The most common physiological changes that take place during the postpartum period includes changes in the breast, hormones, pulse and blood pressure, sleep, etc.
After nine months of carrying a baby and then hours of labor, you finally get to meet your little one. As you hold your child for the first time, many different emotions run through your mind and body. You are probably feeling tired, elated, and overwhelmed all at the same time.
The postpartum period is a time of great change for both mothers and babies. But what about the physical changes that occur after childbirth? Here we will discuss the most common physiological changes that take place in the postpartum period.
Common physiological changes
Breast changes
One of the first things you may notice is that your breasts are larger and heavier than they were before you got pregnant. This is due to an increase in milk production. You may also notice that your nipples are darker and more prominent. These changes are all normal and will help you to be able to breastfeed your baby.
Hormone changes
After you give birth, your hormone levels will start to decrease. This can cause some mood swings and make you feel more emotional than usual. It is important to talk to your partner or a close friend about how you are feeling during this time.
Sleep changes
You may find that you are not getting as much sleep as you did before you had your baby. This is because you are now caring for a baby who needs to be fed every few hours. Try to take naps when your baby is sleeping and ask for help from your partner or family members when you can.
Pulse and blood pressure changes
Your pulse and blood pressure will return to their pre-pregnancy levels within a few days after you give birth.
Body temperature changes
You may find that you are sweating more than usual. This is because your body is trying to regulate its temperature after the strenuous activity of childbirth. On the third day, there may be a slight rise in temperature due to breast engorge, which is normal.
Vaginal changes
After you give birth, your vagina will be larger and more open than it was before. This is due to the stretching that occurred during childbirth. You may also have some vaginal discharge, which is normal. The amount and color of your discharge will change over time.
Perineal changes
The perineum is the area between the vaginal opening and the anus. This area may be sore and swollen after you give birth. You may also have some bruising and tearing. These changes are all normal and will heal over time.
Weight loss
In addition to weight loss as a result of the expulsion of the uterine contents, a further loss of about 2 kg occurs due to diuresis.
By six weeks postpartum, most women have returned to their pre-pregnancy weight. However, it is important to remember that it took nine months to gain weight, and it may take some time to lose it. Be patient with your body and give yourself time to heal.
Urinary tract changes
You may find that you are urinating more frequently than before you had your baby. This is because your uterus is pressing on your bladder. You may also have some urinary incontinence, which is normal. This will improve over time as your pelvic floor muscles strengthen.
Bowel changes
The hormones released during childbirth can cause your bowel movements to be irregular. You may also have some hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the anal area. These changes are all normal and will improve over time.
Blood values changes
During pregnancy, the level of hemoglobin in your blood decreases. This is because your body is making more blood to support your growing baby. After you give birth, your hemoglobin levels will return to their pre-pregnancy levels.
There is a slight decrease in blood volume due to dehydration and blood loss during delivery. By six weeks postpartum, your blood volume will have returned to its pre-pregnancy levels.
Water retention
During pregnancy, your body retains more water than usual. This is because your body is preparing for childbirth and breastfeeding. After you give birth, your body will start to get rid of the extra water. You may notice that you are urinating more frequently and that your shoes feel looser.
Skin changes
During pregnancy, your skin stretches to accommodate your growing baby. After you give birth, your skin will start to shrink back to its pre-pregnancy size. You may notice some normal stretch marks. These will fade over time.
Hair changes
During pregnancy, your hair may become thicker and shinier. After you give birth, your hair may start to fall out. This is normal and will stop within a few months.
Menstruation and ovulation
You will not ovulate or menstruate for the first six to eight weeks after you give birth. When you do start to ovulate again, you may find that your menstrual cycles are irregular. This is normal and will eventually regulate itself.
Now that you know what to expect in the postpartum period, you can be prepared for the changes that your body will go through. Be patient with yourself and give yourself time to heal.
During the postpartum period, your body will slowly start to return to its pre-pregnancy state. However, it is important to remember that every woman is different and will experience these changes in different ways. If you have any concerns about the changes you are experiencing, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider.
