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When some women dream about pregnancy, they often imagine a rosy-hued picture of button-nosed, smiling, sleeping babies. The pregnancy itself is a vision about one’s glowing complexion and the shopping sprees for pretty things to decorate the nursery. Childbirth itself is often skipped to go straight into fantasies of strolling around the neighbourhood while passers-by ooh and aah and at your precious little one. The aftermath of pregnancy and childbirth is rarely taken into consideration.

During your pregnancy

Some of the side-effects you might experience while you are carrrying your future bundle of joy include bloating, constipation, haemorrhoids, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, oedema and yeast infection.

These are the results of higher oestrogen levels, higher progesterone production, increased pressure of the uterus on the rectum, expanded blood vessels, and water retention.

These side-effects are generally gone after childbirth. If some are worrying you during your pregnancy, be sure to inform your doctor.

After childbirth

You may experience some postnatal bleeding which can be like a heavy period. This can occur even if you’ve had a caesarian.

You might also still look pregnant until your uterus returns to its normal size or at least close to it.

You may also have problems breastfeeding properly. There are support groups and lactation consultants who assist you with this problem.

And some of you might have some pain during sex for up to one year after childbirth. You can try water-based lubricants or find other ways to be intimate. It might not be anything to worry about but again, be sure to inform your doctor.

What you might be stuck with

There some side-effects that you might find are permanent such as stretch marks, weight redistribution, loose skin, varicose veins, loss of dental and bone calcium, abdominal and vaginal muscle weakness and changes to your breasts.

It is a dramatic and extraordinary experience that you are putting your body through. Life and your body will never be the same and will always bear the marks of the wonderful, dimpled darling you now have in your arms.

Tags: pregnancy