There is so much information out there relating to pregnancy, delivery, and parenting, however one topic that seems to be universally overlooked are all the changes that happen to a woman’s body postpartum. While many mothers-to-be can tell you what fruit currently corresponds to their growing baby’s size, most do not know about some of the significant changes that will happen to their own body once the baby is born. If you have questions, your pregnancy care clinic in Calgary can help you prepare for these postpartum body changes. In the meantime, here are 4 common changes many women don’t talk about.
1. You May Need to Invest in Some New Shoes
During the last few weeks of your pregnancy, your feet may have swollen to the point that your foot fashion consisted solely of sliders and socks, however don’t get too excited postpartum. Foot swelling will naturally subside within a couple of weeks of giving birth, if it’s uncomfortable you can try elevating your feet, wearing compression socks and reducing your salt and caffeine intact; however, in the end your foot size could be up to a whole size larger. There are a number of theories on why foot size may change during pregnancy, the additional weight and relaxing of ligaments, joints, and tendons can all be contributing factors.
2. Sneezing or Laughing Might Make You Pee
So might jumping, running, or picking up anything heavy – you get the point. For mothers who deliver virginally, and even for some who have a C-section, pelvic floor issues can make you feel like you have lost control of your bladder. Not to worry however, pelvic floors issues are quite common, and there is a whole field of physiotherapy and pelvic health specialists dedicated to tightening up those muscles again. If you have concerns regarding your pelvic floor strength, you can address this, and any other concerns, during your 6 week postpartum checkup at your pregnancy care clinic.
3. Your Hair Could Start Thinning Out
No, it’s not your imagination, there could be more of your hair falling everywhere, clogging the drain, and collecting in the vacuum. Post-pregnancy hair loss is quite common in the first few months after giving birth, as the body’s hormones levels continue to adjust. That’s the bad news. The good news is that for the majority of women, the situation is temporary, with most notice regrowth occurring within 6-12 months. To help in the meantime, you can continue to take your prenatal vitamins, eat healthy, space out your shampoos, and skip the blow dry and curling iron.
If postpartum hair loss is a concern for you, you can talk to the doctors at your pregnancy care clinic; in some cases, excessive hair loss can be a sign of other underlying conditions.
4. You May Witness Your Breasts Go Through Several Letters of the Alphabet
During the last stretch of your pregnancy, you may have noticed your bra size go up a cup size – or two. However the changes are not over yet. Immediately postpartum, your breasts will grow again as they begin producing milk, before shrinking around the 3 month mark as your milk production becomes more regulated. These body changes are all very normal, and it may be a year or more before you settle into your postpartum cup size, which may be the same, bigger, or smaller than your pre-pregnancy size. To avoid amassing a collection of expensive bras in the wrong size, only buy what you really need, at least in the first year. For other breast related issues, like tenderness, sore nipples, and feeding issues, you can always speak to a doctor at your prenatal care clinic in Calgary.