You already know what pregnancy does to your belly, but did you know that it transforms and affects just about every other part of your body as well? Some changes can be surprising, a few overwhelming. Good thing is, many of these changes are temporary. In the meantime, here are ways to cope.
1. Wider Hips
During the third trimester, pregnancy hormones cause the ligaments holding your pelvis together to soften, allowing the birth canal to widen during delivery. These looser ligaments will firm up over time, but your pelvis may never return to its exact pre-pregnancy shape. How to deal: Get to know and love this new version of your body! (P.S. It's an excuse to shop for new clothes that fit well.)
2. Bigger, Swollen Feet
You're not imagining it: The growth hormones that relax your pelvis to prep for childbirth also relax your feet, causing them to expand and swell. Stock up on a few pairs of comfortable, stylish shoes a half or whole size bigger than normal. (The swelling usually goes away within six months to a year postpartum, but some women may go up a shoe size permanently.) While comfy shoes can help ease your discomfort when you're on the move, a recliner can soothe you when it's time to rest. Lean back and prop your feet up to relieve not just swollen feet but other pregnancy-induced aches like a painful back and joints.
3. Back Pains
Back pains are a normal part of pregnancy, as carrying all that extra weight can put quite a strain on you. Meds are generally off the table as a method of treatment, but doctors agree that sitting in a reclined position relieves stress. Invest in a comfortable chair like the La-Z-Boy Pinnacle Reclina-Glider, which has a plushly pillowed high back that provides both comfort and support.
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La-Z-Boy's patented head-to-heel mechanism supports the lumbar region in any reclined position at all times. Plus, it allows moms-to-be to read or watch her favorite show—and even drift off to sleep—in a comfortable position.
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The advantages of the La-Z-Boy Pinnacle Reclina-Glider also extends to post-pregnancy. Not only can new moms sit in comfort, but they can also make use of the recliner's 360-degree swivel motion and front and/to back gliding to help soothe baby to sleep. The recliner also provides the best support when breastfeeding.
4. Acne
All those hormones in your body can cause oil glands to secrete more oil, triggering acne breakouts. Try cleaning your face with a gentle over-the-counter facial wash in the morning and evening. Most of these topical treatments are safe during pregnancy, but ask your doctor to be sure.
5. Falling Hair
The sudden surge of hormones in your body is responsible for good hair days during pregnancy, but the loss of estrogen after childbirth can cause you to lose hair and your locks to grow limp. This usually improves after about a year postpartum. In the meantime, eat vegetables and take supplements that contain flavonoids—antioxidants which may encourage hair growth while protecting your hair follicles.
6. Belly Bulge
Baby's out, you lose your belly, right? Well, not that fast. Most new moms still retain a bit of a paunch after giving birth. Your enlarged uterus will subside within approximately eight weeks, but you may have to combine the right diet and exercise to lose the extra fat you gained while carrying your baby. You can also wear a belly band, a stretchy piece of fabric that wraps around your abdomen, to help tide you over until your body fully recovers from your pregnancy. The band supports your back as you balance your post-pregnancy weight, and it also holds in your stomach.
Pregnancy is an amazing journey. But as with all journeys, there will be challenges. As you adjust to what's happening to your body, try to embrace each one in anticipation of the miracle that lies ahead.
Make your pregnancy and post-pregnancy experience as comfortable and as enjoyable as possible with the right recliner. To know more about La-Z-Boy recliners and other furniture, visit their Facebook page.
