Part 5 in a 5-part series about postpartum body changes.
The pregnancy glow wears off fast.
After my last baby was born, my face featured loosened teeth and oily skin… with my hair falling out in clumps. All of this is standard postpartum stuff that I was unaware of until I first experienced it.
Hopefully, this will help you avoid the same surprises.
Let’s start with teeth. The hormone swings during pregnancy change the environment in your mouth. Despite brushing daily, 60% of new moms will have loose teeth or bleeding, inflamed gums (i.e., a periodontal disease, like gingivitis).
After my 4th was born, I went to the dentist with loose teeth and bleeding gums. Food was getting stuck between my teeth and gums — it was uncomfortable and gross.
Their response: ‘It’s normal’.
I’m not sure if that was supposed to be comforting, but it did mean that this issue naturally got better.
Then there are the zits.
For about 3 months I had the same greasy, pimply skin as it did when I was 15 years old. This does wonders for your confidence when you’re in client meetings.
About 15% of women have acne breakouts in the first month after birth. This doesn’t substantially drop off until your baby is 3 to 6 months old.
By this time, a majority of women will be experiencing hair loss.
Mine would fall out by the handful in the shower. Risk factors for having this happen include stress, anemia, or a history of hypothyroidism.
The good news is that you’re shedding extra hair that you grew during pregnancy thanks to the added estrogen in your system. Meaning, you’re not going bald. I found this heads-up to be clutch.
It’s a good reminder that the 4th-trimester body changes you’ll experience are natural, solvable, and mostly temporary.
This is part 5 of a 5-part series. Click below the other sections. If you like what you see, sign up for the newsletter.
(Part 1) 4th-trimester shocks: a 5 part roadmap
(Part 2) Postpartum Emotions — Swings take control
(Part 3) Abs – Why the gym won’t cure a (post-baby) jelly belly
4th mom 