While waiting for the baby, the body future mother carries a tremendous burden on absolutely all systems, including the hormonal one. As a result, the appearance and figure undergo the most unexpected changes, which is not at all surprising.

As a rule, these changes pass some time after childbirth, but some women still have to make no small effort in order to regain their former strength and form.

So, how does the birth of a child affect a woman's body?

Brain

Neuroscientists revealed the fact that a woman's brain changes for 2 years from the moment of pregnancy until the end of breastfeeding.

Structural changes in the brain lead to the fact that a woman becomes less receptive to the outside world and is completely immersed in the process of bearing a child, and then caring for him.

Perhaps due to such oppression of some parts of the brain, a powerful connection appears between the child and the mother - they feel and understand each other on an intuitive level.

That is why young mothers complain about forgetfulness, become more emotional. The mental state is unstable for some time after childbirth, so relatives should be very attentive and provide any support during this period.

Chest and hips

Our nature is amazing and thought out to the smallest detail. She took care of the woman and the unborn child at every stage - from conception to birth.

Increased production of the hormone relaxin leads to changes in the body during pregnancy. It increases the elasticity of tissues, including uterine tissues. It is because of this hormone that a woman acquires rounded shapes, the size of her breasts and hips increases significantly.

All this is necessary in order for the child to pass through the birth canal without injury and to prepare for successful breastfeeding.

During this period, it is especially important to monitor weight gain and control food intake. With the permission of the doctor, light physical activity is possible - yoga, gymnastics. If a woman follows a diet and is active, then soon after giving birth she will return to her previous form.

Legs

With the increase in the weight of the expectant mother, the legs bear a greater load and require special care. Pregnant women experience an increase in foot size, swelling of the legs, varicose veins and joint pain. That is why you need to pay great attention to the legs. It is necessary to practice relaxing baths, light massage and put your feet on a pillow, and, if necessary, use approved painkillers, decongestants.

Back

Almost all women have lower back problems while expecting a baby. The growing uterus is to blame, which puts pressure on the lumbar nerves.

Relaxing baths, light massage and the “cat” pose, which will significantly relax and unload the lower back, will help to alleviate the condition.

Skin and hair

Due to the rapid action of hormones, as well as accelerated blood circulation, the skin and hair of a pregnant woman also change. For some, the face literally glows - the skin is perfectly smooth, with a blush, the tone increases. In others, under the influence of estrogens, a rash appears on the face and body. The rash disappears almost immediately after childbirth.

Another unpleasant trace of the hormone is melanosis. This is a dark skin pigment that showers the face and body of a woman. Shortly after the birth of a child, the spots disappear on their own. Pregnancy and the hormone estrogen only benefit hair.

Hair intensively grow, increase in volume, become silky and obedient.

Stomach

Women are most worried about changes in the abdomen. Due to weight gain or a large fetus, the skin on the abdomen is at risk of becoming covered with stretch marks.

In addition, these factors can lead to a more severe consequence - diastasis. This is a divergence of the anterior abdominal muscles, which is difficult to correct on its own, mainly requiring abdominoplasty.

Pelvic organs

The internal organs of a woman are also preparing for delivery. The uterus increases several times, and the vagina - after natural childbirth, expands.

The tissues of the vagina are elastic and will soon shrink to their former size. In some cases, the size of the vagina does not decrease and this affects the quality of sexual relations. There are a number of gymnastics for the internal organs of a woman, which will quickly restore size, as well as give new sensations during intimacy to both partners.

Pregnancy is not the time to relax and eat buns for two, as many women think. On the contrary, at this time, a woman needs to more carefully monitor the condition of her body and body. Healthy sleep, proper food, walks on fresh air will help not only to easily endure pregnancy, but also to quickly recover after childbirth.

So nature arranged that with the onset of pregnancy for literally a yearwoman's bodyundergoing tremendous changes. First, they are associated with the pregnancy. Agree, in order to create the most comfortable conditions for the development and growth of the future baby, a lot needs to be changed. And the body, without waiting for a special offer, does this from the first day of pregnancy. Over the next 9 months, he experiences a considerable load associated with a small "bubbler". But as soon as he adapts, another, no less important and difficult period begins - childbirth. The postpartum period becomes a new “strength test” for the body. What happens to him at this time?

The postpartum period is the first 6-8 weeks that pass from the moment the baby was born. This is a very important period in a woman's life. Now she is adjusting to her new role. And both physically and psychologically.

Under the special close attention of a doctor, a woman is in the first 2-4 hours after childbirth. This is the period when various complications of the condition of the woman in labor are most possible. The most common of them are bleeding, fever, changes in blood pressure, etc.

It's not a secret for anyone that after the childbirth, a woman's body undergoes serious changes. For example, metabolism slows down and the amount of certain hormones decreases sharply, which affects the increase in body fat and, in fact, body weight.

In addition, from the side of physiology, the following changes are observed.

• An hour or two after childbirth, the pulse becomes less frequent, which until that moment had been rapid.
• Changes disappear by 2-3 weeks of cardio-vascular system that occurred for the normal functioning of the body during pregnancy.
• The volume of the body's plasma decreases by about one liter.
• The woman's uterus decreases in size and weight. On the second or third day after the birth of the baby, a woman feels heaviness and tension in the uterus. First at breastfeeding a woman feels contractions, as the uterus contracts, as if “pulling together”, decreasing in size and, thus, getting rid of the additional membranes formed during pregnancy. If immediately after childbirth the weight of this organ is about a kilogram, then after 6-8 weeks - only 75 grams. For 2-3 weeks after childbirth, a woman experiences bleeding, which is an absolute norm and gradually disappears.
• The breast of a woman is especially subject to changes. At first, it actively develops colostrum, and on the second or third day - full-fledged milk, which is the most the best food for a newborn baby. Now it is very important for both mother and baby to establish breastfeeding. In some cases, the situation may be complicated by the development of postpartum mastitis. The very first sign of this unpleasant phenomenon is a seal in the chest. With each hour, the seal increases, hardens, accompanied by severe pain, redness. In 98% of cases, a woman has a fever, chills, and feeling unwell. In such a situation, as well as at the slightest manifestation of mastitis, it is urgent to consult a doctor. In especially severe cases (and mastitis progresses very quickly), antibiotics are prescribed. Sometimes surgery will be required to clear the focus of pus that has already begun to accumulate.
• The stomach, or rather, the abdominal muscles during the first 6-7 days may ache, as after hard physical work. This is not strange, because during childbirth they had to work hard. It will take a few days for the pain to subside. 6-8 weeks after uncomplicated childbirth, a woman can begin to perform physical exercises in order to “tighten” her stomach.
• Some women may have trouble going to the toilet "small" after giving birth. And this must be done as early as possible. If a woman at that time is not able to urinate on her own, she is placed with a catheter to divert urine or given the necessary medications. Another category of women, especially those who have given birth repeatedly, may experience the exact opposite problem - urinary incontinence. In this case, after some time has passed, it is useful for them to do “internal gymnastics”, that is, to practice Kegel exercises.
• Some women after childbirth are faced with such an unpleasant phenomenon as haemorrhoids. It is an expansion of the veins of the lower intestine in anus. In this case, you must consult a doctor. He will prescribe the appropriate treatment. Of the "home" methods in the case of hemorrhoids, it is possible to advise the use of sitz baths with the addition of herbal infusions. Also, a woman needs to monitor nutrition so that it does not cause constipation.
• It should also be noted that in the postpartum period there are changes in the bone skeleton. Spine, bones, pelvis, joints lower extremities during the bearing of the baby succumbed to a serious load. For example, the thoracic spine straightened, the lumbar curve increased, the rib cage, raised ribs and so on. Now everything is back in place.
• Finally, it must be said that a change in the hormonal state after childbirth leads to the fact that a woman begins to lose hair, brittle nails are noted, and the skin becomes dry.

If you are just about to give birth, and the above information to some extent made you worry, we hasten to reassure you. All the described states are temporary, and pass very quickly. Nature is wise, and thought through everything to the smallest detail. So be calm, tune in to a positive outcome, and then everything will be fine for you and your baby. Easy childbirth and happy motherhood!

Recovery of the body after childbirth

In the process of bearing a child and in the process of childbirth, a significant hormonal restructuring of the body occurs. Changes concern not only the reproductive system, but also other organs. Much is changing dramatically, and therefore, of course, the recovery of the body after childbirth takes a certain time: not one or two weeks. How much the body recovers after childbirth - in each case, the timing is different, but it is possible to generalize and derive a certain average rate.

• The female body after childbirth
• Myths and truth about rejuvenation

The female body after childbirth

The body of a woman after childbirth does not immediately begin to function as before pregnancy. It took a long 9 months to give rise to a new life, so the recovery will also take place gradually, in stages, and a full return to the previous state will come no earlier than in 2-3 months - and this is only in the case when the woman is absolutely healthy and does not practice.

Knowing what happens to the female body after childbirth, you can more clearly imagine the entire recovery period. Let's try to fix all the changes in the form of a table to make it easier.

Table 1.

Myths and truth about rejuvenation after pregnancy and childbirth

Now you can often stumble across the network on statements that the body of a “newly made” mother is rejuvenated. What happens to the body after childbirth - is this opinion true?

What happens to a woman's body after childbirth?

If you pay attention to how long the body recovers after childbirth, it becomes clear: in fact, it is significantly weakened by the stress experienced. A woman with latent chronic ailments may first manifest:

• arthritis and other joint diseases;
• pyelonephritis;
• hormonal problems;
• diabetes mellitus (if a woman developed during pregnancy).

If you notice that the body recovers after childbirth for a long time, perhaps just one of these diseases makes itself felt. Exacerbated and already existing old "sores", especially after the second birth: for example, hemorrhoids, herpes. By the way the body recovers after childbirth, we can draw some conclusions about the state of a woman's health. If the recovery processes take too long, you should think about a comprehensive examination.

Data from medical examinations also indicate a decrease in the level of "bad" cholesterol. Many women seem to become “smarter” with the advent of a child: they have to constantly keep abreast of events, engage in the development of the child, and therefore develop themselves.

All 9 months of pregnancy, eggs do not mature in the ovaries, which means that reproductive function- the ability to become a mother - is extended. before all other cells in the body - this is a proven fact. Pregnancy postpones this irreversible process in time.

Almost all women, when they calm down a little after the appearance of the baby, wonder how to restore the body after childbirth quickly, especially if it “behaves” not too well and does not return to normal.

Everyone's turnaround time is different. At breastfeeding The body usually recovers quickly.

When the uterus is completely cleansed and birth injuries heal, you can start physical education classes - little by little and very carefully. After 2 months (with complicated childbirth, with caesarean section - discussed with the doctor), sexual relations are allowed. The orgasm experienced by a woman helps to speed up the recovery and healing processes due to a powerful rush of blood to the pelvic organs.

It is advisable to take special vitamins, especially if the hair falls out more than usual and the nails exfoliate.

Keeping yourself in good physical shape for the first time helps care for the baby and walking with a stroller. Then it is worth adding a series of exercises. For example, if there is weakness of the muscles of the vagina, urinary incontinence, it is necessary to do Kegel exercises: alternately compress and relax the muscles. Another exercise from this series: you need to sort of push for about 30 seconds, then sharply relax the muscles of the vagina. After a while, the tone will return.

In order not to lose nice shape chest, you need to wear a supportive bra, use creams and masks for stretch marks.

The situation is somewhat more complicated with fat deposits in the waist and abdomen. You can’t lose weight drastically, even if you no longer feed the child - this is harmful for the woman herself. Stretch marks and sagging skin in such cases are almost inevitable.

It is necessary to focus not on reducing the diet, but on physical activity: 2.5-3 months after giving birth, start pumping the press from a prone position (this reduces the load on the back). Daily long walking at an energetic pace, careful stretching of the muscles, pumping the press - all this will help you quickly get back in good shape.

And one more important point: a young mother must find time for herself to sleep, relax a little in silence, just lie down. Therefore, do not strive to do everything yourself, ask the household for help in caring for the baby. The more and better you rest, the sooner you will recover, and your former health and energy will return to you.

Without exception, all systems and organs that "participated" in the bearing of the fetus require some time to recover. What happens in a woman's body after childbirth, and what precautions should young mothers take?

Developing in the mother's womb, the fetus has changed the position of many internal organs, and now they need to return to their previous mode of operation. Obstetricians- gynecologists called the postpartum period, the time during which the involution (reverse development) of organs and systems that have undergone changes in connection with childbirth and pregnancy ends.

This period usually lasts 6-8 weeks. The functions of almost all organs during this time are gradually restored, with the exception of the functions of the mammary glands and the hormonal system, which in an altered mode still have to “work” throughout the entire period of lactation.

Condition of the uterus after childbirth

Immediately after the separation of the placenta, the uterus contracts significantly and takes on a spherical shape. After childbirth, the uterus already weighs about 1 kg, a week later - 500 g, and by the end of the postpartum period, it regains its previous (prenatal) weight and size - about 50 g.

These changes never go unnoticed by a woman: the new mother feels aching pains in the lower abdomen, especially during the feeding period. This is primarily due to the fact that when a child suckles her mother's breast, she releases the hormone oxytocin, which has a contracting effect on her uterus.

The cervix itself after the first birth will no longer have a conical, but a cylindrical shape. In principle, these changes do not affect the woman's health at all, and only your doctor can notice them.

To speed up the process of uterine contraction, intramuscular injections of oxytocin may be prescribed. For ardent opponents of medicinal effects on the body of a nursing mother, a simple uterine massage can be offered: with a relaxed stomach, lying on your back, feeling the bottom of the uterus (the bottom of the uterus is called its uppermost part, located immediately after childbirth just below the navel), begin to gently “move” it up from the periphery to the center. This should be done very gently! Your uterus has worked very hard and now deserves special, delicate treatment!

Menstruation after childbirth

In the postpartum period, there are bloody issues from the genital tract, which are called lochia. They are much more abundant than normal periods and have a specific (rotten) smell. Lochia change their character, become more transparent over time, and by the sixth week of the postpartum period they have the same appearance as the discharge before pregnancy.

In the first six weeks, while the cervix and the uterus itself have not yet contracted, pathogens can enter the uterus, so the hygiene of the external genital organs should be impeccably observed. For this period, special postpartum pads are ideal, having a size that satisfies all the needs of postpartum discharge. Regardless of their fullness, pads should be changed every 2 hours.

Recovery of the female body after childbirth / shutterstock.com

The restoration of menstrual function in mothers who have refused breastfeeding occurs after about a month and a half, and in lactating women - after 6 months. But these figures are average. Of course, the body of any woman is individual, therefore, changes in the timing of the first arrival after childbirth menses quite acceptable.

Gradually, periods again become regular and less painful, as many mothers claim. This fact associated with the normalization of metabolic processes in the hypothalamus - an endocrine gland located in the brain. Childbirth is always stressful, but not all stressful situations are harmful to the human body. And childbirth is just the most obvious example of this. If they pass normally, without possible complications, the metabolism in the hypothalamus is restored, which reduces susceptibility to pain.

Condition of the vagina after childbirth

The volume of the vagina gradually decreases. Despite the fact that the vagina does not return exactly to its prenatal state, due to the restoration of muscle tone, already after six to eight weeks, the vaginal lumen becomes as close as possible to the prenatal one.

Recovery of the female body after childbirth / shutterstock.com

WITH sexual relations after pregnancy, doctors recommend to wait 1.5-2 months. That is how long it takes to restore the female reproductive system. But if during childbirth there were injuries to the cervix, perineum and vagina, the period of abstinence is set individually.

Regardless of the timing of the onset of menstruation, in lactating women, the release of an egg from the ovary ( ovulation ) - and hence fertilization - is quite likely even in the first months of motherhood. Be especially vigilant! Contraception, which is based on the timing of physiological amenorrhea, that is, calculated on the fact that in the absence of menstruation during breastfeeding, pregnancy will not occur, is possible only if the following conditions are met:

• if the age of the child does not exceed 6 months;
• feeding carried out on demand;
• there are obligatory morning feedings (from three to eight in the morning);
• lack of complementary foods, supplementary feeding, supplementing the child with water.

If these conditions are not met, then at the time of the resumption of sexual activity, in order to avoid unwanted pregnancy, contraceptives should be used. For example, spermicides, condoms, oral contraceptives for nursing mothers, etc. Together with your doctor, choose the method of protection against unwanted pregnancy that is acceptable in your case. Remember that your body will be fully ready for the next birth only after two years.

The cardiovascular system

The increased volume of circulating blood returns to its original amount within a week after delivery. In some cases, there is an increase in heart rate.

Recovery of the female body after childbirth / shutterstock.com

Since there is bleeding after childbirth, the blood coagulation system is actively working. In the first 2 weeks, the number of hemostatic bodies (platelets) increases.

Doctors carefully monitor the condition of the puerperal during this period, especially if the woman has had a caesarean section, in order to prevent thromboembolism, a complication caused by the formation of blood clots, during which the lumen of the vessels is closed.

Bladder

In the first days after childbirth, a woman may practically not feel the urge to urinate, since the tone Bladder reduced. A similar condition of the bladder can be aggravated by prolonged labor.

A woman should go to the toilet every two hours in the first days after giving birth, even if there is no urge to urinate. Otherwise, the bladder will overflow, which, in turn, will prevent the normal contraction of the uterus, the discharge of postpartum secretions, and this all contributes to the occurrence of various inflammatory complications.

Hemorrhoids and constipation after childbirth

Constipation is probably the most common problem in young mothers. Their cause may be insufficient contractility of the muscles of the uterus. In addition, for nine months, the walls of the intestines, which experienced tremendous pressure, expand significantly after childbirth, and now, although not for long, the intestines occupy a much larger volume. And the muscles of the pelvic floor, tired after childbirth, do not want to work again.

Helps to deal with constipation warm shower, relieving tension, abdominal massage, toning the muscles of the intestines, and a reasonable diet. Such a massage is quite simple. It consists in circular stroking of the abdomen clockwise. On exhalation, the pressure increases, on inhalation, it weakens. A diet rich in fiber (pumpkin, green apples, prunes, zucchini) will help you deal with constipation.

Another common nuisance is hemorrhoids. Unfortunately, many women experience prolapse of hemorrhoids after childbirth. During the first week, these nodules decrease, do not require special treatment and do not cause severe discomfort. If hemorrhoids cause pain and inconvenience, consult a proctologist. A specialist will help you choose effective way fight this disease.

breast after childbirth

Mammary glands undergo significant changes after childbirth. In them, already during pregnancy, a number of changes occur that prepare the mammary glands for milk production.

Recovery of the female body after childbirth / shutterstock.com

From the nipples in the first days after childbirth, only colostrum is released - a unique substance that ensures the colonization of the child's intestines with normal microorganisms and protects the little man from harmful bacteria. In addition, it fully satisfies the baby's need for nutrients Oh.

Colostrum is thicker than milk yellow color. Colostrum contains little liquid, which perfectly protects the kidneys of the newborn from stress, has some laxative properties and helps the baby easily get rid of meconium - the original stool. Colostrum contains a huge amount of immune and nutrients, it is rich in growth factors.

Milk begins to be produced already in the first week after childbirth - in response to the sucking movements of the child (if the nipple is correctly captured by him). Therefore, the main rule in successful breastfeeding feeding is considered not by the hour, but by demand. With such feeding, there is no need for pumping. Breastfeeding allows the baby and mother to develop a close relationship with each other.

If things are not going too smoothly with your baby’s nutrition, then be sure to seek help from breastfeeding consultants. Now in many cities of Russia there are special breastfeeding support centers.

When might a doctor be needed?

In the postpartum period, there may be situations that require the intervention of a doctor. Monitor your own well-being, at least in the first week after giving birth, measure the temperature, because almost all possible complications manifest themselves as an increase in temperature.

Carefully monitor the condition of the seams (if they exist, of course). The presence of blood stains on the bandage, redness of the skin in the area of ​​​​the suture, sharp pains are reasons for going to the doctor.

In the postpartum period, the woman's body is waiting for a global restructuring. The organs of the reproductive system restore their size and function, the chest becomes rough, and excess fluid leaves.

The birth of a baby is a crucial moment in the life of every mother. As soon as the placenta has departed, childbirth is considered completed. In the postpartum period following them, two phases are distinguished: early and late. The first lasts 2-4 hours, and the second reaches 2 months. In the postpartum period, the organs and systems of a woman return to a "non-pregnant" state. Sometimes at this time, a young mother may experience discomfort. However, many changes in a woman's body after childbirth are quite normal and are associated with its restructuring.

Changes in the reproductive system

In the postpartum period, the organs of the reproductive system undergo major changes. The uterus begins to shrink, trying to return to the size it had before pregnancy. Its mass should decrease by about 20-30 times: from 1500 g to 50 g. The bottom of the uterus also sinks, caused by a decrease in its size. It has been established that the following factors positively influence the reduction process:

• breastfeeding;
• special uterine massage;
• lying on the stomach.

If the contraction of the uterus is slow, the young mother is injected with oxytocin. This hormone affects the intensity of contraction of muscle fibers of the main reproductive organ of a woman. In the body of a young mother, the production of oxytocin occurs when she breastfeeds a newborn. For this reason, in those women who have refused breastfeeding, the reduction in the size of the uterus is slower.

Immediately after childbirth, the inner surface of the main organ of the female reproductive system is an open wound. She exudes, there is a release of the so-called lochia. In the first 5 days they are plentiful and intensely red due to great content blood. During the second week, the discharge darkens, their volume decreases, and by the end of the postpartum period, they become discolored and acquire a mucous consistency.

Changes undergo the vagina and cervix. During childbirth, they are often injured, and the doctor has to put stitches to close the gaps. This leads to deformation of the cervix and slows down the narrowing of the vaginal lumen.

But even if the woman in labor avoided surgical intervention, after a natural birth that does not end in a caesarean section, the cervix changes irreversibly. Instead of conical, it takes the form of a cylinder, and the outer pharynx from round becomes slit-like.

It is noteworthy that the restoration of the uterus and the narrowing of the lumen of the vagina ends by the end of the postpartum period, while the cervix takes about a month longer.

As for urination, doctors recommend that young mothers do not wait for urges in the first days, but go to the toilet every 2 hours. Otherwise, the enlarged bladder will put pressure on the uterus, preventing its contraction. It can also cause discomfort. After some time, the tone of the bladder will be restored, and the urge to empty it will return.

Weight changes

When and how to start losing weight after having a baby? This is perhaps the most painful issue for many new mothers. First of all, it is worth noting that during childbirth, a woman's body loses about 8-10 kg. These include:

• child's weight;
• amniotic fluid (800 g);
• placenta (up to 900 g);
• grown uterus (up to 1500 g).

Gradually, after childbirth, up to 3 liters of excess water disappears: the volume of blood and tissue fluid decreases, swelling subsides.

During pregnancy, as a rule, no more than 2-5 kg ​​are deposited in the form of fat. But to get rid of them, you do not need to start losing weight immediately after giving birth. At proper nutrition, active lifestyle and breastfeeding, the body will use up body fat within 3 months. If this does not happen, you should not start losing weight until lactation stops. Mom's diet can deprive the baby of the substances necessary for growth and development.

It is recommended to start simple physical exercises no earlier than 6 months after childbirth.

The birth of a child is a happy moment, but it is often overshadowed by the anxieties of a young mother, often experiencing the changes taking place with her with excitement. And, although there is an opinion that the body is strengthened and rejuvenated after childbirth, many women do not stop worrying. Someone dreams of starting to lose weight as soon as possible, someone is worried about stretch marks or a changed shape of the breast. However, is it worth worrying about these little things when it comes to such a miracle as the beginning of a new life?