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The Top 10 Surprising Changes After Pregnancy
by Lily Thompson
Updated: Sep. 6, 2018
Originally Published: March 26, 2011
While many are aware that pregnancy brings about all sorts of odd and unexpected changes—like “WHERE DID THAT RANDOM NIPPLE HAIR COME FROM?”—the post-baby body is often left unmentioned, aside from those glossy magazine covers showing airbrushed celebrity moms in bikinis and the headline: “HOW I GOT MY BODY BACK!”
Let’s dive into the peculiar transformations that can happen after you welcome your little one into the world. Here are ten surprises you might encounter:
- If you’re breastfeeding, your lady parts might start resembling the Sahara Desert. And no, I’m not referring to any critters setting up camp down there—thankfully, that’s not common.
- That dark line down your belly, known as the linea nigra, will eventually fade, but it might linger for a few months post-pregnancy. On the bright side, think of it as a slimming vertical stripe!
- Postnatal bleeding can hang around for weeks—sometimes six to eight weeks—so hold off on those white jeans for a while. Tampons? A big no-no!
- Getting back to intimacy after childbirth can be quite the adventure—often painful for up to a year! Personally, it took me nine months to feel comfortable again after my first baby. So, take it slow, or as your partner might suggest, practice your convincing “O-face” in the mirror.
- Urinary tract infections post-pregnancy aren’t uncommon, courtesy of that pesky urinary catheter you might have had.
- Speaking of bathroom visits, be prepared for a nurse to accompany you to the loo in the hospital, just to help with the whole peeing process. Say goodbye to any remaining pride!
- That beautiful hair you cherished during pregnancy? Get ready for it to shed, leaving you with some wild and crazy strands around your face. Fabulous, right?
- Your feet might grow—permanently. Just what you need when you already own a pair of gigantic size 9 shoes! Ahem Not that I’d know anything about that…
- After my first baby, I was shocked to discover my breasts could leak—sometimes dramatically—just from thinking or talking about my little one. This led to an awkward moment with the male barista at Starbucks while we discussed our kids—yikes!
- The effects of post-pregnancy hormones are often underestimated. The moment your baby is born, those hormone levels plummet, thanks to the expulsion of the placenta (yum!). This sudden change can lead to wild mood swings and even the urge to dye your hair a shocking clown red—ahem not that I’d have any experience with that or cried for four days after making such a choice. But let me tell you, restore your hair to its pre-baby glory as soon as you can—trust me, it’s worth it!
For more insights into the journey of pregnancy and the changes that come with it, check out this other blog post on home insemination. If you’re exploring options for starting a family, Make a Mom has some great resources too. And for an excellent guide on fertility treatments, don’t forget to visit March of Dimes.
Summary:
Post-pregnancy can bring unexpected changes, from hormonal shifts to physical surprises. Understanding these transformations can help new parents prepare for the journey ahead.