and hormonal imbalances during postpartum cause pimples to appear. Don't worry as your skin will go back to normal. Just be gentle with face washes and visit a skin doctor.

Conclusion

A mother's body starts to change as soon as she gets pregnant. Some changes last for months or even years, while some changes in the body fade. However, not every mother is likely to experience all of these changes. It comes down to the genetics and delivery type of the mother.