Changes to your body after pregnancy

Pregnancy and then childbirth put a mum's body through a lot. Sometimes certain parts of our body change, which can be hard to accept. All these little discomforts are completely normal, so don't stress: it's only temporary! That's why, after all this effort, it's important to take care of your changed body.

Stretch marks

Pregnancy can often cause stretch marks to appear on different parts of the body, such as the legs, tummy, hips and breasts. To reduce them, there are creams to apply daily. Unfortunately, it's difficult to make them disappear completely.

There are, however, tips to limit the appearance of stretch marks. So far, this seems to be the best way to avoid them. To do so: avoid sudden weight gain, moisturise your skin every day, exercise, and avoid sun exposure.

If your stretch marks remain too visible for your liking, you can use a vitamin A-based dermatological treatment (but we advise you to consult a dermatologist).

Weakened nails

After giving birth, nails tend to break. To restore their strength, you can apply a nail cream and a strengthening varnish. They should soon get back their original strength.

Hair loss

It's not unusual for hair loss to follow the drop in hormones. If this happens, don't panic: the problem is often only temporary. It can help to take a course of anti-hair-loss capsules and to eat iron-rich foods. It's a good idea to give them plenty of vitamins to strengthen them.

Loose skin

Pregnancy is an event that leaves its mark on your skin. After giving birth, it may become less firm and lose some of its elasticity.

But luckily, there are a few tips to help firm up your body if needed. You can start by taking up regular physical activity (cardio exercises are recommended), drinking plenty of water and eating protein and healthy fats (avocados, eggs…). With a little effort, your skin will be back to how it was before.

Weight gain

Weight gain is a normal and unavoidable change during pregnancy. But it frightens many women. During pregnancy, a woman gains on average between 11 and 16 kg. This weight can vary depending on her health and her weight before pregnancy. Then, giving birth lets her lose between 6 and 8kg. On average, one woman in 2 gets back to her pre-pregnancy weight after a year. So there's no need to panic: you'll soon be back in your lovely pre-pregnancy outfits!

If the remaining kilos still bother you, the best thing is to adopt a balanced diet. There is no need to follow a strict diet and exercise programme. In fact, that would lead to weight loss that is too fast, which is not recommended.

A balanced diet can help you lose all your extra kilos without any additional effort. It is still a good idea to do some physical activity. You can take up exercise again 2 months after giving birth (ask a doctor for advice first). Breastfeeding also makes it easier to lose weight. Producing milk burns a large number of calories.

So there are a number of minor discomforts that can appear after pregnancy, but don't panic! All these changes can be treated and eventually disappear. What's more, they aren't inevitable. Some women don't experience these kinds of problems at all, so perhaps you'll be one of the lucky ones!

Dylan
Proud dad of three little ones and founder of Premiers Moments. Together with the whole team, I share our parenting tips here to support you, from pregnancy through your child's first years.