So you have just bought a new little life into this world- congratulations! Being a mother is one of life’s most amazing experiences, but with the joy of motherhood, your body has just undergone massive physical changes. It’s really difficult to heal and recover from those changes, especially weight gain after delivery. In this blog, we are going to discuss something that affects many new moms – excessive weight gain after pregnancy. Moreover, we will also help you with some effective tips to lose weight after delivery.
Hormonal differences
First, let us tell you gaining extra pounds after pregnancy is completely normal and natural due to some differences in hormonal levels, postpartum thyroiditis, PCOS and many more. Did you know there is a significant role of a pregnancy hormone called HCG in weight gain? When a woman is pregnant, the placenta starts to develop, causing major internal body changes to protect and help the baby’s growth. As the placenta produces a hormone known as HCG, it helps in protecting the development of the baby. During pregnancy, the HCG takes over control of the hypothalamus and prioritizes directing all of the body’s stored energy and fat to the baby before it can be used by the mother. This extra fat reserves energy and helps in the baby’s birth and breastfeeding.
Postpartum Thyroiditis
Between 3 to 8% of mothers may experience thyroiditis after pregnancy, a disorder where the thyroid gland becomes inflamed after childbirth. This condition can result in either an overactive or underactive thyroid gland. If a mother experiences weight gain following childbirth, this could be attributed to hypothyroidism, a prevalent but often overlooked illness that can induce symptoms such as exhaustion, hair loss and feelings of sadness. The usual course of treatment involves medication and careful observation of thyroid hormone levels.
Sleepiness
Sleepiness is one of the major causes of gaining weight after pregnancy. After pregnancy, the mother often feels so tired that she gets less than 5 hours of sleep at night. This usually goes to the next six months post-pregnancy and is more likely to result in gaining extra weight.
Stress
After delivery, when your body goes through the recovery process, it may continue to store extra fat, especially if you’re not getting enough sleep or dealing with stress. Because of the added responsibilities that come with being a new mom, handling a newborn can be stressful. During this period, your body triggers a chemical reaction and releases certain hormones, causing more fat storage around the midsection.
Postpartum Depression
After pregnancy, your body witnesses certain hormonal changes which can cause depression, leading to emotional eating, which causes excessive weight gain. During this period, women may lose their appetites and start unusual eating due to anxiety, depressed mood, anger, intense irritability and, most importantly, the ability to think clearly.
How to lose weight after pregnancy
First, you need to believe in yourself and feel more confident in your new role as a mom. Be kind to yourself, give yourself some grace, and understand that your body needs time to recover. Consuming proper nutrition, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly and improving your mood can help you get back in shape and make you strong and fit. Breastfeeding can also help you lose some postpartum weight, as breastfeeding involves using fat cells and calories stored in your body. Along with applying these tips, you can consume HealthBae Slimpro to provide a new mother with the required nutrients. Designed by world medical experts, Slim Pro promotes the feeling of fullness, burns calories and promotes healthy metabolism. Slim Pro also helps reduce food cravings, stress and anxiety, improving mental focus and controlling mood swings.
Original article: https://health-bae.com/articles/why-women-gain-weight-after-delivery
