What Happens To Your Body After Pregnancy
A woman’s body goes through many changes during pregnancy – and some may come as a surprise.
While it’s natural to focus on the arrival of your new baby, it’s also important to prepare for the changes in your own body. Ash Iovino (@ash_fitmom), a certified personal trainer, mom of three and creator of The FitMom community and app has been part of many women’s postpartum journeys – including the surprises, myths and unrealistic expectations. Here’s what you need to know.
You don’t have to “bounce back”
You may be expecting a flat tummy after birth, but there’s a good chance you’ll have a postpartum bump. “It took nine miraculous months to grow a little human, with your uterus and abdomen having to expand in order to accommodate the growing baby. As a result, a woman can look up to six months pregnant post-birth,” explains Iovino. “Know that this is normal, and don’t have unrealistic expectations about ‘bouncing back.’”
Diastasis recti is normal
“Diastasis recti is when the two muscles that run down the middle of your stomach separate during pregnancy,” explains Iovino. It is not uncommon and doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. “For some women, especially with large babies or multiples, this separation can be permanent and require rehab with a physio. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended.”
You may lose hair
Hormones go into overdrive during and after pregnancy and postpartum hair loss is a thing. “It’s very common but can be a bit of a shock!” says Iovino.
Your body may look different from now on – and that’s okay
Even once the bump subsides, you will likely still have stretch marks and excess skin. Your hips, which widen during pregnancy to accommodate your growing baby, may remain slightly wider and your feet may go up a size. You may also find that your breasts grow during breastfeeding and then shrink to smaller than their pre-baby size afterwards. This “new” body may take some getting used to. Iovino recommends these strategies to her clients:
1. Instead of trying to “bounce back”, rather focus on “bouncing forward”.
2. Focus on everything your body has done and is doing for you and your baby.
3. Aim for body neutrality over body positivity – your body is neither good nor bad, just different.
4. Don’t force yourself into your pre-pregnancy clothes.
5. Get rid of the scale or at least put it out of sight.
Ease into exercise
Even if you were fit before, don’t expect to jump right in where you left off. It will take at least six weeks before you get medical clearance to exercise, but it may be longer. Once you’ve been cleared, start by strengthening your pelvic floor, recommends Iovino. And remember: “Slow, steady and with self-love. Your body has been through a lot. Be gentle and have compassion. With patience and consistency, you will slowly make progress.”
IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com