Childbirth brings significant physical changes, some of which are permanent. For example, you may notice enlarged, softer, and sagging breasts, a hanging belly, changes in hair and skin texture, stretch marks, and wider hips.

Permanent Body Changes After Pregnancy

You may notice many prominent changes in your body during pregnancy. Your belly grows, breasts become enlarged, and your weight increases. The journey, as beautiful as it is, affects many parts of your body. Some changes are short-lived. Some last long. And many are permanent. Medically, they may not be harmful, but certain physical changes can affect your emotional health.

You can always consult a gynecologist in Thane if you feel stressed or anxious about the physical changes that occur after pregnancy. In the meantime, here’s a look at the common changes that stick around.

Stretch Marks

Those red marks on your skin that develop on the belly, thighs, hips, and even breasts are due to excessive and rapid stretching of the skin during pregnancy. They might become lighter over time, but they rarely fade completely. 

Stretch marks are not your flaws, but a reminder of how incredibly your body endured all the changes to give birth to a healthy little human.

Hanging Skin Around the Belly

During the nine months of pregnancy, your abdominal skin stretches beyond its limits. While it’s elastic, it may not always bounce back completely after delivery. 

For many women, the firmness and tightness are restored to a great degree; however, for others, especially those with multiple pregnancies or excessive stretching, some looseness persists permanently. That’s because collagen and elastic, the proteins that make your skin firm, lose strength.

Changes in Breasts

Another noticeable change after pregnancy is the changes in breast shape and size. Increased production of estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin causes significant growth in your milk ducts. 

The enlarged glands might shrink back to their original size once breastfeeding reduces or stops, but the stretched skin may not always return to its pre-pregnancy state. 

As a result, you might notice mild sagging and a softer feel. Some also notice changes in nipples, such as darkness or enlargement. These changes are normal.

Wider Hips

This one is quite surprising. The hormones released during pregnancy relax the ligaments around your pelvic floor to support delivery. As a result, your hip bones might move slightly outward. 

Like other changes mentioned above, the area tightens after delivery, but it may not be like before pregnancy. It isn’t always a significant change. Many women notice only slight differences in their jeans’ fit. That’s all.

Skin and Hair Changes

Hairfall after delivery is quite common. Changes in hormones can trigger hair and skin changes, some of which may last permanently. 

Although most hair regrows, some women notice thinner ponytails with a slight change in hair texture. Some also notice changes in the skin texture, such as skin becoming drier or oilier than before.

When to Seek Help

Most of these changes are absolutely normal and quite common in many women after pregnancy, but it’s best to book post pregnancy checkup in Thane if you notice:

• Severe pelvic pain
• Urinary leakage
• Severe abdominal separation

Talking to a healthcare professional will help offer reassurance.