If you are a new parent and you are expecting a baby, there are many things you should know about postpartum body changes that you should be aware of. Postpartum body changes are very normal and are very easy to cope with. You just need to know what to expect and how to deal with them. This article will give you all the information you need to know so that you can make informed decisions that will help you and your baby get along just right.
Many people believe that the postpartum body changes that they see are only temporary. In most cases they are right. Most people also think of the postpartum time frame as being the few days right after giving birth. However, the truth is that it could take up to a whole year for your body to completely return to its pre-pregnancy state. Some postpartum body changes will only be temporary. (looking at you, that stretch mark!)
Some women experience some big and life changing postpartum changes after they have given birth. They will start to gain weight. This extra weight will not go away in a few months but it will definitely get harder to manage once it does add up. Postpartum weight usually starts right around the first month of pregnancy and continues throughout the nine months of pregnancy.
The hormones that your body is producing will start to fluctuate. Your body isn’t used to the change in levels and is confused. This can cause your postpartum body changes to be more visible than you might have expected.
The last of the postpartum body changes that you must know about are the changes in bowel habits. You have probably heard by now that your body is not used to new food entering it and that you need some time to adjust. The same goes for eliminating waste. You will find that you don’t have the urge to go to the bathroom as often right away after giving birth and this can be very uncomfortable for both you and your new baby.
Hopefully we have given you a little information about postpartum body changes. While they are natural, these changes in the body can be quite traumatic for the new mother. Many women go through this during their pregnancy, but there are others who have no problem shedding the extra weight right away and feeling great. If you are unsure what your normal postpartum body weight should be, you should talk with your doctor about it. This is especially true if you are nursing. Good luck!