We generally assume that the physical changes in a woman happen only during pregnancy and that lasts once you give birth. But, there are changes that come after delivery too and often they are a surprise! After I gave birth to my first child I was not expecting many of these changes. My tummy roll is yet to go three years down the line, and my hairline is at it worse! A friend saw a change in her foot size and was devastated when her entire footwear collection was a waste even after giving birth. Here are changes every woman commonly faces after delivery:
Vaginal Pain
I have heard from many friends that they feel their vagina has stretched out after delivery and yes, it’s true. A vaginal birth obviously stretches it out but breastfeeding after pregnancy also leads to dryness in the vagina and makes you feel uncomfortable. A water-soluble lubricant is helpful at this time. If you had an episiotomy, using cold packs can help right after the delivery to relieve vaginal pain. Also, kergels is a great exercise to get back the shape.
Breast Changes
Breast changes when milk starts flowing in. Post-delivery swollen breasts, milk leakage and sagging breast after you stop feeding are common. Also, post the swelling stretch marks are pretty common.
Hair Loss
During pregnancy, we all have had the best hair days of our lives but as hormones change post-baby, you may find hair fall common. Although the hair returns to the normal growth cycle, till six months women complain of losing hairs continuously.
Belly Bulge
It takes about six to eight weeks before the uterus is back to its pre-pregnancy size, thus it is not so easy to return back to the normal belly size as before. Also if you have a caesarian the slight tummy roll might stay if you don’t exercise often.
Urinary Inconsistency
While most women have good control over their bladders after a year of delivery, many still face problems when they pee. It is said that those who delivered slightly heavier babies vaginally, may face this issue of urinary inconsistency.
Wider Hips
It is been heard from many that their hips got wider after pregnancy, but it is their pelvis bone structure that changed. It is medically proven that when the baby goes through the birth canal, it changes the bone structure thus making the hips broader.
Bigger Feet
It is normal for a woman’s feet to swell up during pregnancy, but sometimes they don’t go back to the normal feet size!
