What happens to the body during pregnancy and after birth?

During pregnancy, your digestive system goes through some changes too. Your growing baby takes up space, and that can make your stomach feel a bit crowded. This might lead to things like heartburn, where you feel a burning sensation in your chest, or constipation, which can make it harder to go to the bathroom. Your body is working hard to support both you and the baby, so these changes are pretty common. It's all part of the adventure of growing a little human inside you.

Cardiovascular Changes:

Pregnancy places some extra pressure on your heart and blood vessels as your body starts making more blood to give the baby what they need to grow. This can make your heart beat faster, and you might notice you feel warmer or even a little out of breath sometimes. Your blood pressure might change too, but most of the time, it's nothing to worry about. This is your body's way of making sure the baby gets enough oxygen and nutrients. If you ever feel unwell, dizzy, excessively breathless, experience heart palpitations or excess swelling be sure to contact your maternity care provider to get checked.

Stretch Marks:

During pregnancy, some women notice something called stretch marks. These are like little pink, purple or red lines on the skin, usually on the belly, breasts, or thighs. They happen because your body is growing to make room for the baby. Sometimes the skin can't stretch as fast as the baby is growing, and that's when you might see these marks. While they can be a bit of a surprise, they're really common, and they usually fade over time. To minimise stretch marks, you can try using moisturisers or oils such as b.box body nourish body and bath oil on your skin to keep it hydrated. Staying within the recommended weight gain for your pregnancy can also reduce the chances of getting stretch marks. Think of them as your body's way of showing the amazing process it's going through to grow a whole new little person!

Emotional and psychological changes:

Pregnancy isn't just about physical changes; it can bring on emotional and psychological shifts too. With all the hormones and anticipation, you might feel a mix of emotions, from excitement to mood swings. It's all very normal. To manage these feelings, it helps to talk to someone you trust about your worries or joys. Finding ways to relax and reduce stress, like taking short walks or doing deep breathing exercises, can also make a big difference. Remember, you're not alone in feeling this way. Pregnancy is a journey that can be both thrilling and challenging, and it's perfectly okay to seek support and care for your emotional well-being along the way.

How does your body change after birth?

Uterine contractions:

After giving birth, your body goes through some changes to get back to its pre-pregnancy state. One of these changes involves the uterus, which was your baby’s home while you were pregnant, and which was stretched to house your growing baby. It doesn't just shrink back immediately, instead you will experience uterine contractions, which are like gentle squeezes that help the uterus return to its normal size. You might feel some period-like cramps, which can be a bit uncomfortable. To minimise the pain of these cramps, you can use heat packs or take over-the-counter pain medication as discussed with your maternity care provider. Remember, this is all just a natural part of the process and it will ease over time.

Breast Changes:

After giving birth, your body continues to undergo changes, and your breasts are no exception. They may become larger, fuller, and more sensitive as your body prepares to nourish your newborn. This transformation is a natural response to the demands of breastfeeding. Your breasts will begin producing milk, which is rich in nutrients and essential for your baby's growth and health. To manage any discomfort or swelling, you can try using warm compresses or taking warm showers before feeding the baby, and cold compresses after a breastfeed. If your breasts feel very full, gently expressing a little milk by hand can help relieve pressure. Nursing your baby on demand can also help with these changes, as it encourages your body to make the right amount of milk. These breast changes are all part of your body's way of taking care of your little one, and they usually settle down as you and the baby get into a feeding routine. If you feel overwhelmed or need some support with breastfeeding, it is helpful to see a qualified lactation consultant or experienced midwife for additional advice.

Weight Loss:

After giving birth, many women experience a natural process of weight loss. This weight loss typically occurs as the body sheds the weight gained during pregnancy, including the baby, placenta, and amniotic fluid. It's not uncommon for some women to notice a significant drop in their weight shortly after childbirth. However, it's important to remember that this initial weight loss represents just a part of the overall journey. While some weight is lost quickly, other post-pregnancy changes, such as the uterus returning to its normal size and the adjustment of various bodily systems, continue to contribute to the gradual recovery and return to pre-pregnancy weight over time. Weight loss after childbirth varies from person to person, and it's important to approach it with patience and a focus on overall health rather than rapid results.

Emotional and psychological changes:

Having a baby is a big deal, and it's absolutely normal to feel a mix of emotions, from happiness to exhaustion. You might experience postpartum mood swings or "baby blues," which can include feeling a bit weepy or anxious. These usually pass in a couple of weeks. However, it's important to be aware of the signs of postpartum depression, which is more intense and long-lasting. These signs can include feeling extremely sad, hopeless, or overwhelmed, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, and feeling disconnected from your baby. If you notice these signs in yourself or your partner, and they last for more than two weeks, it's crucial to seek help. Talk to your healthcare provider, a counselor, or a therapist. There is support available, and reaching out for help is a strong and brave thing to do. You're not alone, and many people are ready to support you on your journey to recovery. Your emotional well-being is important, not only for you but for your baby's well-being too.

Healing of tissues:

After giving birth, your body goes through a process of healing, particularly when it comes to the tissues that were involved in childbirth. If you had a vaginal delivery, the perineum (the area between the vagina and anus) may have stretched or even torn, and it needs time to heal. If you had a caesarian section, the incision site on your abdomen will also require healing. It's important to follow your maternity care provider's advice for postpartum care, which might include keeping the area clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activities, and taking any prescribed medications. You might also be advised to do gentle exercises to aid recovery, like Kegel exercises (pelvic floor exercises) to strengthen pelvic floor muscles. Be patient with yourself during this time, as healing takes time, and it's essential to prioritise self-care and rest to help your body recover fully.

Hormonal adjustments:

During pregnancy, your hormones go into overdrive to support your baby, but after childbirth, they start to return to their normal levels. This shift can affect your mood and emotions, and some women may experience feelings like postpartum blues. It can be a rollercoaster ride of emotions, and it's perfectly normal. With time, your hormones will find their balance again. The key is to be patient with yourself, communicate your feelings with someone you trust, and focus on self-care, including getting enough rest and eating well. These hormonal adjustments are just a natural part of the postpartum journey.

Pelvic floor changes:

Your pelvic floor muscles are the muscles and tissues that support your bladder, uterus, and bowel. During pregnancy and childbirth, they can stretch and weaken as they support the weight of your baby during pregnancy and stretch during childbirth. To help manage these changes, consider doing pelvic floor exercises which are simple exercises involving squeezing and relaxing those muscles. Over time, and with practice, this can help strengthen the pelvic floor and prevent issues like incontinence or bladder leakage. Your healthcare provider or a women’s health physio can guide you on how to do them correctly. Be sure to give your body time to heal after birth, and don't rush into high-impact exercises. Taking care of your pelvic floor is an essential part of postpartum recovery and can make a big difference in your overall well-being.

It's important to note that every woman's experience is unique, and the changes and recovery period can vary from person to person. It's essential to receive regular prenatal and postpartum care, and consult with healthcare providers to address any specific concerns or complications that may arise during these periods.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the journey of pregnancy and the postpartum period are truly remarkable chapters in a woman's life. From that tiny, magical moment of conception to the birth of a new life, the female body changes, grows and adapts in an incredible way. As we've explored in this blog, the body's ability to create and nourish life is nothing short of extraordinary. It's a journey of physical, emotional, and psychological changes, and it's a testament to the remarkable strength and adaptability of a woman’s body. Throughout the complex dance of hormones, the expansion of the uterus, the weight gain and loss, and the emotional and psychological shifts, one thing remains constant—the human body is amazing!

Written By Lauren Brenton Endorsed Midwife and Founder of One Mama Midwife Pty Ltd I’m Loz and I’m an Endorsed Midwife who runs Antenatal Classes in the Sutherland Shire. I have completed a Bachelor of Midwifery and a Master of Midwifery. My favourite area is in the labour ward, this is where you can find me most days. One Mama Midwife came about in the height of Covid in 2020, when so many women were missing out on the chance to have antenatal education. Aimed at empowering you with the tools you require to have the pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey that you want to have, with advice and recommendations you can trust.