TL;DR – Postpartum: Changes You Should Know
- The postpartum period, also referred to as the “fourth trimester,” brings major adjustments to a woman’s body, affecting emotional and physiological health.
- First time mothers usually experience physical transformations, such as postpartum hair loss caused by fluctuating hormones and persistent postpartum belly due to a shrinking uterus.
- Healing and recovery during the postpartum period differs as each woman’s body copes differently and the treatments needed for emotional and physical restoration vary.
- There are many targeted professional support that mothers in their postpartum period can access in Singapore, including postpartum hair loss treatments and postpartum slimming.
- It is imperative that a mother undergoes an extensive postpartum assessment in order to identify their personal needs and receive the right treatments to improve their wellbeing in the long run.
When we talk about the stages of pregnancy, the third trimester is regarded as the final chapter of a woman’s child-bearing journey, with child birth usually seen as the culmination of this physiological process.
However, from a mother’s point of view, this is another beginning. The body and mind undergoes a complex biological transition to the postpartum period.
Also called the “fourth trimester,” the postpartum period often gets little attention as compared to pregnancy. A mother goes through many changes in her mind and body as she navigates this critical phase where the body experiences intensive repair.
Having the proper understanding and knowledge of what goes on in your body allows you to take charge of your health and seek medical care at the proper time. This article will serve as your guide through the different changes that can happen to your body during your road to recovery.
Common Physical Changes During the Postpartum Period
1. Postpartum Belly
An obvious change that happens right after birth is postpartum belly. Your abdomen does not shrink back to its normal size, making you appear as though you are six months on the way. This occurrence is very much normal.
It takes time for your uterus –which expanded significantly during pregnancy– to return to its pre-pregnancy size. For many mothers, this postpartum belly softens and flattens naturally over time. However, for some women, the protruding belly does not fully go away, even months or years after delivery. This is often due to a condition called diastasis recti, where the abdominal muscles separate as a result of being stretched during pregnancy.
When these muscles remain separated, the core cannot properly support the abdomen, causing the belly to protrude or appear rounded. Many mums who still “look pregnant” long after giving birth are not dealing with stubborn fat, but with unresolved diastasis recti.
2. Postpartum Hair Loss
A surprising change experienced by new mothers during the postpartum phase is hair loss.
Postpartum hair loss is often surprising and difficult to accept for many new mums, due partly to the fact that hair actually grows thicker and fuller during pregnancy due to elevated oestrogen levels.
After childbirth however, oestrogen levels decline rapidly, causing the once full and healthy hair you gained during pregnancy to shed.
Postpartum hair loss usually happens around three to six months following delivery and tends to stop once your hormones stabilise. That said, hair shedding can worsen with lack of sleep and stress – something many new mums go through.
During this period, we encourage you to lean onto support and prioritise rest and nutrition where possible. If hair shedding persists beyond a year postpartum, appears excessive, or does not improve over time, consider seeing a doctor for an assessment. Checking hormone levels, iron stores, and overall nutritional status can help identify any underlying factors that may be contributing to prolonged hair loss.
3. Core and Pelvic Floor Changes
Your pelvic floor goes through extreme strain during pregnancy and childbirth. Because of this, it becomes weak and may result in discomfort when performing physical tasks, an unstable core, or urinary leakage. These signs are noticeable during the onset of your postpartum phase. However, you should consider getting assessed and treated when the symptoms linger for a long time to allow your pelvic floor to heal and avoid complications that can affect your quality of life.
Common Emotional and Mental Changes During the Postpartum Period
1. Baby Blues
Transitioning from pregnancy to the postpartum period causes hormonal instability, which can lead to baby blues in the first few days and resolve within two weeks postpartum. This transitional moodiness is characterised by anxiety, crying spells, and mood swings. You may also feel overwhelmed with the responsibility of caring for your newborn, which can take a toll on your emotions. Baby blues is not the same as postpartum depression.
2. Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is another change that affects the emotional and mental health of mothers who have just given birth. Its symptoms, such as feelings of worthlessness, intense fatigue, and even a loss of interest in caring for your baby, can last for a long time. You may experience postpartum depression anytime within the first year after giving birth.
The Importance of Postpartum Assessment
Navigating the postpartum period is not the same for everyone. It may be smooth sailing for some, while others face a more challenging experience. Nevertheless, mothers going through this transition need all the support that they can get to be healthy holistically.
A postpartum assessment plays a vital role during this period as this can evaluate your needs and establish treatments to keep your recovery on track. A comprehensive assessment checks the following:
- Core and pelvic floor health
- Emotional welfare and stress indicators
- Energy levels
- Hair loss and skin condition
- Hormonal balance
- Postpartum belly and any changes to body composition
- State of Metabolism
Undergoing a postpartum assessment can help identify and personalise various approaches, like postpartum slimming or postpartum hair loss treatments, to address the changes in your body.
Take Charge of Your Health and Book a Postpartum Assessment
The postpartum period is a critical time in your recovery after childbirth. This phase should focus on regaining your strength and balance to ensure that your mental and physical well-being is supported throughout the course of time.
Postpartum changes in your body should not be ignored. If you do not know where to start, a postpartum assessment done by a medical professional can point you in the right direction. It can help you confidently and safely address postpartum changes, ensuring that you as well as your baby receive the utmost care during this critical time.
