One of the best things a pregnant woman can do for herself is prepare for the effects of childbirth. Giving birth is one of the most fulfilling experiences a woman can have. But many women pose the inevitable “why didn't anyone tell me that would happen?” question once things begin to tip a bit out of their comfort zone. Let's look at five effects of childbirth you should know to prepare for.
1. Fatigue
Feeling tired after giving birth is a common complaint. Your body is recuperating from an incredible physical challenge and you are now caring for a newborn that needs food, diaper changes, and attention 24/7. The fatigue can last for months and may also be associated with other factors such as postpartum depression or anemia. Additionally, this could be a symptom of an underachieving thyroid gland that should be checked out.
2. Stretch Marks
The thin scars that you may see on your stomach, breasts, and backside are called stretch marks. They usually start out red and lighten within a year. There are a few treatments that can help including the use of Retin-A, microdermabrasion, and laser treatments. Retin-A helps build collagen but must be limited to after birth while microdermabrasion and laser treatments can help through targeting the pigment. You may also suffer from excessive dryness and discomfort, which can be alieved by treatment through a company like Refined Dermatology.
3. C-section Healing
C-Sections are no minor surgery. It can be a painful healing process and many women find the leakage alarming. While most scars will fade to a thin line within a year or two, they will never completely diminish. Treating the scar tissue early is the best way to make it less visible. Mederma is an over-the-counter topical gel that is widely used. Additionally, self-adhesive foam strips work in a similar manner. For those willing to dish out the big bucks, laser treatments and steroid injections are the top therapies.
4. Incontinence
You may begin to notice a bit of urine leakage while laughing, sneezing, coughing, or performing any type of strenuous activity. This common effect is caused by weakened muscles around the bladder and pelvis following delivery. It generally takes between three and six months to regain complete bladder control but a variety of things can help speed up your recovery. Kegals, weight loss, drinking water, and avoiding diuretics can all help.
5. Hair Loss
After birth, estrogen levels plummet and put a lot of your hair follicles in the resting stage. This in turn makes hair fall out at a significant rate. Within six to twelve months, the unusual level of shedding will begin to taper off and hair will eventually return to its pre-preganacy thickness. While you won't be able to stop the hair from falling out, different hairstyles and products can help hide the thinning during the transition period.
All the planning for the birth of your baby can make it easy to forget about the effects that come after delivery. Take steps to prepare yourself and do your research in order to provide the easiest recovery possible. While you cannot possible predict everything that you may encounter, the more you discuss with your doctor, the better off you will be!