6 Things Pregnancy Does to a Woman’s Body and How to Correct Them

Pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing take their toll on a woman’s body. When you add to that the demands of motherhood and the natural inclination to put the needs of others first, it’s no surprise that some mothers wake up one day feeling like they’re wearing a body they don’t recognize. Dr. Laverson’s Mommy Makeover is designed to help San Diego mothers feel back at home in their bodies. Every woman is different, and every Mommy Makeover is tailored to the needs of the individual, depending on which pregnancy changes she wants to correct in order to restore her figure and enhance her feminine curves. 

Want to know more about how Dr. Laverson can help you feel at home in your body again? Take a look below at 6 things pregnancy does to a woman’s body—and how to correct them.  

 

#1. The problem: Weight gain

Weight gain during pregnancy is expected and even encouraged, up to a certain point. It’s common for women to hold onto 3-5 pounds of their pregnancy weight for a year or more after giving birth. That’s still in the healthy range. But nearly half of the women in the U.S. hold onto an extra 10-12 pounds over their pre-pregnancy weight, which can lead to fatigue, obesity, and a loss of self-esteem.   

The solution: A healthy diet and exercise routine. If you’re having trouble shedding excess weight on your own, a scientifically based doctor-supported weight loss program may be the best way to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. 

#2. The problem: Baby belly

Pregnancy stretches out the skin of the belly. Some lucky women bounce back right away, their stomachs smoother and flatter than ever in the months following their pregnancy. They are the fortunate few, usually first-time mothers. More often, the belly skin and musculature beneath remain stretched and loose after childbirth.

The solution: Tummy tuck. One of the most common Mommy Makeover procedures, the tummy tuck goes a long way toward restoring the pre-pregnancy body contours by narrowing the waist, removing loose skin and excess fat, and tightening the abdominal muscles.  The tummy tuck procedure can be customized according to the needs of the individual, always with the goal of achieving a slim abdominal profile. 

 

#3. The problem: Fat pockets

One of the problems with weight gain is that there’s no way to control where it goes. (Wouldn’t that be nice?) The same is true for weight loss. A healthy diet and exercise routine will address your overall health and weight, but unfortunately, after pregnancy many women discover little pockets of fat that just won’t budge no matter how healthy they eat or how much they exercise. 

The solution: Liposuction. Whether you’ve developed stubborn love handles, back fat, or fatty pockets in your hips, thighs, or buttocks, liposuction can be used to remove the fat and create attractive body contours. Liposuction is often used in combination with a tummy tuck when additional fat removal is needed to restore the appearance of a flat, fit belly. 

#4. The problem: Shrinking, sagging breasts

Genetics, weight gain during pregnancy, and breastfeeding can all result in volume loss and sagging breasts after childbirth. This can be disheartening, and even affect a woman’s self-esteem and confidence.  

The solution: Breast lift and/or breast augmentation. A breast lift reshapes and repositions the breast for a perkier, more youthful profile appearance.  Breast augmentation restores or adds volume with breast implants, enhancing the curves for more voluptuous feminine contours. Some women opt for only a breast lift after pregnancy, others opt to enhance the size alone, and some choose both. 

#5. The problem: Stretched labia 

If the labia minora (the delicate, hairless inner labia) becomes stretched during pregnancy, it can increase the risk of bacterial infection and result in discomfort or embarrassing visibility in tight clothing.  

The solution: Labiaplasty. This minor outpatient surgery involves the removal of excess skin in order to adjust the size, shape, or symmetry of the labia.  It is most often performed on the labia minora but can also be used to enhance the appearance of the labia majora (the outer, hair-bearing labia). 

#6. The problem: Pelvic muscle spasms

Pelvic floor dysfunction can happen during pregnancy and sometimes after childbirth, though it’s not as common as the other issues mentioned on this list. Symptoms typically include pelvic pain or problems with bladder and bowel control. 

The solution: Botox. Although best known for its use as an anti-aging, wrinkle-fighting injectable, Botox is used in the treatment of a range of medical concerns, including excessive perspiration, migraines, neck spasms, crossed eyes, and pelvic muscle spasms.  

It’s important to note that while it is possible to conceive, give birth, and breastfeed after a Mommy Makeover, future pregnancies may negatively impact the results of your Mommy Makeover. Many women choose to wait until they are finished having children in order to get the most out of their results. 

Schedule a Mommy Makeover consultation with Dr. Laverson today!

As a mother, you devote your time, your talent, and your energy to others. Consider yourself.  Call Feel Beautiful at 858-295-1592 for a Mommy Makeover consultation with Dr. Laverson today!