Your post-pregnancy body
Your post-pregnancy body, even your very post-pregnancy body, looks and feels different.
But when is different “normal” and how do you know when something is just not right? What if you’re experiencing abdominal pain 6 weeks postpartum?
What’s your tummy supposed to look like? Is it normal to feel like that when you go to the bathroom? Will that always stick out / feel numb / not work / feel funny?
Firstly, more often than not, the childbirth part doesn’t go quite as we expected. And whether this is your first baby or your fifth, no birth is the same and your body may not react the same. Remember that Mother Nature really is pretty awesome, and your post-pregnancy body will heal, given time, rest and some love.
But many many women are living with issues that they really shouldn’t have to, and importantly, that can be helped, if you know what movements and exercises you should or shouldn’t be doing for your particular circumstances.
Let’s start with some perfectly normal (if not altogether pleasant) symptoms and feelings your post-pregnancy body may experience in the 0-8 weeks after you have your baby
The following feelings are normal in the first 8 weeks
When you go to the bathroom, you may feel like your insides are going to fall out. (As I said, normal doesn’t always mean nice). They won’t. But they may feel like they’re going to.
Your ability to control your urine, stools and gas may be less than ideal. I.e. you leak or fart and there’s absolutely nothing you can do about it.
You will shift about when you sit or stand, not quite sure where everything is supposed to go and trying to get comfortable.
Everything is sore. In your pubic area or your hips, back, neck, around your scar if you had a c-section… or any or all of the above. Actually you may be sore in lots of places
What you should do during this period of healing
Stretch and release those poor tight muscles. Stretch your calves and hamstrings; squat holding onto a heavy table leg or stair rail for support; clasp your hands behind your back and lift your hands towards the ceiling to relieve those poor shoulders and very gently raise your nose to the ceiling; lie on your back with your legs in the air and shuffle your bottom right into the wall, then let your legs drop to the side… these are just a few really beneficial stretches you can do to improve circulation and muscle release.
Find your pelvic floor and stomach muscles. You’re not *exercising* them, you’re *finding* them. Very gently draw your belly button inwards on a long slow exhale whilst lifting your pelvic floor. Try to think of it, not as a squeeze at the front, but a deep lift, right in the middle. Keep shoulders and chest relaxed. Take a few deep breaths like this whenever you remember, relaxing everything as you inhale, then contracting again as you exhale. Note: don’t push away on the inhale, just let go.
Use as many cushions, bolsters and pillows as you need to get comfortable and supported as you feed and cuddle your baby.
Rest, rest, rest. Go for a daily walk if you can manage. But take it easy. Then go rest some more.
8+ Weeks after you have had your baby
OK, now you can gradually start to increase your levels of activity, but nothing should hurt when you do. You should have stopped bleeding, you should have stopped hurting. If either is still going on, then please see your doctor again. Abdominal pain 6 weeks postpartum and onwards is something you should speak with a medical professional about. You should be able to pretty much control your bladder and bowel. Some weakness and urgency are normal, but you should be able to hang on a bit.
What is not normal post-pregnancy?
By normal here I mean, this shouldn’t be happening. It may be happening, because these symptoms are sadly very common and women just live with them. But you really shouldn’t have to, because the right corrective exercise can make a BIG difference.
Pain – In your back, pelvis, abdomen, hips or legs
Leaking urine or worse when you sneeze, laugh or cough; or leaking as you’re rushing to the toilet.
Bulging or ‘Bearing Down’ from your Tummy or Pelvic Floor – Bulging or doming of your abdomen when you do any exercise or movement. Feeling like you’re bearing down, like you can’t keep a tampon in, or like something is falling out or between your legs, in or from your vagina or rectum.
Abdominal Pain 6 Weeks Postpartum or longer
It’s important to point out that aside from the usual early week’s abdominal discomfort post-birth, abdominal pain 6 weeks postpartum or any other time is something you need to urgently see your doctor about. Don’t hesitate to seek medical help.
Abdominal Pain 6 weeks postpartum or anytime before or after this point should always be discussed as a matter of urgency with your Doctor. But the specialist you really need to see about any ongoing post pregnancy and pelvic symptoms is a Women’s Health Physiotherapist. She will be able to help you understand what you’re dealing with and how to adapt exercises for your individual circumstances.
Then you can start to find and understand your core muscles, and then you need to strengthen them. You can’t do the latter until you have done the former… For now, avoid sit-ups or crunches, don’t do high impact exercise and don’t leap into a class or routine that does not give you very specific corrective exercise for a recovering mother.
MUTU System is recommended by Women Health Physiotherapists around the world and is very specifically designed for postpartum women…. For women who have had a baby, recently or a long time ago… It’s safe and it’ll help!
Please understand that whilst we welcome your comments and questions, we cannot diagnose your symptoms here. If you’re not sure about anything, please go see your Doctor!
References: Diane Lee and Associates
Hi
This isn’t a question. I actually want to share my experience. I had an all natural water birth. Things didn’t go as planned.. I had severe hemorrhaging after I gave birth and was rushed out of the tub to stop the bleeding. When I left the hospital 3 days later, I knew i was going to be sore but I didnt’t know that I wasn’t going to be able to walk. I was in so much pain every step I took. I even collapsed. I felt like it wasn’t right… that I should at least be able to walk. I went to my midwife and she agreed, it was not right. I had many tests and ultrasounds done which revealed that a tiny cartilage that connects the left and right sides of my pelvic was dislocated. I went through physical therapy for 6 months to be able to strengthen my pelvic floor and keep everything in alignment. I had to be careful for up to a year because i was at risk of dislodging it again.
So bottom line, if you have severe pain down there while walking, go see a doctor… its not normal.
I currently have an issue. I just had sex, and I went to the bathroom to pee. I pushed because I felt like I had to fart. I got a SEVERE sharp pain in my lower abdomen, pelvis, and it went down my butt to my anus. I still feel the pain after 30 minutes. I’m not sure what to do but it hurts awfully bad. My only son is almost 2. I’m not sure if this pertains to the original post…but I’m desperate for some help.
Hi Britney, you need to speak to your medical practitioner or doctor about this. We are unable to comment on medical issues.
Hi I had a still birth 4 months ago. I was 24 weeks and 6 days. I saw my midwife for the first 10 days but have not saw or been examined since. I find it painful to lye on my stomach, I wake every morning with a painful back and I get pains where my ovaries are. Is this normal as this was my first pregnancy. I’m booked in to go through my 2nd try of ivf in October.
Hi Stacey, so sorry for your loss. Please always check any pain with a Doctor or specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist as soon as possible – we cannot diagnose you on the blog.
Hi, I’m two months postpartum, I had a c section do to pre eclampsia and I’ve noticed I’ve been up and down with my weight every couple weeks, i almost feel as if I’m pregnant again as my stomach just feels so full but I know I’m not. Is this normal?
Hi i had my baby 23 days ago and im having thigh pain during the night is that normal?
HI,
after competing my 4 months after a delivery i feel pain in my vagina bone at the time when i woke up or in the night what should i need to do is it normal
Please always check any pain with a Doctor or specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist as soon as possible – we cannot diagnose you on the blog my Love.
I just had a baby and I have little bit of tenderness in my upper part of my belly button is that normal
Hi Breanna. You need to speak to your midwife or doctor about this. We are unable to comment on medical issues. Congratulations on the birth of your baby! xx
hi,i had baby girl age of almost 4 years and 7years son,8years girl and nine years son and i had same problems but when i discuss with my obgyn in brooklyn maimonides female doctor she said you are normal she didn’t do anything didn’t advice me anything i am worried about so much but never share with some one but know i read and find out its same happened to me,i am very scares now because whenever i pea i feel something try to come down and i feel burdon and then i finish it goes back to its place
i had all such issues as
1. Pain – In your back, pelvis, abdomen, hips or legs
2. Leaking urine or worse when you sneeze, laugh or cough; or leaking as you’re rushing to the toilet.
4. Bulging or ‘Bearing Down’ from your Tummy or Pelvic Floor – Bulging or doming of your abdomen when you do any exercise or movement. Feeling like you’re bearing down, like you can’t keep a tampon in, or like something is falling out or between your legs, in or from your vagina or rectum.
Hi Aneela,
I’d recommend that you get a referral or refer yourself to a Women’s Health Physiotherapist / Pelvic Physical Therapist if you aren’t getting the answers you’d like from your doctor.
Read more on this here: https://mutusystem.com/refe…
The symptoms you are experience shouldn’t be ignored and you don’t have to put up with them. A specialist Women’s health or pelvic physical therapist will be able to help you.
xx
Hi I had a baby 12 days ago and woke up with some ankle pain in one ankle. Idk if this is normal I did s little walking the day before with my son in park. I also have neck And shoulder pain is there any stretches I can do for this. I meet with a physical therapist on tues but anything I can do in between. Thanks in advance.
Hi Crystal,
I hope your physical therapist has been able to advise you on the right treatment for this pain and discomfort. It is your best bet to speak face to face with a medical professional so you’ve done the right thing. :)
Is something wrong if my fiancee is bleeding Alot the last two weeks and had a child Lil over 4 months ago?
Hey Jonathan.
Thanks for your comment. My advice would be that your Fiancée books in to speak to her doctor about this as soon as she can. It’s best to get these things checked out by medical professionals as I am unable to advise on individual medical cases. :) x
It’s really important that, if you are experiencing pain, you seek the advice and guidance of a medical professional. You must discuss these symptoms with your doctor so they can give you the proper care you need. :)
Hi I’m 7 weeks and I’ve been having like dull painless stabbing pains on my both ovaries and in the middle I called the docter about it and she said it was probabaly just a cyst but if it got worse to call hasn’t got worse. Symptoms have decreased a lot no bleeding or really bad cramping I have an appointment on the 8 of may idk if I should be worried
Hi Alicia,
I am unable to diagnose or advice on individual medical cases. If you are concerned, please see your doctor as soon as you can so they can properly examine you and give proper medical advice.
I’m two weeks postpartum and I leak blood when I cough. It seems to go away but then comes back heavy. Is this normal?
Hi lady’s, 10 weeks pp, feeling sick and stomach doubled In size. Just feel rotten I could cry is this normal. And my stomach is sore and tender, my bum is numb and I can’t sit for no more than 5 min without being uncomfortable. I had a c section under GA.
Oh Pip. You poor dear. If you have any medical concerns, you should seek advice from your midwife or doctor. I’m unable to advise on individual medical cases.
After delivering a baby, what is a good plan for daily walking for exercise: how soon/how far? I realize the answer would vary under different circumstances, but I would appreciate your perspective postpartum walks, generally.
This is something you’ll need to clear with your doctor first, Wendy. But The Focus Program, or the first Core Phase of the 12 Week Program, are safe to start in the early days after birth. These foundation stages of the programs are designed to help you locate and restore connection to your core muscles. They are gentle, helping you to re-connect with your body and increase circulation to your core and pelvic floor to aid healing. The daily walk advocated in all our programs is healthy and nourishing to start as soon as you feel able.
You should wait a minimum of 6 weeks following a vaginal birth without complications, and at least 10 weeks following a c-section or any birth complications, before commencing the Intensive workouts in the 12 Week Program. These workouts are introduced in Week 3, so you will simply stay on the first 2 weeks of core restoration until you are ready.
Seek medical approval from your doctor before starting any exercise program after childbirth.
I been cramping every since my baby was born and he was born dec 22 but the cramp only come wen im laying down over night
Hi Shamylia. If you have medical concerns, you must seek the advice of a qualified medical professional. Book in with your doctor to discuss this further or seek advice from a Women’s Health Physiotherapist: https://mutusystem.com/refe…
I had my baby 11 weeks ago and when I lay on my side my vagina hurts a lot and affecting being able to fall asleep and wakes me up I have been to 2 doctors all they say is hmm that’s strange maybe pressure from needing the toilet. It’s not that anyone else in this type of pain it’s a solid 8
Hi Crystal. Don’t be afraid to keep going back and I’d recommend you ask for a referral to a Women’s Health Physiotherapist. Find out more here: https://mutusystem.com/refe…
I have a 9 month old baby..c section delivery.. I observe that whenever i walk alot or walk fast i feel some abdominal pain.. Is anyone else facing the same? Is this normal?
Hey Pranjul, This is something you should definitely discuss with your doctor or physical therapist. Abdominal pain is not normal so you should seek some medical advice on this. xx
I have the same issue and I had my baby 4 months ago via csection, I read somewhere it takes like a year or two to fully recover from.
I feel like i have gas inside /around my c sec and last week i have bad gas attack on my body and now everymorning i wake up with alot of pain around my c sec does any one tell me whats wrong ?
Hi Alvina, Please speak with your doctor about this. We cannot advise on individual cases and you must always seek guidance from a medical professional if you have any concerns. :)
I have the same symptoms and my daughter is a year old .
hi I have a 9month old baby and periods haven’t started yet but past few days there r so heavy cramps which is sometimes unbearable and also heavy white discharge.the pain is so much and BTW there r no chances for me to be pregnant or anything like that.should I have to consult and so gynecologist?
Hey zehra i have same
Feelings i have my 9 month baby and feeling same pains as u mentioned but last week my periods starts as normal m so feeling relaxed now u have pain mean mybe in a few weeks u will had ur periods
Hi Zehra, You should absolutely consult your doctor about this. We cannot comment on individual medical cases. You should never ignore pain so please seek advice from a medical professional. :)
Thanks for being so kind and helpful Dawn :) xx
Hi Megan, You should speak with your midwife, health visitor or doctor about this to make sure you are getting the correct medical advice and care for you personally. Unfortunately I cannot diagnose or offer medical advice here. The best thing to do would be to make a call to book in its you doctor to talk through your postpartum symptoms. :)
Hi.. I had baby 4 months back and it was cesarean. Now I’m suffering for sevior low back pain and stomach aches. Morning time I couldn’t able to wake up easly.. My legs will pain a lot and while sleeping I can’t turn side wise easily.. My leg nails turned brown and blackish.. Please suggest
Hi Lakshmi. You need to speak with a medical professional to make sure you get the correct medical advice and care that you need. It’s important you go to speak with your doctor. I’m unable to make medical diagnosis or offer medical advice here.
I had my first child about almost a month ago. I’ve just started to get cramps is that normal?
I just gave birth last month at normal delivery and usually every time I poop it’s really really hard for me.. Those hard and big poop really get me sweat and makes me stay longer inside the Comfort room Today I was shock after I poop out there’s a lil blood from comes from my vagina.. Yeah Im having a hard time pushing it out “ALWAYS” but this time its different and I’m afraid on why theres blood coming out from my vagina and yeah I checked it, if it’s from my anus but no it’s really came from my vagina I feel nervous right now and I think I need to slow down on how I move but the problem is it’s when I poop please Please I need your help Mommies!
Hey Mae, You must speak to your doctor about this. This needs proper medical advice and guidance. You may also be interested in using a Squatty Potty to help with pooping more comfortably: http://bit.ly/2mLS1GN
But first and foremost you must seek advice from a medical professional.
I had my baby 3 months ago and ever since I had I been having which I believe is heartburn but is right in between my breastbone and gurguration I’ve never had this during or before pregnancy
Hey Liss, If you have any personal medical queries, you need to speak with your doctor who’ll be able to advise you properly. Unfortunately we cannot offer diagnosis or medical advice here.
Hi Wendy,
I gave birth almost 4 months ago and I’m having really bad night sweats. It only happens in my sleep. I’m so wet that it wakes me up and when I wipe my forehead and arms I can literally see the water dripping from my hand. I never had this issues prior to getting pregnant or durning. What could be causing this and why is it still going on? Please help it’s frustrating.
Hey Ivory,
Unfortunately I cannot make a medical diagnosis. You will need to speak with your doctor about this if you have concerns. :)
I have been having pelvic pains and bad hip pains and lower back pains. My stomach feels different and my son is 2 months and I had a c-section I’m not sure what normal and what’s not
Hi Morgan. If you are having pelvic pains you should definitely seek medical advice from your doctor and ask for a referral to a women’s health physical therapist – https://mutusystem.com/refe…
I just had my baby Jan 13th and my uterus hasn’t came into place it has been hurting in that spot I told my doctors she said its ok for me to go back to working my 12 hour shifts my whole time I had a lot going on moving and all no rest I just don’t feel like I have enough energy or healing time to go back to work what shall I do?
Hi Aniana. Unfortunately we cannot advise on individual medial cases. If you are in pain or don’t feel quite right then you need to go back to your doctor again for advice.
I am 3 months postpartum and when I go for walks I feel achy in my pelvic area of my lower stomach what could this be?
Hi Trish. Unfortunately we cannot medically diagnose here. You need to speak with your doctor or women’s healthy physical therapist to diagnose what could be going on.
I had my first baby almost 3 months ago and having bad pains in my muscle’s down there when I move, what should I do?
First port of call should be your doctor Katlyn. You need to seek professional medical advice on this one. xxx
it has been almost 3 months since I had my twin boys by C Section. I’m still numb around the cut they made. I get sharp burning shooting pain sometimes when I stand up! And I’m just now starting to feel discomfort when I urinate. When I urinate i feels as if I’m having contractions and I don’t know if it’s normal or not. I’m a first time mom so I’m not familiar with what is normal and not normal
Hi Kim. It’s really important that you go to see your doctor. These symptoms aren’t normal and you need the care, guidance and help from a medical professional. They may well need to refer you to a Women’s Health Physiotherapist. Check out this article for more info on referrals: https://mutusystem.com/refe… xx
it has been almost 3 months since I had my twin boys by C Section. I’m still numb around the cut they made. I get sharp burning shooting pain sometimes when I stand up! And I’m just now starting to feel discomfort when I urinate. When I urinate i feels as if I’m having contractions and I don’t know if it’s normal or not. I’m a first time mom so I’m not familiar with what is normal and not normal
I am 3 weeks and still struggle to walk having pains in my hips and legs and I feel nothing when wanting to urine I go sit in the toilet for 2 mints then I urine
Hi Charlotte. Please seek advice from your doctor for this medial query. Unfortunately I cannot advise and diagnose medical issues on this blog.
im 5 weeks postpartum and i still have no sensation of needing to pee. I cant feel when my bladder is full and have trained myself to go to the toilet every 2 hours. is this normal? i had a kiwi vacuum delivery and epidural (catheter in)
Hi Ann, This is something you need to speak to your midwife or doctor about as you need advice from a medically trained professional.
I am almost 10 weeks postpartum and at night when I’m nursing I am having very mild twinges in my pelvis. Not painful persay, but noticeable.. Just started feeling this a couple nights ago, before that I thought I was pretty much “back to normal”. Anyone else?
Hey Breanne. This sounds like something you need to speak to your midwife or doctor about to be sure. :)
I know it’s normal to cramp for 6-8 weeks postpartum as your uterus is contracting back to it’s normal size. And that breastfeeding usually intensifies that cramping. Is it normal for said cramping to continue to 12 weeks postpartum? Just mild cramps and usually just while breastfeeding or pumping.
Hey Leslie. You need to speak to your midwife or doctor to ask this question. Unfortunately we cannot advise on medical queries. :)
Nana, you must see a medical professional to get proper advice and guidance. We cannot offer a medical diagnosis or advice here.
Hi Kristin. You absolutely need to seek medical advice for medical queries.
Hi please advice its been 4 months after my c-section i start having pai on my stomach right hand side but now back hurt and was slightly pain got abot worse bec my back also pain idea what it could be? Thank you age 27
Hi Lisa. Unfortunately I cannot offer medical advice on this blog. You MUST seek the guidance, care and advice of your medical health care provider. Best wishes.
Hi Meg. You MUST see a medical professional about this. We cannot diagnose or advise here.
“Please don’t leave comments below requesting medical diagnosis or assessment, go see your Doctor instead.” – The article you just read..
During and since my pregnancy (I’m approx 8 weeks out), I’ve had painful skin–not sure how else to describe it. It’s mainly the skin around my joints. For example: rubbing lotion on my knees, feet, and ankles causes pain when rubbing it into the skin. I don’t know what this is or how to fix it? Or if it’s a normal side effect of pregnancy that will eventually go away?
“Please don’t leave comments below requesting medical diagnosis or assessment, go see your Doctor instead.” – The article you just read…
Hey De.wise. This is something you must discuss with your midwife or doctor. Unfortunately we cannot medically diagnose or advise here.
I had my son 2 months ago, before I got discharged from the hospital I took the birth control, depo. (this isn’t my first time getting the depo, but the first time me ever getting it inside my arm.) Recently, I’ve been bleeding, but never nothing too heavy, just light and some spotting. But recently, on Thanksgiving night, I was having headaches, which accompanied legs and arm pains.. and now stomach pains. (I think it is my period, but I’m not so sure.) PLEASE HELP
“Please don’t leave comments below requesting medical diagnosis or assessment, go see your Doctor instead.” – The article you just read.
Moesha, you must see a medical professional to get proper advice and guidance. We cannot offer a medical diagnosis or advice here.
After having my son, I have struggled with my stretch marks. I tried dermelastic serum and it has lightened my stretch marks and some of them you cant even really see anymore. I am so glad I tried dermelastic. I hope it works just as good on my bigger stretch marks.
Brittny, I have this!! Did you go to the doctors? If so, what did they say?
Hi Renee. You need to go and see a medical professional to seek help with this. Unfortunately I cannot advise or diagnose.
My stomach hurts and when I eat and start hurting more.. I weight 1211
Hi Kimberly. This definitely sounds like something you need to speak to a medical professional about. Unfortunately I cannot advise or comment on individual medical cases.
Hi I have too many stretch marks on my stomach it seems red and gives lot of pain and am now 9 months pregnant
Congratulations Sowmiya. If you’re concerned at all about your stomach please seek the guidance and advice from a medical professional.
Hi Kristin. If you’re unsure, definitely go back to your doctor. I am unable to advise on individual medical queries here.
Its beenabout 2 months since I gave birth to my son and I have serious low back pains and also I have pains as if I was in labor all over again I have cramps that feel more like contractions I feel like this is jot normal has anyone been through something like this ?
Hi Brittny. This is definitely something you need to speak to a medical professional about. Unfortunately we can’t advise on medical queries like this. Your best bet is to book an appointment to see your doctor to be referred to a Women’s Health Physio.
I’m sorry … what ?! .. Now I’m inclined not to believe you at all .. Nothing you just said makes any sense! You had seven babies and each were conceived when the last was 5 months old ?!!! Or you waited 5 months ?! ..Lady, you have been in this situation !! SEVEN times ! I don’t care how, where or when you conceived the children .. but you did have every opportunity to use a friggin pregnancy test! .. I pray to God almighty that you are a surrogate..
Actually no, I never had a baby back to back, I always had them after 5 months, and so then ya I would know then to take a pregnancy test, however I never had one right after, so you shouldn’t judge , I gave four up for adoption, then God has blessed me with another that I kept, because he knows I am trying to be faithful to him, and that I truly always wanted another baby, and i am suppose to get a hysterectomy, and so I would like to know if I am if I have to wait for that yet again, please don’t judge something you don’t know, and I can tell your judging because you automatically assume I should know when to take a test when I have never been in this situation, and also by the face you gave me, please don’t thank you and God bless!!
You have SEVEN children .. surely by now you should know when to take a pregnancy test
Hi Wendy
I had a c section 12 weeks ago, when the section was carried out my stomach muscles wouldn’t go back and there were problems so all of my muscles were stitched back in place as well as the usual c section stitching/cuts. I have been told to be very careful to avoid a hernia op but how long would you recommend waiting before doing exercise again?
Thanks
Hi Nicki. This is something you need to clear with your doctor. I’m unable to advise on individual medical cases.