Having a baby is a fantastic experience, but it can also take a toll on your body. Depending on what type of delivery you had, you may be dealing with pain, discomfort, and fatigue. This is perfectly normal and your body will eventually heal. Here are some of the most common issues new mothers face after childbirth and offer some tips on how to manage them:
C-Sections vs. Vaginal Births
If you had a C-section, you’ll likely experience more pain and discomfort during your recovery than if you had a vaginal birth. This is because C-sections involve making an incision in the abdominal area, which can be quite painful. During your recovery period, you’ll have to be careful not to put too much strain on your incision and watch out for any signs of infection. Your doctor will likely leave you with instructions, so be sure to follow them. You should also avoid carrying anything heavier than your baby, or you might risk re-opening your incision.
If you had a vaginal birth, you’ll still experience some pain and discomfort, but it won’t be as severe after a C-section. You may also have some tearing or episiotomy, an incision made in the perineum. This is done to help the baby come out safely and can be painful when you use the bathroom. During your recovery, you’ll likely experience some bleeding and will need to use pads. You’ll also want to take it easy and avoid any strenuous activity. Most women take four to six weeks to fully recover from vaginal birth.
Managing Pelvic Floor Issues
Childbirth can often lead to problems with the pelvic floor muscles, which support the uterus, bladder, and rectum. These muscles can become weak or damaged during childbirth, leading to urinary incontinence (leakage of urine when coughing or sneezing), pelvic organ prolapse (descent of the bladder, uterus, or rectum into the vagina), or both. If you’re experiencing these problems, there are several things you can do to manage them.
Urinary incontinence can often be treated with pelvic floor muscle exercises, also called Kegel exercises. These exercises help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and reduce leakage. Meanwhile, pelvic organ prolapse can often be treated with surgery or a pessary, which is a device that supports the pelvic organs. In some cases, urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse can be treated with a combination of exercises and surgery/pessary use. If you’re struggling with either of these issues, it’s important to talk to your doctor, so they can help you come up with a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Addressing Dental Problems
Pregnancy can sometimes lead to dental problems like gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) or tooth decay. These problems are usually caused by changes in hormone levels during pregnancy as estrogen levels increase. It leads to gum tissues becoming more susceptible to inflammation. If left alone, this might lead to tooth loss. Because of this, there’s a common misconception that goes along the lines of “losing a tooth for every new baby“. If you are one of the new mothers who lost a tooth during your pregnancy, there are ways for you to replace it. You can consider getting dental implants which can help restore your smile and give you back your confidence. The sooner you manage your dental issues, the less likely they will cause any serious dental problems in the future.
Reducing Your Weight
Weight gain is common during pregnancy, but many women struggle to lose weight after having a baby. This is because their full attention is on their new baby, and they do not have the time to focus on themselves. However, it is important to remember that you need to give your body time to recover from childbirth before you try to lose weight. But you can take steps toward weight management even as you are still recovering. This involves changing your diet and focusing on eating healthy food that can also provide your body with the necessary nutrients to heal. You can increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. You should also drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated.
Apart from eating healthy, you also need to get some exercise. But it is important to note that you should not do anything too strenuous in the first few weeks after childbirth. Walking is a great way to exercise while spending time with your baby. You can also try some simple exercises at home, such as sit-ups and squats. But make sure that you consult with your doctor before starting any exercise routine.
When a woman becomes pregnant, her body goes through many changes to support the baby’s growth. That’s why they should also focus on their recovery to avoid long-term problems. New mothers need to understand this and take things easy in the weeks and months after giving birth. This will help ensure a smooth and healthy recovery.
