Parenting
How Does Your Body Change After Pregnancy?
April 22, 2021
The changes your body makes during pregnancy are quite obvious. Some of them go away once your baby is born, others remain even after baby is born, and some changes occur only pospartum. Here are some permanent body changes after pregnancy that you may experience.
Skin
Many women report changes to their skin one way or the other. Some women with dry skin report that after pregnancy their skin tended to be naturally more oily. Some women with oily skin noticed that after pregnancy their skin tended to dry out quicker. Changes in hormones may play a part in this, and as your hormones balance back out after pregnancy your skin may return to normal.
Hair
A change that may be more permanent is the effect of pregnancy on your hair. While many women report thicker hair during pregnancy, many report that it falls out during the postpartum period. Similarly, many women also notice that it gets darker after pregnancy.
Breasts
A woman’s breasts go through many changes during pregnancy, and perhaps even more after pregnancy. Although breasts get bigger during pregnancy and when breastfeeding, they can often shrink back to normal or even smaller than before pregnancy once you finish breastfeeding. Some women notice a change in sensitivity in their nipples after pregnancy. An interesting phenomenon that some women who breastfed experience is often referred to as a “phantom letdown,” which is a tingling feeling indicating milk is about to flow.
Stretch marks
Although stretch marks appear during pregnancy, they can develop on your breasts after pregnancy as well. In addition to your stomach, you may notice stretch marks on your arms, legs, back, and butt. They often fade with time to some degree, but are never something to be ashamed of. People of all ages, sizes, and sexes can develop stretch marks during times of rapid growth. During pregnancy they are is simply a side effect of the incredible work your body is doing to nourish your baby.
Please remember that everyone’s body is always changing. Aging, illnesses, diet, weather, stress, etc. all change our body, so the body changes that come with pregnancy are nothing to worry about or be ashamed of. Embrace pregnancy and the changes it makes on your body as another amazing event that shapes the experience of your life.
Did your body experience any of these or other changes after your baby was born?Author Bio
Angela Silva
Angela graduated with her B.S. in Exercise and Wellness and is a NASM certified personal trainer who specializes in postpartum fitness and recovery. She enjoys writing, cracking jokes, and spending time with her family, preferably while fishing. She shares many of her life adventures on Instagram as @angelagrams
