Once upon a time, I carried a tiny human for 40 wonderful weeks. She squirmed and kicked within me, yet no one ever told me I’d experience uncontrollable shaking after her arrival, along with other bizarre bodily changes.
Most expectant mothers do plenty of research on pregnancy—taking prenatal vitamins, scheduling checkups, and eating nutritious foods. We place our trust in healthcare professionals for what comes next, and we often rely on advice from friends and family. However, no one prepared me for the oddities I’d encounter during my hospital stay.
Here are some of the unexpected and peculiar experiences your body may go through after giving birth, along with what to expect during your hospital stay.
1. You Will Experience Uncontrollable Shaking
The moment you finally meet your baby, excitement will fill the air, but you might find yourself shaking, laughing, and crying all at once. Unfortunately, the shaking can persist for hours, leaving you unable to speak coherently for a while. As my teeth chattered uncontrollably, the medical staff shrugged it off, stating that it’s a “normal” reaction. Hormonal fluctuations, fluid shifts, and even the effects of anesthesia can cause this, but don’t worry; it’s just part of the experience.
2. Stock Up on Snacks
Giving birth is some of the hardest work you’ll ever do, yet many hospitals don’t allow you to eat during labor. It’s a long time to survive on ice chips alone. Once your baby is born, you’ll want to have snacks on hand to reward yourself. Pack your hospital bag with a variety of treats, like healthy dark chocolate almonds or easy-to-eat bananas. Trust me, you’ll want those snacks after the hard work you’ve just completed.
3. The Aftermath of Childbirth
One of the strangest surprises was the “fallout” from my vagina post-delivery. Yes, it’s true—bits and pieces of your body may feel like they’re falling apart after birth. This is a cruel joke that nature plays on us, as you can expect ongoing bleeding for several weeks. Thankfully, the hospital provides you with some rather extravagant “undergarments” that make those uncomfortable postpartum days a bit more manageable.
4. Peeing Becomes a Challenge
Remember the excitement of taking a pregnancy test? The experience after delivery is a whole different ballgame. Postpartum peeing involves using a squirt bottle while navigating your swollen feet to the restroom, making you feel like a zombie. You’ll want to fill that squirt bottle with warm water and brace yourself for some hilarious and messy moments as you handle the situation.
5. Face Breakouts
While many experience skin changes during pregnancy, no one warns you about the acne that can follow childbirth. The hormonal shifts can lead to breakouts reminiscent of your teenage years—think volcanic eruptions on your face, not the delicious slice of pizza. If only I could have had a pizza instead!
In conclusion, my postpartum hospital stay was a whirlwind of uncontrollable shaking, “lady bits” surprises, and unexpected breakouts. It was all worth it for the joy of my little one, but be prepared for the wild ride that is postpartum recovery.
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