For nine months, your baby has grown in you affecting each and everything in your body system from your mood swings to adding extra inches to your tummy, from swollen feet to severe backaches. With so much that has happened to your body during pregnancy, it won’t just get back into is normal after the birth. Mood swings, cravings, after-pains, sore breasts and headaches are the most common problems, along with the impact of stitches, fluid retention and stretch marks. Here are few tips to handle post pregnancy with realistic approach.

PHYSICAL CHANGES
Most women hate the way they look during and after pregnancy. After the birth you might feel lighter but you would be upset about the loose skin hanging around your stomach or other areas. It is common after birth. Be patient because with a little effort, you can make a difference to your looks.

1. Your Body Weight: Don’t do crash dieting as it will affect the baby as you might be breastfeeding. Dieting at this stage will make you weak. Breast-feeding, eating the right types of food and taking exercise will all help with weight loss.

2. Stomach: The stomach will have loose skin which only diet and exercise can combat; specific spot exercises for the abdominal muscles will help tone and tighten the tummy. Healthy diet will help you getting your stomach back in shape.

3. Breasts: Your breasts will suffer due to wearing the wrong size of bra or not wearing one at all. They will sag as are finish breast-feeding. Recheck your size and wear the right size. Exercise to strengthen the pectoral muscles that run under the breasts help support them. Even if you decide not to breast-feed, it is still advisable to support your now larger breasts with a well-fitting bra and once you have finished breast-feeding you will need another fitting, since your breasts will have changed from their pre-pregnancy days.

4. Skin & Hair: Many women experience dry skin and some temporary hair loss. Don’t worry much it will recover. Spend time on caring for your self; treat your skin to a stimulating homemade facial or massage. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. Drink herbal teas, particularly rosemary since this improves the circulation. Use a deep conditioner for your hair. Make sure you get enough rest and sleep.

EMOTIONAL CHANGES
Nothing can prepare you for having a baby, and for the emotions and confusion that you experience afterwards. The mood swings. Don’t be too stressed out on feeling this way as you have only just emerged from highly traumatic experience. For some women, coming home from hospital can be terrifying and the thought of being alone daunting. Try to get someone to be around for a few days while you establish yourself back at home.