Postpartum Body Changes in Women

Childbirth is a special event experienced by a woman. Behind that, it is not uncommon for women to be surprised by the changes that occur in their bodies after giving birth. During childbirth, the body carries out a series of processes that will drain energy. After the process is complete, the body will begin to adjust to recovery. However, do not be surprised if you then feel something unusual.

Recognize Possible Changes

Most women who give birth for the first time don't expect to have to face many different things on their bodies. The following are some changes to parts of the body that might be experienced:

• Vagina & urinary tract

After giving birth, you may feel changes such as a stretched and more sensitive vagina. In addition, your intimate parts will begin to ooze, which is made up mostly of blood for several weeks. If you don't breastfeed, your menstrual schedule will return to normal around 7-9 weeks after giving birth. But if you breastfeed, it's normal if you won't get your period for the next few months. What is also often complained of is the difficulty holding urination (BAK) after childbirth or post-partum incontinence. This happens because labor weakens the pelvic floor muscles, so the bladder becomes overactive. To help strengthen the pelvic muscles down, you can do Kegel exercises. Avoid excessive exercise movements and especially lifting heavy weights. About 3-4 weeks after giving birth, you can resume sexual relations. But if you breastfeed, there is a possibility that the vagina feels dry, making you less comfortable. If necessary, use vaginal lubricants that can help penetration when you have intercourse.

• Stomach

Not infrequently women who think, the stomach will soon return to normal size after giving birth. Right, but it will take time. It takes around 1.5-2 months before the uterus returns to size before pregnancy. If around your stomach arises stretch marks are reddish, then after giving birth the color will change color and tend to look shiny. Furthermore, the more faint and blends with the color of your skin, although it does not really disappear. Try to eat a healthy diet and exercise that focuses on the stomach, such as crunches. Certain yoga movements can help the stomach back to normal. Previously, consult with your doctor to find out the recommended eating patterns and exercise movements.

• Breast

Your breasts will likely look red, swollen, painful and full of milk about 1-2 days after giving birth. On 3-4 days, after swelling is reduced, the breasts will appear to relax. Your breasts will also produce a lot of milk over the next few weeks, so most women experience leaks in the clothes they wear. The simple way to overcome this is by breastfeeding. If you are not breastfeeding, milk it but don't empty it. This is because naturally when the breasts are empty, the body will produce again. In addition, you can attach cold compress pads. If the pain continues for several days, ask your doctor. It could be that it is a symptom of an illness, such as a breast infection. Many expect to have large breasts after giving birth and breastfeeding. In fact, it is not uncommon to experience sagging breasts and appear smaller after giving birth and breastfeeding.

• Legs

Swollen feet or varicose veins, commonly experienced by those who have just given birth. Actually this condition is very likely to have occurred since pregnancy. Routine walking can help reduce leg swelling, especially if accompanied by weight loss after childbirth. Although walking routine cannot completely eliminate varicose veins, it can at least reduce the size of varicose veins.

• Hair

Hair will experience about 100 strands of hair loss per day under normal conditions, but not so in pregnant women. Most pregnant women will feel thicker and radiant hair. Unfortunately after giving birth, the condition of the hair will return to normal. The body will naturally release the excess strands of hair obtained during pregnancy. This is due to a decrease in estrogen levels back to normal levels after giving birth. Don't worry, this usually happens only about 3-4 months after giving birth and the hair will return to normal within a period of 6-12 months.

• Skin

Some pregnant women experience skin discoloration around the eyes or grow more acne than usual. After giving birth, the dark color or zits will immediately decrease. However, there are some women who experience a red rash around the mouth and cheeks, or very dry skin. This condition will usually disappear within a few weeks.

The Importance of Conducting a Post-Birth Examination

Having a newborn baby will say you spend most of your time, but don't miss the post-natal check-up schedule to see a doctor. Examination is usually done about 6-8 weeks after giving birth. At the time of examination, you can ask your doctor for advice on various things, ranging from physical complaints to emotions. The process of giving birth will change a woman's body. By implementing a healthy diet and moderate exercise, it is hoped that it can accelerate the postpartum recovery process. But if you feel something is disturbing, consult your doctor as soon as possible to get the right treatment.