We hear a lot about what a woman’s body goes through during pregnancy, but there’s not much talk about what happens to our bodies after childbirth. Of course, every woman’s experience is different.
We want to talk about some changes you may or may not expect to experience with your new postpartum body. Again, every pregnancy and recovery experience is different, so this is just a general overview of common experiences. Feel free to share your own experiences in the comments section.
Our Abs Might Never Be the Same
Some changes can’t be completely reversed. For example, diastasis recti is common during pregnancy and causes the abdominal muscles to separate. This can result in what’s often called a “mummy tummy” or “pooch.” In plain terms, it’s a bit of flab.
While some techniques and exercises can help with this postpartum body issue, it will never fully return to normal. Learn to love your new body—your baby certainly does!
The Postpartum Bladder Can Have a Mind of Its Own
Pregnant women pee a lot; it’s normal. However, after pregnancy, many moms learn about “stress incontinence,” which is when a small amount of urine leaks out when we run, do jumping jacks, laugh, sneeze, or cough.
While some exercises and techniques can help strengthen the bladder and surrounding muscles, leaks will still occur for a while.
Body Art & Modifications
That cute little butterfly tattoo or belly button piercing that once looked amazing and somewhat natural can change shape during pregnancy. In some cases, as our bodies stretch, expand, and grow, our tattoos can appear stretched out, and piercings may seem to sag more than they should.
Tears Happen
It is quite common for women to experience tearing during vaginal childbirth. While vaginal tearing is common, there are cases where the tear is more severe than others. Stitching the tear closed can result in painful or uncomfortable scar tissue and alter the shape of the vaginal opening.
Menstrual Cycles Can Vary
You may have been familiar with and understood your body’s natural rhythms before pregnancy, but pregnancy and childbirth can change things. Some women experience severe menstrual periods once they become mothers. They may experience heavy bleeding, clotting, cramping, and a whole new level of PMS symptoms to deal with.
A woman’s body undergoes many changes; while some changes are visible to the eye, others take place far from view. Some mothers find it difficult to lose the last bit of pregnancy weight, while others struggle to maintain their weight.
Stretch marks will appear, your skin may sag in places where it never did before, and your abdominal muscles may never look as toned as they once did. All we can do is take the best possible care of our bodies and remember that our bodies grew and nurtured a living being for nine months. This is one of the most physically demanding, intense, and stressful times our bodies go through until our beautiful baby is welcomed into the world.
We shouldn’t expect to be any other kind of perfect than the perfection we already are.
