Gave birth – and already lost weight

Sometimes a woman is troubled by gaining weight after childbirth, but sometimes the opposite happens – she loses weight postpartum. Yes, this can also occur. In any case, pregnancy and hormones affect weight gain one way or another.

How does a mom’s weight behave after childbirth? When can a woman start losing weight postpartum? Ideally, it happens immediately after the childbirth process is completed. More than half of the weight gained during pregnancy consists of:

• an enlarged uterus – more than 1 kg;
• amniotic fluid – about 1 kg;
• the baby’s weight – normally about 2.5 to 4 kg;
• placenta and fetal membranes – 600-700 g.

In total, at least 6 kilograms less. Add to this the extended significant load on the body during childbirth—calories are burned just as effectively as during a full workout. Of course, this does not always result in immediately achieving pre-pregnancy weight, because, as many know from experience, during pregnancy a woman can gain much more than 6-8 kilograms.

How much weight does a woman lose in the first days after childbirth?

Weight change after childbirth happens very gradually. Although, literally within the first weeks, a new mom will lose at least a couple more kilograms. This is due to changes in hormonal levels—during pregnancy hormones had their way, and the number on the scale automatically went up. This is related to the following changes during pregnancy:

• increase in blood volume;
• increase in intracellular fluid;
• breast swelling and other hormonal changes, not to mention the weight related to changes in the pelvic organs and the growth of the fetus.

There’s more. Within a few days after childbirth, hormone levels can change significantly because the body now has a new task – to feed the baby. And this is possible thanks to lactation.

Due to these changes, a new mother can lose another 2-3 kg shortly after the baby is born.

Postpartum Weight with Breastfeeding

Regardless of whether a mother gains weight after childbirth or loses weight after childbirth, it is still essential to monitor both her weight and her diet – breastfeeding and weight changes related to it will remain for some time (from 6 months to a year). These are the kilograms that nature has provided in the female body for milk production.

So, aside from the weight that automatically disappears after the birthing process and hormone stabilization, in the following period, including during lactation and breastfeeding, a young mother can shed another 5-7 kg without any excessive efforts. Non-breastfeeding women possess a superpower – they can speed up the weight loss process due to diet and the ability to engage in more active physical activities. By the way, breastfeeding can be significantly impacted by rapid weight loss: along with this, the level of lactation will decrease, and most likely, the hormonal balance will be affected. Therefore, we recommend doing everything gradually and under the supervision of a specialist, otherwise working on the consequences will take even longer. We all understand the urge to fit into your favorite dress right after childbirth, but it’s better to focus on your body’s recovery. You have given life to a new person, and that is the most important thing right now!

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Why isn’t weight loss happening for women after childbirth?

There may be a situation where weight doesn’t decrease, but instead increases. In such a case, one should look for the reason: doctors, dietitians, and nutritionists can help. It’s better not to delay with these issues, as the gained weight over time can become established in a woman’s body, making it very difficult to lose.

Check yourself:

• Have you retained the habit of ‘eating for two’?
• Have you developed an eating disorder due to hormonal changes?
• Are your relatives ‘overfeeding’ you ‘to ensure the milk is rich’?
• Has your eating schedule been disrupted?
• Are you sleep-deprived?

If you notice these signs, it’s time to reevaluate your lifestyle and diet: the specialists from our project would be happy to help you do this, taking into account your individual characteristics.

What if you need to see a doctor?

Very often, weight loss after childbirth or, conversely, significant weight gain after childbirth is influenced by hormonal imbalances. Women whose pregnancies were complicated by threats of miscarriage, gestosis, elevated blood sugar levels, and similar bodily dysfunctions are more likely to experience hormonal imbalances.

As a result, there can be significant and, importantly, very rapid weight gain – more than 8 kilograms in the first few months after the baby is born! In such cases, it’s important not to delay and to consult a doctor, who will most likely prescribe medication therapy (if hormones are indeed the issue).

However, while taking medications, don’t forget about proper nutrition and the appropriate selection of physical exercises – we are happy to help you with these matters.

Don’t Waste Away Before Your Eyes

There are also cases when a woman rapidly loses weight after childbirth without taking any special measures. This is also a kind of deviation from the norm that needs to be addressed comprehensively with a specialist. Sudden weight loss only indicates a health issue for the mother, which can negatively affect lactation.

Therefore, dear moms, in the daily hustle, try to keep an eye not only on your baby’s development but also on your own health (both physical and mental) and weight. The specialists of our project will do everything to help you and make your motherhood comfortable and joyful!