Body After Pregnancy: What’s Really Going On with Your Body After Giving Birth

Understanding the physical, hormonal, and emotional shifts in the first year postpartum

Becoming a mother transforms your life, but it also transforms your body in ways that can feel confusing, surprising, or even alarming. So many moms tell me, “Why didn’t anyone tell me this?” The truth is, your body goes through more physiological change in the year after birth than almost any other period of adulthood.

Below is a realistic timeline of what is actually happening physically, hormonally, and emotionally- from the moment after birth through your first postpartum year.

Immediately After Birth (Birth to 72 Hours)

Physically

• Your uterus begins contracting down quickly- this is what causes afterpains.

• Vaginal bleeding (lochia) starts heavy, similar to a very intense period.

• Swelling is common everywhere: feet, hands, even your face.

• If you had a vaginal birth, pelvic floor soreness, tearing, or stitches may be present.

• If you had a C-section, your abdominal muscles and incision area feel tender and weak.

• Breast changes begin even before your milk comes in: fullness, tingling, sensitivity.

Hormonally

• Estrogen and progesterone plummet- the fastest hormonal drop the body ever experiences.

• Prolactin (milk hormone) rapidly rises.

• Oxytocin surges during skin-to-skin, nursing, and bonding.

Emotionally

• Many moms feel overwhelmed, tearful, or “raw.”

• Emotional swings are normal as hormones crash.

• The “baby blues” may show up: crying easily, irritability, anxiety.

The First Two Weeks Postpartum

Physically

• Lochia gradually lightens in color and amount.

• Pelvic floor muscles are still stretched and weak.

• C-section pain may spike around days 3–5 before improving.

• Engorgement may appear when milk fully comes in around days 3–4.

• Exhaustion from feeding, waking, and healing sets in.

Hormonally

• Hormone fluctuations continue- your body is recalibrating.

• If breastfeeding, prolactin stays elevated and suppresses ovulation.

• Thyroid hormones may temporarily rise or fall.

Emotionally

• Many moms feel sensitive, anxious, or on edge.

• Tears and irritability are still normal.

• Some begin feeling the early signs of postpartum anxiety or depression- this is when many realize they need support.

After 6 Weeks Postpartum

Physically

• Many OBs “clear” moms at this point, but the body is still in recovery.

• Pelvic floor healing continues; core separation (diastasis recti) is still common.

• Bleeding may stop, but spotting can come and go.

• Energy begins to improve, but sleep deprivation may create fatigue or brain fog.

• C-section incisions are healing but remain tender or numb.

Hormonally

• Hormone levels begin to stabilize, but breastfeeding moms still have lower estrogen.

• Lower estrogen = vaginal dryness, decreased libido, and sometimes discomfort with intercourse.

Emotionally

• Many moms feel pressure to “bounce back,” but still don’t feel like themselves.

• Identity shifts intensify: Who am I now?

• Mental load increases as you take on routines, infant care, and household tasks.

Three Months Postpartum

Physically

• Hair loss peaks- this is normal and caused by shifting estrogen levels.

• Fatigue can be intense due to cumulative sleep deprivation.

• Some moms notice changes in digestion or appetite.

• Core and pelvic floor still need intentional strengthening.

Hormonally

• Postpartum thyroid dysfunction may appear now.

• Prolactin remains elevated if breastfeeding.

• Cortisol (stress hormone) often rises from broken sleep cycles.

Emotionally

• Anxiety is very common around this stage as your brain stays alert to perceived threats related to your baby’s safety.

• Many moms feel overstimulated, “touched out,” or easily overwhelmed.

• Emotional regulation becomes harder when sleep is fragmented.

• Brain fog and forgetfulness are common symptoms from prolonged sleep deprivation.

Six Months Postpartum

Physically

• Many moms feel physically stronger, but stamina may still be lower than pre-pregnancy.

• Metabolism changes- some lose weight, others hold onto it due to hormones and stress.

• If baby is starting solids, your feeding schedule shifts again.

Hormonally

• Hormones begin to resemble pre-pregnancy levels- unless breastfeeding, in which case estrogen remains lower.

• Libido may begin improving once sleep stabilizes a bit.

Emotionally

• Many moms start to feel more confident in routines.

• But this is also when burnout can hit- months of mental load and emotional labor catch up.

• Many seek therapy around this stage as the haze begins to lift and they finally have space to process.

One Year Postpartum

Physically

• Many parts of the body feel more familiar, but changes may remain:

  • Wider hips

  • Softer belly

  • Diastasis recti

  • Pelvic floor differences

• Strength often returns with consistent movement and rest.

Hormonally

• If you’ve stopped breastfeeding, hormones shift again- almost like a second postpartum.

• Menstrual cycles may become irregular while your body recalibrates.

• Thyroid issues may still appear at this stage.

Emotionally

• Identity solidifies: “This is my new normal.”

• Many moms feel more regulated and grounded, but may suddenly begin processing birth trauma, relationship shifts, or the emotional weight of the first year.

You’re Not Doing Anything Wrong- This Is What Postpartum Actually Looks Like

The postpartum timeline is not linear, and it’s not the same for everyone. But understanding the normal physical, hormonal, and emotional shifts can help you feel less alone and more empowered to get support when you need it.

If you’re struggling (emotionally, physically, or mentally) therapy can help you feel like you again. You don’t have to walk through this alone.

Reach out today for a free consultation.

Disclaimer: This is not a replacement for a therapeutic relationship or mental health services. This is for educational purposes only and should be in used only in conjunction in working with a licensed mental health professional. If you are in California and looking for a professional therapist feel free to use the contact me to request an appointment or search Psychology Today for local therapists in your area.

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