Pregnancy is a fantastic period when another amazing life is growing inside you. Many changes happen during this time, so the body can adapt to the significant change. Once the period is over and you have welcomed your bundle of joy, there are also other changes you will expect as the body is feeling different and going back to its initial form before pregnancy. Therefore, the changes you experience during pregnancy will not go away abruptly after giving birth. They take time, and even additional ones may come. It is crucial to understand your postpartum body so you can cope with the huge changes in your body. Here are seven body changes you might experience after pregnancy.

1. Enlarged Breasts

After pregnancy, your breasts will be sore, swollen, and puffed with milk for several days, after which the swelling will decrease. They may also leak due to excess milk, whether you breastfeed or not. Once you stop breastfeeding, the breasts shrink and might sag due to the stretched skin.

2. Hair Loss

Your hair is fuller and shinier, thanks to the hormone influx. However, once you give birth, your hair will return to its usual thickness and color, resulting in hair loss. Hair loss will peak during the third and fourth months postpartum and plateau within 12 months.

3. Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are common during and after pregnancy because of the rapid expansion and shrinking of the skin. Mainly, you will experience stretch marks on the belly as it expands to accommodate the growing baby. After pregnancy, the stretch marks may fade or become less noticeable. A great solution to prevent stretch marks during and after pregnancy is using a product like Mama stretch mark cream. They are made from natural ingredients that contain stretch marks and support the skin as it stretches.

4. Back Pain

Back pain is another postpartum change you will experience in your body. It happens because your body is weak, and there is extra weight on the muscles. You may also experience back pain due to the heavyweight during pregnancy. So, be mindful of your posture, exercise, and see a therapist if the pain does not disappear six weeks after delivery.

5. Vaginal Discharge

Lochia is a postpartum vaginal discharge that is a mixture of blood, mucus, and tissue from your uterus. Sometimes the flow is heavier than your period, but the good thing is that it goes down with time. Tampons and other menstrual products may not support the flow. Therefore, you will need to buy heavy-duty sanitary pads.

6. Stomach Pooch

Even if you are not carrying the baby in the stomach, your uterus will still be enlarged for some time before it returns to its standard size. Therefore, expect a stomach pooch to return to its usual size within six to eight weeks.

7. Skin Condition

During pregnancy, you may develop the mask of pregnancy or melisma that causes gray or brown spots on the face. However, there is nothing to worry about because the condition will resolve within a year after delivery. If the situation does not dissipate after this period, it is advisable to see a dermatologist for treatment.

Embracing Postpartum Body Changes

These are some of the changes you might experience after delivery. It is essential to embrace your body every step of the way and give yourself time to heal. Your body has gone through trauma and working hard to restore itself. So, accepting the changes and using remedies will be necessary.