7 Weird Things Postpartum Depression Does to Your Body

Headaches

The sudden rush of hormones can lead to many physiological changes, and, as a result, many women suffer from excruciating headaches after childbirth. Add to this the sleep deprivation and extreme stress of being a new parent, and you can see why headaches are a common occurrence. Headaches can also occur by unnecessary worry and overthinking situations. Don't worry, the headaches should become less frequent as the months pass and should completely disappear by the 5 th month. 

Swelling

It goes without saying; in the weeks leading up to delivery, most women expect aches and joint pains because of the myriad of changes in the body. However, few are prepared for the swelling that occurs after childbirth. Ankles and knees are the worst hit, as they bear the brunt of the added weight. Ask your partner to rub or gently massage your ankles and other swollen joints. The swelling should subside after a few weeks.

Excess Belly Fat

If you read the papers or buy fitness magazines, you'd notice celebrity moms like Kim Kardashian flaunting toned body just weeks after their pregnancy. However, the average woman does not have a team dedicated to making her look good. Excess belly fat can be hard to shake off post childbirth, even for the fittest of women. Another unwelcome side effect of this is saggy skin, especially around the belly area.

Nausea

Morning sickness is mostly associated only with pregnancy. You'd think that now that you have become a mom, those nasty bouts of nausea will be gone. Well, unfortunately, you've got another think coming. The barrage of hormonal changes can lead to postpartum nausea and vomiting. A small change in your diet can lead to indigestion, nausea and vomiting, which is accompanied by fever and cold sweat and is rather discomforting. Certain fruits like watermelon are great natural treatments for nausea and can also be used as detoxifying agents.

Muscle Cramps

Muscles typically cramp when they are overworked and dehydrated. A newborn baby demands constant care and attention. Mothers are so caught up with the baby's needs that they often forget their body has needs too. The constant strain you exert on your body can lead to cramps and sore muscles, which can be rather painful if ignored. The simplest solution to this problem is to make sure you are well hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Vertigo

Vertigo is often viewed with a jaundiced eye and easily dismissed as being caused by weakness or hunger. However if you've felt the room spinning and weren't able to stand upright without the feeling of falling, you may have experienced vertigo. It occurs due to an imbalance in the ear and has many reasons ranging from ear infection to high­ stress levels. If treated early, this postpartum symptom can be nipped in the bud.

If you've experienced pregnancy or are about to, these are but some signs of what you may experience after your delivery and how they affect not only your mind but also your body. Most women go through testing times after delivery. Every simple task can seem daunting. But, it's ok to ask for help and seek professional advice about any problems you may face.