8 Physical Changes That Will Happen After Childbirth

Have you ever worried about the physical changes that will occur after giving birth? I think every woman has thought about it. Whether it's a broadened body shape or changed skin. But, you don't need to worry ladies, physical changes after childbirth are normal. That's the process that women will go through before returning to normal physical condition.

Well, here are the physical changes after giving birth that you need to know, Ladies.

1. More hair loss

There's no need to panic. More hair loss in the first few months after giving birth is normal. This often happens to all mothers, in contrast to pregnancy, which increases the hormone estrogen so that hair looks thicker. In contrast, post-partum estrogen levels decrease.

About 5 months after giving birth, hair will fall out more when you comb it, especially for those of you who have long hair. The dramatic rate of change in hair loss in women varies. But if the hair loss is excessive, you should consult a doctor because hair loss can be post-pregnancy thyroiditis or a symptom of anaemia.

2. Slightly dilated vaginal changes

Normal childbirth certainly causes the vagina to be wider than before. Especially after childbirth which even makes the vagina swollen or bruised. But don't worry, ladies, because, in a few days, your swollen vagina will gradually shrink and tighten again. Within a few weeks, the vagina is almost back to normal.

You can do Kegel exercises regularly so that the vaginal condition can come back tighter like before you gave birth.

3. Enlarged breast size and then sagging

In pregnant women, breast size is usually larger in preparation for the postpartum period of breastfeeding. But some women have the same breast size as before pregnancy.

As the duration of breastfeeding, your breasts will return to deflate. In fact, in some women, losing fat under the skin can cause sagging breast tissue. Well, maybe this is the right time for you to wear a push-up bra.

4. More bent back and shoulders

Breastfeeding and holding a baby in your arms certainly requires a focus on the front of the body. Most new mothers even experience back pain. If this bending position is done long-term, your posture will be bad.

Well, if you are breastfeeding while sitting, you can overcome it with the right-back support, for example, using some pillows. You can also choose a baby carrier that has support on the back. Calm down, Ladies. Yoga or regular exercise can help normalize your posture!

5. Bigger foot size

Swollen feet in pregnant women are quite common. With the bigger belly, it makes sense to be supported by the enlarged legs. When this happens, you may need to buy sandals that are a size up one digit.

Enlarged feet will return to normal size about 6 months or even a year after pregnancy. Swelling in the legs will disappear as the body eliminates excess water during pregnancy.

6. Changes in the skin of the body

Every woman's skin changes differently. There are those whose skin is smooth during pregnancy, but then spots appear on several parts of their bodies after giving birth. Conversely, during pregnancy, acne on the back or face suddenly smooth afterwards. All of this is triggered by hormonal changes.

The level of stress and fatigue as a new mother also affects skin changes, you know! Maybe the skin problem that you often hear is stretch marks. The white lines that interfere with the appearance on the skin of the abdomen, legs, and breasts are indeed vulnerable to women giving birth. You can restore the beauty of your skin with special treatments regularly.

7. The weight of the uterus shrinks

Did you know that when you are nearing the time of delivery, the weight of the uterus is 15 times greater than before you were pregnant? Just minutes after delivery, the contractions that expel the baby and the placenta make the uterus shrink into a fist.

After a week, the weight of the uterus is reduced by half. Within two weeks, the uterus, which is completely close to the pelvis, weighs approximately 11 ounces. After four weeks, the weight of the uterus back close to its pre-pregnancy weight, which is about 3.5 ounces.

8. Sweat more

After giving birth, you will sweat more in the next few months. No need to be surprised. This is a normal process because your body is working to expel the water stored at 40 weeks of pregnancy. Especially if you are breastfeeding, this process also makes it easier to sweat.

Keep drinking regularly, don't reduce your fluid intake to reduce sweating. This is a wrong concept and can be dangerous for breastfeeding mothers.

Those are a series of physical changes that women will experience after giving birth. All of these changes do take time and a process to return to their original state. Just enjoy it because the birth of a baby is much more valuable. Ladies, rest assured everything will be fine.