During pregnancy, your body goes through a lot of changes. It worked really hard to keep the baby safe and healthy. After the baby is born, your body goes through a lot of changes again especially during the first 6 weeks postpartum. Some of the changes are painless and others are uncomfortable. You have to know that it will take a while for the body to get to its original size. It took time to gain weight and as a result will take time to lose it. However  eating healthy and staying active will help you lose the baby weight .

 

body after baby

 

Changes your body goes through after pregnancy

 

Uterus : The uterus expands during pregnancy to support the growing baby. After pregnancy it shrinks back to its original size.

 

Swelling :  If you had swelling during pregnancy, it may take a while for it go away after delivery. Lie on your left side or put your feet up.

 

Breast changes :  Your breasts  will swell up too as they fill with milk. This is known as engorgement. This is painful. However once you start breastfeeding , the swelling should go away. If you’re not breastfeeding, it may remain till the breast stops making milk.

 

You should also know that breastfeeding releases the hormone oxytocin. This hormone helps the uterus get back to its original size. It also helps stop bleeding that you experience after child birth. Breastfeeding also burns calories which helps you get back to your pre-pregnancy body.

 

Health changes : You also have to know that  women  may experience some health challenges after child birth. Some of these include

  • hemorrhoids
  • mood swings
  • anxiety
  • baby blues
  • depression
  • hair loss
  • burning during urination or incontinence
  • constipation
  • after birth pains
  • vaginal discharge

You have to know that it is normal for you to feel some discomfort and fatigue after pregnancy. However it could also be a sign  that you need medical help. Know the postpartum warning signs.

 

Content Sources
Your body after baby : first 6 weeks. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/your-body-after-baby-the-first-6-weeks.aspx. Accessed April 21, 2016

Your body after baby. March of Dimes. http://newsmomsneed.marchofdimes.org/?cat=4&paged=17. Accessed April 21, 2016

Get your body back aft pregnancy. WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/get-your-body-back-after-pregnancy. Accessed April 21, 2016

 

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