It's safe to say growing and birthing a baby does “some things” to the body. And while many of those changes are temporary, like strange skin conditions experienced during pregnancy, some may be more permanent, like altered DNA.
“Your body changes over time; it takes a while to get close to your prepregnancy shape and size.” What's reasonable? Expect to naturally lose some weight before your first postpartum doctor's visit (usually around six to eight weeks after giving birth).
Your Hips Get Wider
For most women, these enlarged bones go back to their original place by about 18 weeks postpartum, but some women keep the extra girth permanently.
Your postpartum belly won't instantly go back to how it was before you were pregnant – it's a process that can take months or even years, while some bellies may take on a different shape permanently. Some moms may experience a bulge caused by diastasis recti, a separation of the abdominal muscles during pregnancy.
Also called an abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck can help tighten the abdominal muscles and remove excess skin flaps. In some cases, insurance may cover the procedure if doctors deem it medically necessary, for example, if it causes an inability to work or get around.
Diet and exercise: Losing weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise can help to reduce belly overhang by reducing the amount of fat stored in the abdominal area. Cardio exercise: Aerobic exercises such as cycling, running, swimming, or brisk walking can help to burn calories and reduce belly fat.
“Mom butt” is slang for a post-baby booty… a little saggier and a little flatter than what it used to be… This phenomenon results from muscular imbalances, and it's not just an aesthetic issue! The glutes work hand-in-hand with the pelvic floor and core muscles.
Also, hormones produced during pregnancy loosen up the joints and ligaments, which can also cause feet to change. Changes in the shape of a woman's breasts are a permanent side effect of pregnancy. Changes are caused by the stretching of the ligaments and elastin that holds the fatty tissue in that area in place.
Widening hips allow for the baby to pass through the pelvic bone during birth. You can rest assured that your widening hips, in most cases, will return back to their pre-pregnancy state, usually by 12 weeks postpartum.
"You can start with what you did in the third trimester, then gradually add what you did in the second trimester, then the first, until you are back to doing what you did before pregnancy," says Fleming, who says the process should take between four and six months.
All women (even the Duchess of Cambridge!) have a bit of a belly for the first four to eight weeks after giving birth, as the uterus shrinks back to size. But for some of us, that “five months pregnant” look can last months or even years.
After birth, hormone levels drop quickly and often take the glow with them. In addition, the stress that comes with becoming a new parent and sleep deprivation can quickly make the skin look dull, dry and tired.
However, a belly bulge that doesn't go away for months after delivery can be a sign of diastasis recti—a separation of your abdominal muscles. The normal separation between your abdominal muscles is about 0.5 – 1 centimeter or about one finger width.
Five reasons it's hard to lose weight after baby
Once the initial weight is lost, you'll need more time to lose the other pounds gained: "You will lose water weight and baby, amniotic fluid and placenta weight quickly, but losing fat pounds takes time and commitment."
There are very slim women who don't necessarily lead a healthy lifestyle at all and who seem to "snap back" after birth - this that is just their genetics at play and how their body reacts to pregnancy.
Thicker Thighs and Legs
It can take up to a year to lose the weight gained during pregnancy, says Dr. Dawson. To lose weight gradually, experts recommend a mix of exercise and well-balanced nutrition.