Common Post Pregnancy Body Changes

Postnatal

oi-Anjana

By Anjana Ns

Monday, February 20, 2012, 9:03

Even after childbirth, your body requires some time to get back to shape. You may not believe but the uterus before the labor would be 15 times heavier than the normal. During postpartum, the placenta detaches from the uterine wall and leads to contractions, the blood vessels in the area are to seal and the uterus is getting back to position. This leads to cramps also called after pains. Ideally the uterus takes atleast 4 weeks to get to the pre pregnancy orientation.

You will now require some post pregnancy exercises to get your belly back to shape. Although there is significant reduction in weight post delivery, the stretched belly requires some tone up exercises to get tucked to the original.

All the extra water and fat that were retained by the cells during pregnancy will gradually come out along with the extra blood. Which is why you feel like urinating more frequently than ever. Your perspiration levels also go up.

There are chances of the mother not feeling the urge of urinating and that because the bladder would have got less sensitive to vacuum assisted vaginal delivery. But you need to urinate frequently even if there isn't an urge.

Your vagina is too stretched and may also be swollen or bruised. The swelling may heal and become small so kegel exercises will help you to attain this successfully. The lubrication in vagina might also go down as the estrogen levels in the body are low (even breastfeeding may lead to low levels of the hormone). The vaginal discharge called “Lochia" is more watery and pinkish.

During post pregnancy, breastfeeding can lead to abdominal cramps and swelling. Your breasts may get swollen, tender, harder and heavy. This can also be referred to breast engorgement. The more you plan to breastfeed, the better it is for burning fat.

Mood swings are common post pregnancy symptoms. There are chances of sleeplessness and may lead to post partum depression. Hair loss and skin problems such as dark patches are common during this time.