Many expectant mothers were beautiful and intelligent women before pregnancy, but after becoming pregnant, the biggest change for women is probably their own belly.
So, what changes will occur in the belly after pregnancy?
Stretch marks
New mothers find the appearance of stretch marks extremely unbearable; however, most expectant mothers will develop these pink or purplish-red fine lines on their breasts, buttocks, or abdomen.
This is caused by the expansion of the subcutaneous supporting connective tissue beyond the skin's stretch limit.
Many expectant mothers start developing stretch marks around the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy. First-time mothers typically develop light red or purple fine lines, while second-time mothers often develop silvery-white stretch marks.
Linea nigra
The linea nigra is a pregnancy reaction caused by an imbalance in the secretion of estrogen and androgen during pregnancy, which deepens and intensifies pigmentation, resulting in pigment deposition in the deeper layers of the skin.
90% of expectant mothers develop a linea nigra (pregnancy line). However, after childbirth, as the mother's hormone levels gradually return to normal, the linea nigra will gradually fade.
The abdomen gradually swelled
A pregnant woman's uterus undergoes tremendous changes, gradually expanding to a maximum of 1000 times its pre-pregnancy size!
As the fetus grows larger, the uterus also grows larger, and as the baby's weight increases, the expectant mother's abdomen becomes increasingly swollen.
Weight gain
The average weight gain for a pregnant woman is around 25 kilograms. Some expectant mothers may become obese due to improper diet and lack of exercise.
How can we prevent and repair these problems?
The linea nigra can be reversed, but stretch marks and loose abdominal muscles cannot be fully restored to their pre-pregnancy state.
But we can prevent it!
Preventing the development of stretch marks
Control your weight: It is important to control your weight gain during pregnancy. If you gain too much weight at once, you are more likely to develop stretch marks.
Adjust your eating habits: Ensure a balanced and nutritious diet, prepare more foods rich in protein and vitamins to enhance skin elasticity, eat more fresh fruits and low-sugar fruits, drink more skim milk, and drink more clear soup.
A glass of water in the morning: To maintain bowel movement in the morning, drink a large glass of warm water after getting up. This can stimulate intestinal peristalsis, get the internal organs into working mode, and facilitate bowel movement.
A loose, sagging belly doesn't look good.
Drink plenty of water. If the skin is dehydrated, it will become dry and lose its elasticity. Therefore, new mothers should drink more water to keep their skin plump and elastic.
Engaging in regular exercise, such as postpartum yoga, can help postpartum women recover their abdominal muscles, reduce abdominal fat, and improve abdominal wall laxity.
Selective postpartum pelvic floor rehabilitation treatment can be beneficial for the recovery of both pelvic floor and abdominal muscles.
Postpartum girdle can be used appropriately, but it is not suitable for all postpartum women; there are specific guidelines for its use!
The effects and disadvantages of restraint belts
The function of restraint belt
Most women who undergo a cesarean section will experience pain from their abdominal incision. Using a special post-cesarean section abdominal binder promptly after the procedure can help:
Fix and protect the wound;
Promotes wound healing;
To prevent the sutures from reopening and leaving scars;
Using an abdominal binder before getting out of bed can prevent wound pain. This is only for mothers with vertical incisions. Mothers with transverse incisions can use it after consulting with their doctor.
For mothers who have given birth vaginally, a postpartum girdle can help increase abdominal pressure and facilitate bowel movements.
Disadvantages of bondage belts
The biggest problem with postpartum abdominal binding is that it's too tight. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can also affect blood circulation and compress the stomach, intestines, and internal organs.
Wearing it for too long can also affect blood circulation. A high-quality abdominal binder only needs to be worn for about 8 hours a day, and the tightness should be moderate.
It is best not to use it before or after meals, or while sleeping at night.
It is recommended that you use a restraint belt under the advice and guidance of a doctor to avoid causing unnecessary symptoms due to incorrect use.
Eat more foods rich in vitamin C and high-quality protein, as these two nutrients help the body synthesize collagen. Collagen is a type of protein and the most abundant protein in the human body. It contains a large number of essential amino acids, has benefits such as calcium supplementation and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, and can also beautify the skin, reduce wrinkles, and make the skin elastic—making it a favorite among women.
What foods can help replenish collagen?
Meat: Beef and chicken are rich in protein.
Soy products: tofu, soy milk, etc.
Fish and shrimp: These are white meats, rich in protein, and are also good sources of collagen. Plus, eating fish is less likely to cause weight gain.
Fruits rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, and kiwis.
These changes before and after pregnancy are very normal. Although the abdomen undergoes so many changes, the mother's life also undergoes great changes. Having such a lovely little angel by her side is enough!
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