Why Does My Body Feel So Different After Baby? 9 Things Nobody Warned You About

You came home from the hospital expecting to feel like yourself again. Instead, your body feels like a stranger.

Your belly still looks pregnant. You wake up soaked in sweat. You sneeze and something leaks. And everyone around you is only asking about the baby.

If this is you, please know that you are not alone, and most of these changes are normal. Here are nine things many new mothers are never told.

1. Your belly will still look pregnant

After delivery, the womb takes around six weeks to shrink back to its usual size. Until then, your belly can look five or six months pregnant. The skin and muscles also need time to tighten. Don't rush into crash diets or tight belts, and ask your doctor before you start any belly exercises.

2. Night sweats are common

Many women wake up drenched in the first few weeks. Your hormones are changing, and your body is getting rid of extra fluid. Keep a spare nightdress and a towel near the bed, and drink water. If you also have a fever, call your doctor.

3. You may leak when you cough, sneeze or laugh

Pregnancy and delivery put a lot of pressure on the pelvic muscles. It is very common, and it often improves in a few months. Gentle pelvic floor exercises can help, and your doctor can show you how to do them properly. If it doesn't improve, tell your doctor. It can be treated, and you don't have to live with it.

4. The bleeding goes on for weeks

Bleeding after delivery, called lochia, usually lasts around four to six weeks. It is heavy at first and slowly gets lighter. Keep comfortable supplies near you, change often, and call your doctor if it suddenly becomes very heavy.

5. Your hair may fall in clumps

A few months after delivery, many women lose a lot of hair. It happens because of the drop in hormones, and it usually settles within a year. If you also feel very tired or look pale, ask your doctor about an iron check.

6. Your joints and back may hurt

Your body released hormones that loosened your joints during pregnancy, and it takes a while to settle. Add the lifting, feeding and carrying, and your back, wrists and neck can hurt. Try to sit with support while feeding, avoid lifting heavy things, and ask your doctor if the pain is strong.

7. Constipation and piles can show up

Many women are afraid of passing stool after delivery, especially with stitches. Drink plenty of water and eat fibre, like fruit, vegetables, dal and whole grains. Don't strain. If you have pain or bleeding that doesn't go away, tell your doctor.

8. Your breasts will feel very different

Around the third to fifth day, your milk comes in and your breasts can feel hard, heavy and sore. Feeding often and gentle warm compresses can help. If you see a red, hot, painful area or have a fever, call your doctor.

9. Your feelings will be all over the place

Crying for no reason, feeling anxious, or feeling very low is common in the first one to two weeks. It is often called the baby blues. But if the sadness lasts more than two weeks, or you feel hopeless or unable to care for yourself or the baby, please talk to your doctor soon. It can be treated, and it is nothing to be ashamed of.

Call your doctor straight away if you notice

A pad full of blood in one hour

Clots bigger than a golf ball

Fever or chills

A bad smell from the discharge

Redness, swelling or pus around stitches

Severe pain that is getting worse

Chest pain, trouble breathing, or swelling and pain in one leg

Dizziness, fainting or a racing heartbeat

Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

Stop comparing your body

You will see photos of women who "bounced back" in a month. Please remember that most of them are not showing the whole story. Your body made and delivered a baby. It deserves rest, good food and time, not pressure.

Where Dreamease can help

The first weeks after delivery come with heavy bleeding and a lot of changes. Our disposable period panty gives full coverage and up to 8 hours of protection, so you can rest more and worry less.

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This article is for general information. It doesn't replace advice from your own doctor.