Bigger boobs, mood swings, larger feet, hair loss, discomfort and more – this is what happens after childbirth. A guide on what to expect the day after birthing.
Hold off on the skinny jeans
You will still look quite pregnant for a number of weeks following childbirth. Eating a balanced diet, exercising, and breastfeeding are great ways to reduce the extra bulge.
Exhaustion
After the fatigue that follows the act of giving birth, you will also be accompanied by baby cries and sleepless nights. You may be so tired at times that you cannot formulate coherent sentences. To get through the exhaustion, try to catch up on sleep whenever the baby is asleep, eat well, don’t hesitate to accept help, and ask your partner share in the baby caring duties.
Aches and Pains
Cramping: You may also experience cramping, back pain, and even some contractions. Usually anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen is enough to ward off the pain. If you gave birth by a Caesarean Section, your pain may require a stronger pain-killer and will likely take longer to subside.
Sore nipples: the first days of breastfeeding can be pretty painful. Not all babies and moms master the art at first and even if they do, cracked nipples and sore breasts may indeed be something you experience.
Tricky bladder
Leaking urine when laughing, coughing, or sneezing, is quite common after pregnancy. This problem can best be managed by doing pelvic exercises and will normally goes away by itself.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are very common after childbirth. They normally disappear after a few days. Bowel movements can be made easier by eating lots of vegetables, fruit, whole grain products, and by drinking plenty of water.
Lochia
Sweating
No, you are not experiencing menopause! As a new mom, you may experience hot and cold flashes accompanied by sweating, especially in the first hours after labor. This is your body’s way to adjust to new levels of hormones and blood after your delivery. The heavy sweating will usually clear up quickly
Swelling of the limbs
Swelling can occur in your hands, face, legs, and feet and is caused by hormonal changes after labor. The swelling should usually resolve on its own. If it’s in the feet or legs, just prop up a pillow. If swelling seems to be greater on one side of the body or if you experience pain, contact your physician.
Stretch marks
Oh the infamous stretch marks! Don’t fret, what appear to be intense stretch mark will normally fade over time. The best solution for stretch marks is to follow a healthy diet and exercise during the time you are pregnant.
Breast changes
When it comes to boobs, you probably know what happens after childbirth. They become enormous and begin producing milk! You can help ease breast tenderness during this time by wearing a firm bra. Your breast size will gradually become smaller as you continue to breastfeed.
Hair loss
During pregnancy, the higher estrogen levels which kept your hair from falling out at its normal rate. However, after childbirth, your estrogen level, leading to hair loss as your hair returns to its normal pre-pregnancy state. Hair loss is usually temporary and occurs 1-5 months after childbirth.
Sex
Sex after childbirth may be tricky. You will be advised not to have sex in the first six weeks after childbirth. You may also experience pain during sex up to a year after pregnancy. Your sex drive may plummet, as you struggle to catch up on sleep, lose weight, and take care of the baby. This is just a phase, your mojo will probably return. Once it odes, if sex is still painful, try using lube or consulting with your doctor.
Emotional changes
The arrival of your baby will certainly change your lifestyle and may affect your emotions. Suddenly, you will have little time to yourself, you may still be in physical discomfort, you are more prone to mood swings, and you may feel anxious and overwhelmed at times. You may even be hit by the post-partum blues. If you feel depressed, speak to a friend or seek help in the form of professional treatment. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
