Mercy's Dr. Robert Atlas, OB/GYN, Discusses Body Changes After Delivery

When you're pregnant, your body goes through incredible change, and it doesn't stop after delivery. From the physical to the emotional, there are many changes that take a new mom by surprise.

The new sounds can be blissful. They are for Julie Brownley, who is enjoying time with her newborn son, Nathan, and embracing all the changes that come after pregnancy.

"It can really be an intense experience. Physically painful recovery -- you slowly get better and better, and you get through it for sure, but it's tough," Brownley said.

Nathan is her second child, so she knows there are many changes after a baby is born.

"Pregnancy weight doesn't disappear overnight, so you look at yourself at say, 'Oh wow. I still look like I'm six months pregnant,'" she said.

According to Dr. Robert Atlas, OB/GYN, Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Family Childbirth and Children’s Center at Mercy, that's just one of the changes that can take women by surprise. Pregnancy and delivery are hard on your body.

"For some women, they have pelvic floor issues, urinary incontinence, leakage of fluid," Dr. Atlas said.

It's also not uncommon for a woman to experience what's often called "after-birth pains."

"The uterus is a muscle that has to get back to its normal shape. It's increased 500-fold from where it usually is, so it's got to go back. That's the term 'after-birth pains,'" Dr. Atlas said.

Changing hormones can bring on baby blues, which is something many don't expect.

"One in eight women will suffer from postpartum depression," Dr. Atlas said.

It's important to talk to your doctor and ask for help. A baby brings many changes, but it also brings so much happiness.

To view Dr. Robert Atlas’ interview regarding body changes after baby’s delivery, click here.