How Much Weight Can I Expect To Lose During Birth?
Most mom’s think that they will instantly lose the weight after they give birth; however, in reality the additional weight doesn’t just fall off for most people. Most mom’s can expect to lose around 5 to 8 lb’s immediately after they give birth but it depends on how much water weight you gained from getting IV fluids during labor and delivery. Here is a break down of the weight that most mom’s gain during the course of their pregnancy:
- Baby – average weight of a baby is 7 to 8 pounds.
- Placenta – 1-2 pounds
- Amniotic Fluid – 2 pounds
- Uterus: 2 pounds
- Breast Growth: 2 pounds
- Additional Blood Supply: 4 pounds
- Fluid Gain: 4 pounds
- Fat and Store Nutrients to Prepare for Breastfeeding: 7 Pounds
Why Do I Still Look Pregnant Even Though I Already Had My Baby A Few Weeks Ago?
Most women think that their tummy will instantly shrink back to normal as soon as they give birth to their baby. However, you may be shocked that you still may look pregnant for a few weeks after you have given birth to your baby. Most people don’t realize that it takes a few weeks for your uterus to shrink and return to its proper size. Your body is also trying to get rid of the excess fluid that your body stored during pregnancy. especially, if you were swollen or had excessive water weight gain. All of this additional fluid is excreted in your urine, vaginal secretions, and sweat. If you are nursing, your body will begin burning off the excessive fat that your body stored during pregnancy to help prepare for breastfeeding your baby. Remember that it took your body 9 months to gain the weight associated with growing a baby and you should expect it to take 9 months or longer to come off. The weight may come off faster if you can begin exercising once you get your doctors permission to resume normal activities during your 6 week check up. If you are breast feeding, you can lose weight but it is important to ensure that you are getting enough nutrients so that you don’t decrease your milk supply.
Comments
5 responses to “Why Do I Still Look Pregnant Even Though I Had My Baby A Few Weeks Ago?”
Great info!
I think sometimes questions like this get skipped over, and women are afraid to ask. Well done!
I hope that this post is helpful for mom’s to be. 🙂
My sister recently was on the paleo diet while breastfeeding, and I would advise against that. She looked like she was starving to death, and I really think she was. If you have the discipline for paleo after breastfeeding, I’ve seen it work;)
Courtney if you do plan on losing weight while breastfeeding, mom’s need to ensure that they are getting adequate nutrition from the food they are eating. I don’t recommend cutting out any of the food groups while breastfeeding because they are all vital to milk production. Instead, breastfeeding mothers should focus on moderation and light exercise. 🙂 Thank you for sharing your sister’s experience.
This is awesome. I wish I had known some of these things before I had my first baby. Even though I read a lot, for some reason, I didn’t really get it (weight gain). A woman can be really hard on herself, and the key to this, I believe, is educating ourselves/one another. Thanks for sharing!