Post-Delivery Body Surprises: 5 Surprising Things To Expect After Childbirth

One of the biggest concerns of women about giving birth is their post-delivery body. A post-delivery body involves excess fats in different areas of the body, such as the abdomen, arms, legs and buttocks. Aside from weight gain, there are other body changes to expect after delivery.

Parents.com shared some of the things to expect about your post-delivery body. Being aware of the body changes after giving birth can help women prepare themselves physically, mentally and emotionally for these changes.

1. Fundal massage

"After you deliver your baby and the placenta, your doctor or midwife will press gently on your belly to ensure your uterus is contracting," Parents.com shared. "Called a 'fundal massage,' this practice helps decrease the bleeding that occurs after childbirth."

2. Body shaking

One of the strangest things about a woman's post-delivery body is the shaking that happens after giving birth. The combination of the adrenaline rush and the hormonal changes will cause your entire body to shake after childbirth. This symptom should be gone after an hour, so notify your doctor if it persists after that time period.

I got to snuggle his adorable newborn today. And then I happily handed him back to his mom. pic.twitter.com/DA6xalZwpw

— Melissa Mackie (@MelissaMackie9) March 20, 2016

3. Bleeding

Bleeding does not only happen during childbirth, but also after delivery. But as weeks go by, the color of the blood should lighten and its amount should decline. If that does not happen, call your doctor right away because it might be a sign of hemorrhage.

4. Body swelling

Swelling is also common for a post-delivery body. The blood increase during pregnancy and the IV fluids given during labor can lead to the swelling of the legs, vagina and labial areas of the body. This swelling will be gone after two weeks of giving birth.

5. Frequent urination

Frequent urination after delivery is one of the most surprising things about a woman's post-delivery body because many pregnant women think that this only happens during pregnancy. "This common postpartum symptom is caused by the pregnancy- and delivery-weakened muscles around the bladder and pelvis, which make it harder for you to control when urine starts - or when it stops (they've taken a licking and, consequently, keep on dripping)," What To Expect explained.