Ever wondered why you still look pregnant after giving birth?
After giving birth, many mothers struggle to get back into shape. In fact, some women look very pregnant after giving birth.
Even with lifestyle adjustments (reducing daily calorie intake and incorporating regular exercise), it takes time to see results and feels like a failure.
Why Do Women Look Pregnant After Giving Birth?
Why do I look pregnant after giving birth?
This is a common question among women who have lost their prenatal bodies.
For most women, it takes six to eight weeks for the stomach to return to its original size after giving birth. This is because both the stomach and uterus expand to accommodate the baby.
The uterus makes room for the baby by expanding beyond the pubic bone, pushing out the abdomen in the process. Therefore, a woman may appear pregnant even after giving birth.
It takes an average of 6-8 weeks for your baby to lose weight.
It’s important to be patient when trying to shrink your belly after giving birth. On top of that, it took nine months for my abs to grow to accommodate a full-term baby.
So it makes sense that it will take a while (weeks or months) to tighten up again.
Also, you have to remember that women’s bodies are different. Some find it easier to lose stubborn pregnancy weight, while others continue to do so for the long term.
The speed and degree of contraction and tightening of the abdomen depends on several factors, including:
- Pre-pregnancy body shape and size
- weight gain during pregnancy
- how much you move
- Your genes (this is what you can’t do anything about)
Some moms find it easier to lose weight when:
- Weight gain during pregnancy was less than average.
- breastfeeding
- first baby just born
rectal dilation and abdominal separation
Some women suffer from rectal ectasia, or separation of the abdomen during pregnancy. This is one of the reasons why she still looks pregnant after giving birth.
Rectal dilatation occurs when the uterus expands, separating the stomach muscles. Your stomach sticks out.
Hormones play a role in this, as does the pressure a growing baby puts on your body.
Women who have given birth to multiple children, twins, or larger infants may experience abdominal separation.
Apart from a protruding abdomen, rectal distension can also cause lower back pain.
Postpartum abdominal separation is common and takes time to heal. Abdominal separation can be avoided if you don’t put extra strain on your stomach during pregnancy.
Avoid heavy core exercises such as planks and sit-ups. Do not carry heavy objects, do strenuous abdominal stretching, or wake up suddenly after giving birth.
Other Reasons for Gaining Weight After Pregnancy
Do you have postpartum sleep deprivation? Lack of sleep can make women fat.
Research shows that six months after giving birth, women who slept less than five hours a night were three times more likely to maintain their baby’s weight and possibly gain even more. .
Additionally, some women experience hypothyroidism during and after pregnancy.
Finally, we know that being a new mother can be stressful. ?
Moms, now you have more reasons to prioritize self-care and sleep! If you’re having trouble losing weight after giving birth, talk to your OB at your next postpartum visit.
postpartum weight loss
Wanting to get back to their pre-pregnancy figure, some mothers start eating low-calorie foods and exercising as soon as possible after giving birth.
Do you want to lose weight immediately after giving birth? Experts say you have a horse. A new mother should not lose weight at such a lightning speed.
“We don’t have a lifestyle that allows for such rapid loss,” says Laura Riley, M.D., a high-risk pregnancy specialist in Massachusetts. I feel better,” he said. general Hospital.
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Experts also caution against adopting crazy crash diets and strenuous exercise programs, especially if these mothers have had particularly difficult pregnancies or caesarean sections.
According to WebMD, it’s not appropriate for new mothers to reduce their calorie intake, especially if they’re breastfeeding.
“When you’re breastfeeding, you should be consuming at least 1,800 to 2,000 calories a day. If you eat less, you’re not only making yourself deficient, but your baby,” says nutritionist Elizabeth. Sommer says, “You can’t produce quality milk if you don’t eat enough.”
Light to moderate exercise can help if you want to get back in shape. Not only does it increase energy, it also reduces the risk of postpartum depression.
Experts say new mothers can start exercising as soon as they feel motivated, but it’s still best to get cue from their doctor.
“It’s important to keep up with whatever program you start. If you can’t, the program is too demanding or you’re just not ready. Exercise should make you feel better, it should make you feel worse.” No,” says Laura Riley. .
how to lose baby weight after giving birth
While it’s not recommended to embark on a rigorous fitness journey right away, there are a few things you can do to safely lose weight after giving birth.
breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers lose an average of 500 calories each day. This is because the body uses the calories accumulated during pregnancy to produce breast milk and nourish the baby.
exercise
Your postpartum belly will naturally contract over time. However, there are some things you can do at home to help your postpartum tummy.
Once your doctor approves, try incorporating exercise into your daily routine.
Start with light exercise and walking. You can gradually incorporate running or core activities.
Kegel exercises are great for pelvic floor muscle training. You can also research exercises that help with rectal expansion.
maintain a healthy diet
Make sure you eat a nutritious diet after giving birth, just as you would during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding makes you feel better and provides your child with more nutrients.
Additionally, eating a well-balanced diet can help with postpartum tummy loss.
give yourself time to heal
Keep in mind that giving birth is one of the most amazing experiences you will ever have. Challenge your body in unimaginable ways.
But all this upheaval requires rest and recovery.
Try to relax and heal as much as possible in the weeks and months after your baby is born.
This article was first published in Parents of Asia.
