14 Ways Your Body May Change After Birth

The first few weeks following birth should be a slow process of healing and self-care. There are several physical changes to look out for:

Whether you choose to breastfeed or not, you might notice significant changes in your breast size due to milk production during the first week post-birth. Your breasts can feel full, they can leak, they might even feel hard, lumpy and even look marbled, which is a sign of engorgement. After the first week, breast changes continue until your milk supply is established around the 6-12 week mark, if you are breastfeeding exclusively and not using bottles, that is.

If you’re formula feeding and wish to stop your milk production, you can wear a well-fitting bra to support your breasts while you wait for it to subside. Hand-expressing a little can help relieve pressure in the breasts, and after a few weeks, your milk supply should stop completely. Be aware that sometimes it can take longer to dry up, because lactation is a physiological process which means that there are no hard and fast rules or definitive timing.

The physical demands of pregnancy and birth can cause sore joints, particularly in your back, arms, and pelvis. The hormone relaxin can make the pain worse as it makes everything slightly less stable. Relaxin is the hormone responsible for opening your hips to deliver your baby, and its purpose is to all help your joints become more supple during labour. Staying active, maintaining a healthy diet, and practising stretching exercises like yoga can encourage healing in your postpartum body. Also, remember to rest! Take as much rest as you need.

Immediately after birth, your abdomen may appear loose and soft. Your uterus will have started to contract back down into your pelvis leaving loose skin behind, and your stomach might feel like a half-flat balloon. Rest assured, over time your body will adjust and return to ‘normal’ – however that might look for you.

You might experience cramping, similar to period pains or mild contractions. These happen as your womb contracts back to its normal size, and tend to intensify with each successive pregnancy. These contractions are generally normal, however, if they are accompanied by bleeding or painkillers don’t relieve your discomfort, contact your midwife or visit triage.

Post-natal bleeding can also be known as lochia. It’s important to note that this will happen even if you’ve had a c-section. It lasts around 4-6 weeks, but the duration can differ from person to person. In the first three days the bleeding will resemble a heavy period, but the flow should gradually diminish and transition in colour to a light pink. During the initial days post-birth, you may need to change your pad every couple of hours. While it can take up to six weeks for the bleeding to completely stop, it should decrease after the first week. Avoid using tampons or menstrual cups during the postpartum period – stick to maternity pads or sanitary towels. If you experience foul-smelling discharge or a high temperature, pass large clots bigger than a 50p piece, or notice consistently bright red blood, then be sure to contact your GP. This could be a sign of postpartum haemorrhage, and can present a serious health risk – but this is very rare.

Following a vaginal birth, the area between your vagina and anus (called the perineum) may feel uncomfortable. If you tore during labour or had an episiotomy, you will have been given stitches. These stitches will dissolve on their own within a couple of weeks, and your perineum should be fully healed around the six-week mark. Try to keep it clean and dry to prevent infection, changing your maternity pads regularly, showering daily, and allowing air to reach it when possible.

Pelvic organ prolapse isn’t guaranteed to occur by any means – in fact, it’s not common at all. But it’s important to be aware of it, just in case. Pelvic organ prolapse is where one or more of the organs located in the pelvis slip down from their normal position and bulge into the vagina. This is usually because of weakened tissues and muscles in the pelvis. While it can cause pain, a prolapse is not life-threatening. Symptoms can usually be improved with pelvic floor exercises, but sometimes medical treatment is required, so speak to your GP if you’re concerned.

As your body gets rid of the excess fluids you retained during pregnancy, you’ll pass a lot more urine. Pouring lukewarm water on your vagina while urinating can help soothe any discomfort caused by stitches. After an epidural or instrumental delivery, your bladder may feel sluggish, taking a few days to regain normal function. Approximately 1 in 3 women encounter bladder challenges after giving birth, and feeling a lack of control is really common. You may experience urine leakage when coughing, laughing, or running, a condition known as stress incontinence. This is caused by a weakened pelvic floor, and coping with these bodily changes can be mentally challenging. Regularly doing pelvic floor exercises is the best way of improving this.

Stress incontinence can influence bowel control too, and postpartum constipation is also a common issue. Perineal trauma might also make you anxious about using the toilet, but don’t worry – your stitches shouldn’t be affected as long as you avoid pushing or straining. To help, stay hydrated, consume high-fibre foods, and stay mobile if possible. Your midwife may also recommend a laxative or stool softener.

This one’s particularly glamorous. Otherwise known as piles, this is a common side effect of birth due to pelvic floor pressure and pushing during labour. Although haemorrhoids are quite likely, they usually disappear on their own. Eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrain cereals and wholemeal bread, and drinking plenty of water should make pooing easier and less painful. Be sure to avoid pushing or straining on the loo, as this could make the piles worse. And of course, let your GP know if the discomfort feels unbearable.

It’s not uncommon for new mums to experience postpartum hair loss. During pregnancy, hormones can cause your hair to stay in the growth phase, resulting in really lush locks. However, after giving birth, hormonal changes trigger a transition into the shedding phase. You may notice more hair in your brush or on the shower floor, but this is a natural part of the postnatal process, and only temporary. After about 6 months you should start to see your hair growing again, and you may even notice tufts of new hair.

It’s essential to prioritise your pelvic health during the postnatal period. Whether you had a vaginal birth or a c-section, your pelvic floor has undergone significant stress. Engaging in pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen these muscles and promote recovery. Your clitoris may also feel particularly sensitive, and if you don’t know to expect this, it can seem a bit alarming.

If you had a vaginal birth, you might experience soreness, swelling, or discomfort from any stitches you were given. Ensure you have proper pain relief and follow any guidance from your healthcare provider. Donut-shaped cushions or ice packs may provide additional comfort, and for those who have undergone a c-section, focus on caring for your incision area. Keep it clean, dry, and avoid activities that strain your tummy muscles. Gradual movement and light exercises can help speed up your recovery.

The return of your menstrual cycle can vary for each individual. If you’re breastfeeding exclusively, it’s likely to delay the return of your period. However, this is not foolproof contraception, and ovulation can happen before your period starts again.

Once your period does resume, you might notice changes in its intensity or duration. This is a normal part of postpartum adjustment, but if you have concerns, feel free to consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.

During pregnancy, your body stores more fluid in your tissues and your blood volume increases by 50% to support the growth of your baby. High levels of progesterone during pregnancy contribute to water retention, and after birth, your body needs to expel this excess fluid. As your kidneys work to get rid of the excess, you’ll find yourself urinating more often, and you may also sweat a lot, particularly at night.

To manage postnatal night sweats, I recommend drinking lots of water. Surprisingly, staying well-hydrated actually reduces fluid retention. Visit the bathroom regularly and elevate your feet above heart level whenever possible to help with swelling. Keep active to enhance blood circulation, and avoid salty foods. Compression socks can also help prevent fluid accumulation in your feet and ankles.

In rare cases, night sweats can be a sign of preeclampsia or can cause dangerous clots in your body. Speak to your GP or midwife if you are also experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain, severe swelling, headaches, or blurred vision.