7 Ways Your Body Changes After Pregnancy

Giving birth is one of the most incredible experiences we can have as human beings. From the moment you see your newborn baby for the first time, life will never be the same.

But while a lot of attention and focus may be given to preparing for new motherhood and caring for that little bundle of joy, it’s also important to remember that pregnancy changes our bodies in numerous ways — some expected and some perhaps less so! 

In this blog post, we’ll highlight seven common physical changes many women experience after they give birth and explore practical tips on how to manage such modifications.

Your Postpartum Body

Whether you’re expecting or recently gave birth, read on to arm yourself with the knowledge needed (and potentially even enjoy) these amazing body transformations!

Postpartum hormone shifts

One of the most notable and common bodily changes women experience after giving birth is a shift in their hormone levels.

Specifically, postpartum hormones can cause physical changes such as fatigue, exhaustion, a decrease in libido, and even hair loss.

Additionally, these shifts can lead to emotional effects like mood swings or depression. 

It’s important to understand that these physical and emotional symptoms can be managed, even if it may take some time for hormones to normalize again.

Consider implementing lifestyle changes such as healthy eating habits, plenty of rest, regular exercise, and others in order to stay balanced and enjoy motherhood!

Body weight

It’s not uncommon for mothers to experience postpartum body weight gain, particularly in the abdominal area. This is largely due to hormone changes that can increase your appetite naturally.

To manage this type of weight gain, it’s important to maintain a healthy diet and stay active.

Eating smaller meals throughout the day and opting for nutritious snacks like fruits or veggies are two great ways to ensure your body is getting the nutrients it needs while keeping your weight in check.

Additionally, Shreveport body contouring procedures are also an option if you’re not satisfied with your body and it affects your health.

Exercise can also be beneficial — try light aerobic activity and strength-training exercises, but always consult with a doctor before embarking on any kind of physical activity routine following childbirth.

Sagging breasts

Sagging breasts can be another side effect of giving birth, as pregnancy hormones can weaken the collagen in the skin.

To battle this, breastfeeding moms should make sure to wear a supportive bra that fits correctly — opt for one with wide straps and an underwire if possible. Not nursing?

Don’t worry! You can still benefit from wearing a well-fitted bra around the clock as it will help to keep your breasts supported throughout the day.

Additionally, specialized exercises like chest presses and arm circles can also be helpful, so consider adding them to your postpartum fitness routine.

Abdominal separation

Abdominal separation, more commonly known as diastasis recti, is another type of physical change that many moms-to-be experience (especially if they have had multiple pregnancies).

This condition is a separation of the abdominal muscles, which can cause pain and difficulty performing everyday tasks.

To help minimize diastasis recti, make sure to do abdominal exercises that are specially designed for postpartum women.

Additionally, you may want to invest in a belly wrap or supportive belt as they can provide extra support while helping your abdomen heal.

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are a relatively often occurrence during and after pregnancy, as the skin is greatly stretched out in order to accommodate the growing baby.

This type of change can affect not just the stomach but also the breasts, hips, thighs, and arms. While there’s no surefire way to prevent stretch marks, there are certain things you can do to help minimize their appearance.

Keep the skin moisturized with lotion or oil and opt for gentle exfoliation techniques in order to remove dead skin cells. Additionally, using coconut oil on your stomach during pregnancy can be helpful too!

Skin Discoloration

Pregnancy hormones can also cause changes to the skin, such as dark spots (known as melasma) or a general darkening of the complexion.

This type of discoloration is usually more common among women who are pregnant for the first time and typically goes away within two months after giving birth.

To help manage skin discoloration, make sure to wear sunscreen and use natural products like lemon juice or cucumber.

Additionally, you may also want to see a dermatologist for laser treatments if the discoloration does not disappear on its own.

Urinary Incontinence

During pregnancy, the muscles and ligaments in the pelvic area become weaker and stretched out in order to accommodate the expanding uterus.

This can lead to weakened pelvic floor muscles, which can create issues like urine leakage or urinary incontinence.

While this issue can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, it is not permanent — regular Kegel exercises are a great way to strengthen these muscles in order to help you regain control over your bladder.

Additionally, wearing supportive undergarments and avoiding heavy lifting can also be beneficial when dealing with this type of postpartum change.

Giving birth is an incredible experience that can bring about a variety of physical changes.

With this blog post, we hope to have provided a comprehensive overview of some of the most common types of physical changes women experience after pregnancy — so embrace these beautiful changes and enjoy motherhood!