If you’re currently pregnant, you’re probably experiencing some of the weird and wonderful body changes that pregnancy brings. Increased body hair growth, darkened skin patches and bigger feet, to name just a few. But did you know there are even more changes in store for after the birth? Here are five weird things to expect post pregnancy:

1. Hair loss – yes, sadly it’s time to say goodbye to that beautiful mane of hair you’ve been sporting for the last nine months. As your hormone levels decrease after the birth, your hair will start falling out. This can happen clumps at a time, or you may simply notice a build up in your hairbrush at the end of the week. It may feel like you’re losing too much, but most likely your hair is just returning to its pre-pregnancy state. It should stop falling out by your child’s first birthday.
2. Phantom kicks – these feel just like the kicks and flutters of a baby in the womb, and are likely to have you racing to the pharmacy for a pregnancy test. Fear not though, these are just the phantom kicks some women experience post pregnancy. These could be your uterus contracting and shrinking back to its pre-pregnancy size, or it could simply be that you are now more aware of any movements in your tummy.
3. Incontinence – it’s not uncommon for new mothers to involuntarily wee when sneezing, coughing or laughing. Pregnancy and birth weaken your pelvic floor muscles, and this can leave you less able to control when you wee. Make sure you do your pelvic floor exercises throughout pregnancy and postpartum to look after your pelvic floor muscles.
4. Mummy brain – whether it’s caused by tiredness, hormones or general distraction, the cause of mummy brain is unknown. The fact is, however, that as a new parent, you may find yourself feeling a little fuzzy. Forgetting words, losing where you were mid-story, and forgetting what you were doing, are all common complaints for new mums. You should find the symptoms decrease over time, and you feel more human again a few months after the birth.
5. Bleeding gums – dental problems are a common complaint for new mothers. Breastfeeding takes nutrients including calcium, from your body. To keep your calcium levels up, make sure you are eating a balanced diet, with plenty of leafy greens, and fortified soya or dairy products.

So, those are the weird things to expect post pregnancy, but what unusual changes have you noticed during pregnancy?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

During pregnancy, your hair may have been thick and shiny. In fact, it may have never looked better. So now that you have had your baby, you might notice you once lush locks are getting a little thinner or even a lot thinner.

Why all the Hair Loss?

It may seem like you’re losing hair at a record pace, but try not to freak out. Although it may not feel pretty, it’s actually pretty normal. Rest assured you won’t go bald. Here’s the deal: your hair goes through a normal cycle of growth and rest. When your hair is in the resting phase, some hair is lost every day. You normally shed on average 100 hairs every day, even though you probably don’t notice or give it much thought.

When you’re pregnant, increased hormones cause your body to hold on to those hairs, which is why your hair may have been thicker. But like many good things, your thick mane may come to an end when estrogen decreases shortly after your baby is born.

Somewhere around three months postpartum, the hair that should have shed during pregnancy may start to fall out. Between your hair follicles making up for lost time and normal daily shedding, it may seem like you’re losing a lot. The good news is postpartum hair loss is temporary. By the time you’re celebrating your baby’s first birthday, the extra shedding should taper off.

Is There Anything I Can Do About Postpartum Hair Loss?

You probably won’t be able to stop postpartum hair loss. But there are a few things you can do to deal with thinning locks. For example, treat your hair with extra TLC. Comb it gently when wet and consider cutting back on daily heat styling, which may damage hair.

It may also help to use a volumizing shampoo. Products containing silica and biotin may make hair appear fuller. Also, consider applying conditioner only to the ends. Applying it to your scalp may weigh hair down and make it look thinner.

If you wear a ponytail or bun, avoid pulling it too tightly. Pulling your hair up too tight places added stress on your hair and may contribute to hair loss.

While you don’t necessarily have to rush out and cut your hair, you may want to experiment with different hairstyles. Some looks may make hair appear fuller. For example, some women find a shorter hairdo makes their hair look thicker, plus it may be a time saver.

If your hair loss continues past a year postpartum or seems extensive, speak to your doctor, just to be sure there is not another cause.

Written by MaryAnn DePietro @writerlady34

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.