It’s no secret that your body goes through major changes during pregnancy. That’s why medical professionals are significantly involved in helping you monitor your health throughout the experience.
That said, focusing on the effects pregnancy has on the body makes it easy to overlook the effects you may still experience after giving birth. Remember, it’s also important to care for yourself thoroughly in the weeks and months following the birth of your child.
Many refer to this period as the “Fourth Trimester.” It’s a period in which your body is simultaneously adjusting to the demands of caring for a new baby, while also recovering from pregnancy. While you may not need to look up information about physical therapy to get through this period, it’s still important to pay attention to your body.
New mothers often experience certain key symptoms during this time. They frequently include the following:
Urinary Incontinence
Giving birth can significantly weaken your pelvic floor muscles. As a result, you may experience some degree of incontinence after pregnancy.
Although you may notice the problem more often when running, sneezing, or coughing, it can strike at virtually any time. Luckily, performing exercises like kegels can restore strength in your pelvic floor muscles, helping to minimize this issue.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
The physical changes you may undergo when pregnant can also cause your pelvic organs (uterus, bowel, and bladder) to sink lower than they normally would. Women who experience this symptom typically describe it as a heavy feeling in the lower pelvic area. They may also notice a bulge in the vaginal opening.
Again, this is an instance in which exercise helps. Correcting your posture and performing pelvic floor exercises are both effective ways to address this condition.
Diastasis Recti
It’s not uncommon for some women to still look pregnant after having their child. Sometimes, they only notice this symptom in moments when the abdominal muscles are relatively tense, like when coughing. If you experience this symptom, you can address it with core-strengthening exercises.
Lower Back Pain
Many factors can contribute to lower back pain after pregnancy. In general, pregnancy affects the stability of your core, which may result in discomfort. On top of that, basic child care tasks, like lifting up your newborn, put strain on key muscles in that area.
Once again, you can overcome this symptom by understanding how to move safely and maintaining a proper posture. Just be sure to coordinate with professionals. While you’re pregnant, you stay in touch with doctors and other experts to stay healthy. You should do the same after giving birth. Doing so is key to your long-term wellbeing.
