How my body changed post pregnancy – Becoming a mother was one of the most transformative experiences of my life, not just emotionally but physically as well. Pregnancy and childbirth brought about changes in my body that I never quite anticipated, despite all the reading and advice I received.
The physical changes—stretch marks, loose skin, and a new body shape—left me feeling disconnected from my pre-pregnancy self. My self-esteem took a hit, and I found myself struggling to accept this new version of my body.
I often compared myself to other mothers who seemed to ‘bounce back’ effortlessly, which only heightened my insecurities. It was difficult to reconcile the joy of motherhood with the loss of my former body, and this internal conflict affected my confidence.
One thing that has helped me immensely is finding support from other mothers who understand these changes. Sharing experiences and tips, and just having someone to talk to who ‘gets it’ has been invaluable. Through Women Talking, I am able to tell my story. This is how my body changed post pregnancy—and how I went on to feel as myself again.
My body took a hit—and so did my self-esteem
After pregnancy, my body has changed in ways that I’m still getting used to. My hips are wider, something I hadn’t anticipated. My tummy felt softer, as if my muscles were still figuring out their new place. My breasts also changed; they became fuller during pregnancy but lost some volume after breastfeeding. While I expected some changes, the reality of how my body felt is different from what I imagined, and truth be told, I’ve had a hard time accepting that.
Stretch marks began to appear on my abdomen, thighs, and breasts, marking the journey my body had been through, even though they faded over time. I also noticed changes in my skin’s texture and elasticity, with some areas developing loose skin that wasn’t there before.
During pregnancy, my hair became thicker and more lustrous, which I loved. But post-pregnancy, the shedding began as my hormones settled back to normal. It left my hair feeling thinner and more brittle, a stark contrast to the volume I’d gotten used to.
I used to be able to push through intense workouts with ease, but post-pregnancy, I’ve had to rebuild my strength gradually. Activities that were once easy now required much more effort. Rebuilding my strength has been a slow process, but I’ve found joy in gentler forms of exercise like yoga and walking, which have helped me reconnect with my body in a more compassionate way.
Emotionally, the changes in my body have been a rollercoaster. There are days when I feel proud of what my body has achieved—nurturing and giving birth to a child is nothing short of miraculous. But there are also days when I struggle with the loss of my pre-pregnancy body. It’s a delicate balance between self-acceptance and the desire to reclaim a sense of normalcy.
Reconnecting with myself
Over time, however, I found ways to improve my body image and reconnect with my post pregnancy body changes. This is the advice I got from other mothers that I want to pass on to you.
- Practice self-compassion
I learned to treat myself with kindness, reminding myself that my body went through an incredible process of bringing life into the world. Accepting that it’s okay to feel both grateful and challenged by these changes was a crucial step in healing my body image. - Seek support
Connecting with other mothers who shared similar experiences was incredibly helpful. Talking openly about body image issues and receiving encouragement made me feel less alone and more understood. - Reframe stretch marks
Over time, I began to see my stretch marks not as flaws, but as beautiful, natural tattoos that tell the story of my body’s journey. They are deeply personal and unique, symbolizing the incredible experience of bringing life into the world. - Consider professional help
For those who feel that physical changes are too challenging to accept, aesthetic treatments can be a viable option. Personally, the emotional struggle was too hard on me. That’s why I turned to the Adoreal platform to find a reputable clinic that offered mummy makeovers—a set of surgical procedures aiming to restore the body to its pre-pregnancy shape.
If you’re on a similar path, know that it’s okay to seek support, whether it’s from other mothers, through self-care, or even by exploring professional help. For some, aiming to ‘get your body back’ isn’t the right path. Instead, you could focus on rebuilding strength and health in a way that feels good for you. Setting small, achievable goals can help you regain confidence and appreciate your body for what it can do now.
Poppy Watt