If you recently had a child, you may still be recovering. If so, you should consult with female physical therapists. Pregnancy can be a beautiful time for a woman, but it can change the body long-term. Read on to find out more about the post-pregnancy body many women will deal with.

Breast Size

According to Single Care, 140 million babies are born worldwide annually. It's quite natural for a woman's breasts to increase as they will fill with milk to feed the baby. Once a woman stops breastfeeding, her breasts may go down and even sag. As a result, once firm breasts may need some strengthening. Female physical therapists can show you exercises to strengthen those chest muscles and help you reduce the likelihood of back pain that can come from heavier breasts.

Pelvic Weakness

One of the most common complaints from postpartum women is pelvic weakness. Many women will have to deal with a pelvis that won't return to its pre-pregnancy size. They may also experience temporary urinary incontinence or use the bathroom more frequently because of those weakening muscles. Thanks to pelvic floor exercises learned in physical therapy, a woman can once again gain control of that part of her body.

Foot Size

While pregnant women experience swollen feet, it may come as a shock that your feet may not return to their original size. The post-pregnancy body may now involve fallen arches and longer feet. Your female physical therapist can help you manage your new foot structure and become more stable when walking and running.

Stomach Changes

Don't feel bad if your once-tight stomach doesn't automatically snap back. It's natural to gain some weight in your lower stomach due to the separation of abdominal muscles. With proper therapy, you'll learn how to strengthen that core again. As you close the gap between those abdominal muscles, they can become stronger and tighter.

There’s nothing like holding your newborn baby in your arms after carrying them for many months. However, your body may still be reeling for a long time after giving birth. Luckily, your local physical therapist can help you recover lingering issues from pelvic illness to back pain from larger breasts. For local female physical therapists who can help you manage and strengthen a postpartum body, manage hormonal changes, and help female athletes, contact LMS Physical Therapy today for a consultation.