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It’s true that your body undergoes some drastic change when you are pregnant. And it is unrealistic to assume that you will be able to walk out of the hospital post-delivery in your old size 6 jeans (or whatever size you were beforehand). It takes several weeks for your uterus alone to go back to its original size.
But with time and effort, including healthy eating and exercise, you can get back to your pre-baby weight and even end up in better condition than before you were pregnant. It’s not an overnight thing though, and it may be easier if you were relatively fit before getting pregnant.
While it may seem like an uphill battle when considering how strapped and sheltered you can feel with a newborn at home, you may find significant weight loss just in breastfeeding and taking care of baby—a post-baby body can burn calories more efficiently, particularly if breastfeeding.
Some new mamas experience a return to their pre-baby clothes as soon as four months after delivering, however, some obstetricians have suggested, “nine months in, nine months out” is a good rule of thumb to remember to avoid getting overly frustrated with your post-baby body.
Do you have a question about Pregnancy, and Post-partum Weight Loss? Check out EmpowHER’s pages. Sign-up, post a question, share your story, connect with other women in our community and feel EmpowHERed!
Resource:
Common Pregnancy Myths
Your Post Baby Belly: Why it’s Changed and How to Tone It
Christine Jeffries is a writer/editor for work and at heart, and lives in a home of testosterone with her husband and two sons. Christine is interested in women’s health and promoting strong women.
Add a Comment2 Comments
My baby is turning 9 months next week and I am still fighting off the same last 10 lbs for 6 months now. I have been working out daily and watching what I eat. My friends with multiple kids even say give it one year. That is what I hope for anyway....
January 20, 2011 - 1:44pmThis Comment
Yes. I agree. Keep at it. You will reach your goal. Stick to your plan. Let us know how it goes, or if you need any tips to switch it up. I know it's not easy. I got within 5lbs of my goal and then got pregnant again, now it's even harder to get back down! oy vey!! Good luck, and let us know how you're doing.
January 21, 2011 - 8:05amThis Comment