10 Surprising Realities About Your Postpartum Body

You might think you have a handle on what your body will be like after giving birth. Surely, once the baby makes its grand exit, your body will bounce back to its pre-pregnancy form, right? Well, Mother Nature has a different plan in store. Your postpartum body is full of surprises and quirks, much like your pre-baby figure. It leaks. It bulges. Pregnancy has left its mark, and for the foreseeable future, things will look a bit different. Embrace it; the high school version of you is gone for now.

1. Forget About Those Pre-Pregnancy Jeans

When my friend Sarah had her first child, she packed her favorite pair of pre-baby jeans, thinking they would fit since the baby was no longer in there. Spoiler alert: they definitely did not. Your uterus is still swollen, your organs are still finding their places, and your skin is still stretched out. Those jeans? Not zipping anytime soon. Belly binders can help, but it’s time to accept that your jeans won’t be fitting for a while.

2. Bleeding Is Part of the Package

Most people know you bleed postpartum due to the open wound left by the placenta. However, the amount can vary wildly. Some women, like my sister Emily, experience clots the size of golf balls and need to call their doctor, while others might only have a light flow. With my second baby, I bled for a week, but with my first, it lasted six weeks. Just remember: blood is on the agenda, and lots of it.

3. Pads Are Your New Best Friend

Since a baby just exited your body, tampons are a no-go. Forget sea sponges and reusable options too; it’s back to pads—the kind that remind you of middle school (but thankfully, thinner now). You might feel like you’re back in high school, but hey, at least you won’t waddle around as much!

4. Your Breasts Will Be Unrecognizable

Yes, your breasts get bigger after having a baby, but they may balloon to a shocking size, especially if you’re breastfeeding. You’ll need an entirely new wardrobe of bras, and for a short time, they will look fabulous! Enjoy the view while it lasts, before gravity takes its toll.

5. Stitches Are a Reality

If you’ve had any tearing, your vagina may be stitched up. Seriously, don’t even look. It’s best to avoid mirrors altogether until healing is complete. You might think you’re looking at a horror movie prop, but eventually, everything will heal up nicely.

6. You Might Feel Frisky Before Six Weeks

Despite the advice urging you to wait, those pesky hormones might have other ideas. If your baby is sleeping and you’re feeling adventurous, you might be tempted to get intimate before the recommended six-week mark. Just be careful—if you’re not ready for it, stitches can remind you not to rush things!

7. Ovulation Could Surprise You Early

Think you’re in the clear? Think again! Some women might ovulate before the six-week mark, especially if they’re formula feeding, which could lead to surprise pregnancies. Be cautious and consider protection if you’re not ready for round two just yet.

8. Your Belly Button Will Transform

Forget about that cute little pierced belly button. Postpartum, it might morph into a round shape with a little flap of skin on top. You can practically tell a woman has given birth just by looking at her belly button.

9. The Linea Nigra Stays Awhile

After the baby comes, you might still sport that dark line stretching from your belly button downwards. Don’t worry; it will fade, but it can look even more pronounced if you have a little belly pooch.

10. Crepey Skin Might Appear

If your tummy has developed a little sag after birth, you might notice a change in texture too. Remember, you just brought a human into the world! Wear those post-birth changes with pride, because you’ve earned every single one of those battle scars.

For more insights on navigating the postpartum phase, check out our other blog post on home insemination. And if you’re interested in boosting your fertility, visit Make a Mom for trusted advice. If you’re seeking more resources on pregnancy and family planning, this page is an excellent starting point.

In summary, your postpartum body is a unique and fascinating experience, filled with surprises and changes. Embrace these transformations, wear your scars with pride, and remember that you are beautiful just the way you are.