5 Things That Happen To Your Body Post-Pregnancy

Pregnancy, is the phase when women body changes completely. Although the pregnancy is over and you've got the gift of a living, breathing miracle in your arms, the challenges are just beginning. As your body starts to recover and adjust to its new role, many things happen to your body. During the first few weeks, you will spend most of your time feeding, diapering and comforting your baby. You naturally develop an emotional bond with your child.

1. Baby Blues

Postpartum blues, also referred to as "baby blues" is a common problem in almost 60 to 80 percent women. It is a mild and temporary form of depression with symptoms like mood swings, lethargy, feelings of loss, frustration, irritability, unexplained weeping, and insomnia.

2. Pain

With all the pushing and contortions of labor, it is very natural to feel washed out, tired and even painful. Pain can be felt in the ribs, abdomen and back as well as near your private parts. To relieve pain and soreness:

- Lie down as much as you can, so that the pressure is taken off your bottom.
- Put a cold compress on your perineum to reduce pain.
- Rest whenever you feel the need, and give your body time to heal.
- Continue having a warm bath daily for at least a month.
- Start doing pelvic floor exercises as soon as possible.

3. Breast Pain

Initially after childbirth, the breasts are soft as they contain a little colostrum, the rich, creamy first milk full of antibodies that help protect your baby from infection. However, after a few days as the breasts start making milk, they may feel hot, swollen and tender.

4. Dryness

Vaginal dryness can give any woman a difficult time, but bear in mind that it will gradually resolve on its own, after a few months. Vaginal dryness mainly occurs due to ongoing changes in the hormone levels during and after pregnancy. Once the hormonal balance is regained, the problem of vaginal dryness reduces and disappears.

5. Bleeding

After delivery, many women suffer from seemingly never-ending bloody discharge from the vagina. This vaginal blood with small clots is called lochia. This problem is common, whether you gave birth vaginally or by caesarean.