Post Pregnancy: How to Properly Care for Your New Body
Childbirth is one of the most awe-inspiring experiences you will ever have in your life. While there is plenty of joy and excitement in bringing home a new bundle of joy, the physical changes in your body may come as a bit of a shock. Fortunately, some time and effort is often all it takes for things to go back to normal.
Swollen Tummy
Many first-time mothers expect their baby belly to go away immediately after giving birth. However, regardless of whether you delivered vaginally or via C-section, this takes time. Of course, your tummy will shrink somewhat after the birth of the baby, but it is important to remember that your uterus does not immediately shrink to its pre-pregnancy size, or about the size of your fist. It can take six to eight weeks for this to happen.
Larger Feet
It is common for your feet to swell during pregnancy, but you might not expect a permanent change in shoe size. On average, you should gain somewhere between 25 and 35 pounds during pregnancy. All of that weight puts pressure on your feet, which flattens your arches. This is a permanent change for many women, and you might find that you need a shoe that is a half size, or even a full size larger than before your pregnancy in order to be comfortable.
Varicose Veins
Your extra weight also puts pressure on the largest vein in your body, known as the vena cava, which in turn puts pressure on all of the veins in your legs. Varicose veins are twisted veins that are clearly visible through the surface of the skin, and while they are not necessarily dangerous, they are unsightly. In many cases, they go away on their own after pregnancy. If they do not, an Ivein vein center can shrink varicose veins using minimally invasive procedures. Go to a reputable clinic for a full Utah Vein disease evaluation.
Breast Changes
During pregnancy, it is likely that you gained a cup size (or more). What’s more, after giving birth, your breasts grow even more as they fill with milk. As long as you are breastfeeding, you can continue to enjoy these new “perks”. However, once you stop, you may permanently lose a cup size. Your breasts may also sag, despite your best efforts to support them during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Your body undergoes many changes during and after pregnancy, but the good news is hormones are responsible for most of these changes, and they will level themselves out over time. You should view permanent body changes, such as stretch marks and a bosom with less voluptuousness, with pride, rather than with disdain. After all, your body created a baby – and that is an impressive feat. Take care of yourself and remember to look at the positives.
About The Author
“Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.”
