Your body has just done something remarkable - it’s grown, nourished, and birthed a whole human being. And now, in the early weeks and months after giving birth, it continues to do important work: healing, feeding, recovering, and adjusting.
Postpartum bodies don’t “bounce back.” They evolve. They shift. They soften and strengthen in new ways.
What Happens to Your Body After Birth?
After delivery - whether vaginal or caesarean - your body begins the process of recovery and adaptation. Every person’s journey is unique, but some common postpartum physical changes include:
1. Postnatal Bleeding (Lochia)
This is your body’s way of clearing out the uterine lining. It’s similar to a very heavy period and can last up to 6 weeks. The colour and flow will change over time from red to brown, then yellow or clear.
2. Uterus Shrinking
After birth, your uterus begins to contract back to its pre-pregnancy size - a process known as involution. This can cause mild cramping (especially during breastfeeding), and you might feel a firm lump in your tummy for the first week.
3. Breast Changes
In the days after birth, your breasts may become fuller and firmer as milk “comes in.” If breastfeeding, you may experience:
- Leaking
- Tenderness
- Engorgement
- Visible veins or size differences
If not breastfeeding, your milk will still come in and gradually reduce with time.
Skin, Hair, and Hormonal Changes
Hair Shedding
Many new parents experience postpartum hair loss, usually around 2–4 months after birth. This happens due to hormone changes and is temporary - your hair will grow back.
Skin Sensitivity
You may notice pigmentation changes, stretch marks, or skin dryness. These are all common postpartum effects.
- Linea nigra (the dark line on your belly) fades over time
- Stretch marks may fade from red to silver
- Gentle moisturising can support skin recovery
Sweating and Temperature Changes
Hormonal shifts may also cause night sweats or hot flushes in the early weeks.
Changes to Your Stomach and Core
Your belly won’t “snap back” - and it’s not meant to.
Abdominal Muscles
Some people experience diastasis recti, a separation of the abdominal muscles. This can lead to a soft, domed belly or back pain. Recovery is gradual, and gentle core exercises (once approved by your GP) can help. The GP may make an early referral to a physiotherapist. This will ensure the exercises are targeted to your individual needs.
Belly Shape
You may still look a few months pregnant after giving birth. This is entirely normal. Your uterus needs weeks to shrink, and the surrounding muscles and skin need time to adjust.
There’s no rush - your body is still working hard.
Pelvic Floor and Bladder Changes
The pelvic floor muscles support your bladder, bowel, and uterus and they stretch significantly during birth. As a result, you may experience:
- Leaking urine when sneezing, laughing, or lifting
- A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvis
- Trouble controlling wind
Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) can make a big difference and are safe to start as soon as you feel able.
If you’re unsure or symptoms persist, ask your GP for a referral to a pelvic health physiotherapist.
Embracing Emotional Shifts Around Your Body
Your postpartum body may not feel familiar at first. It might be softer, slower, more sensitive - and that can stir up big emotions.
It’s okay to:
- Grieve how your body once felt
- Struggle with new sensations or appearance
- Worry about intimacy or “getting back to normal”
- Feel both gratitude and frustration
These feelings are valid. You’ve undergone a transformation - not just physically, but emotionally and mentally.
Gentle steps to support your body image:
- Wear clothes that make you feel comfortable - not just “fit”
- Focus on what your body is doing, not just how it looks
- Talk openly with your partner or loved ones
- Avoid “bounce back” narratives on social media
- Celebrate non-scale victories (like strength, rest, feeding, healing)
When to Seek Support
See your Midwife, GP, or health visitor if you experience:
- Pain during sex or pelvic heaviness
- Ongoing bladder or bowel leakage
- Severe body image distress
- Unexplained pain, swelling, or fatigue
- Anxiety or low mood linked to your body
You are not alone, and support is always available.
Midwife’s Top Tips
- Be patient - healing takes time, and every body is different
- Try pelvic floor exercises as soon as you feel comfortable
- Don’t worry if your tummy looks or feels different - this is normal
- Moisturise itchy or stretched skin gently
- If something feels off physically or emotionally, ask for help
Your postpartum body is not broken or in need of “fixing.” It’s powerful, capable, and in transition. It deserves gentleness, care, and gratitude - not pressure to look a certain way. So here’s your permission slip: to move slowly, to rest often, to say no to bounce-back culture, and yes to the version of you that is healing, evolving, and showing up - every single day.
