You read all the books and you were completely prepared to give birth. What was unexpected was what came next. Feel like your body is falling apart? You’re not alone. Perhaps people don’t like to scare new mothers but when you don’t know what to expect post-birth it can be quite unnerving. Below are some common symptoms women have experienced. For more health articles be sure to check out Authority Health, a website that provides honest and informative articles about relevant wellness topics.
4 Ways Your Body Reacts After You Give Birth
Keep in mind that not everyone will have all of these symptoms. Also remember, you will get back to yourself again. Be kind to yourself and give yourself time to recover.
1. Bye-bye Pelvic Floor
If sneezing or laughing has you wetting your pants, your pelvic floor muscles are not doing their job properly. This is a normal occurrence, which just means that your pelvic floor muscles need strengthening. Here are ways to help them:
- Kegel exercises – These are the muscles you use if you would try and stop your urine midstream. Kegels, unlike other exercises, can be done almost anywhere.
- Biofeedback – Isolating the muscles you need can be tricky at first. With biofeedback, you can pinpoint the exact muscles which need strengthening.
- Surgery – Severe cases, often after many births, will require surgery. Even though it seems daunting, it is a common surgery which many people benefit from.
2. Painful Hemorrhoids
Your doctor or midwife likely told you not to push too hard during labor, or else you’d get hemorrhoids. Unfortunately, it can be hard to control, especially during a first labor. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum. They can be internal (inside the rectum) or external (around the anus). Sitting still or going to the bathroom can see like agony. Fortunately there are things you can do to help:
- Eat a healthy diet full of fiber-rich foods – This will ease digestion and aid bowel movements as they exit your body.
- Drink, drink, drink! – Making sure you take in enough water will ensure your stool stays soft.
- Take a natural supplement – This will help repair the damaged veins and get blood flowing normally. Check which one your doctor recommends for nursing women
- Topical soothing cream – For immediate relief, purchase an over-the-counter cream, again, as per your doctor’s advice.
3. Disappointing Hair Loss
After experiencing long, luxurious locks during pregnancy, many women find their hair starts looking dull and falls out at rapid rates after they give birth. This can be attributed to changing hormone levels.
4. Horrible Night Sweats
New moms feel sweatier than normal, especially at night. One study, which analyzed postpartum symptoms for 5 weeks post-birth, found that women who breastfed had a higher occurrence of hot flashes than those who did not.
Totally Worth It
Even if this list seems overwhelming, moms everywhere will tell you that it’s totally worth it. These symptoms will fade but your love for your baby will last forever.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
