Not many first-time mothers know that the pregnancy belly stays even after the baby is born. Your belly may take weeks or even months to shrink to the original. Sometimes, your tummy may acquire a different shape post-pregnancy. All these are natural and not a cause for concern. Here’s all you need to know.
Stretching during pregnancy
Various parts of your body change during pregnancy to accommodate your growing child. Mainly, the uterus stretches as the baby grows. Originally similar to the size of your fist, the uterus can grow as big as a huge watermelon to accommodate a ready-to-be-born fetus. It also changes in shape, going from an almost solid organ to a hollow one.
Your belly expands to fit the growing uterus and shows up as the pregnancy belly. This also results in stretching of your skin, causing stretch marks.
Once the baby is born, your body does not need this extra space and support. But, your belly cannot deflate at once. Neither can muscles and ligaments quickly shrink or tighten to their original shapes and sizes.
The contraction process
Your body has an in-built contraction process that kicks in as soon as childbirth is over. Hormones help the uterus to contract back to its pre-pregnancy state. Extra fluids in various cells are expelled slowly too. In time your body begins to resemble its form before conception. However, this can take time, anywhere between six and eight weeks.
During pregnancy, your body stores fat to ensure your baby has all the necessary nourishment. After delivery, this fat is no longer required and has to be used up. Even that takes time.
Moms who have delivered through a C-section may find that the portion of the belly that tends to hang over the scar is there to stay. This part, too, can contract and become negligible if you follow a good diet and stay fit and active. However, have realistic expectations, patience, and perseverance, and do not push your body too hard to get back in shape.
Helping your body back into shape
Do not wait for your body to do all the hard work. You can help by starting the right exercises. Check with your doctor about what you can do and at what intensity, and start working out as soon as you get the green signal.
Exercising regularly also keeps you fit and stress-free to handle your little one’s needs. This is going to be a time when you get little sleep and plenty of work to do. Anything that helps with stress is a blessing, and exercising can give you twin benefits of regaining your pre-pregnancy body and stress relief. Give your body the time it needs to get back in form. Talk to your doctor about what is right and advisable, and follow a healthy fitness and diet plan, and you’ll see your body regaining its shape soon enough.
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