Why does my butt get bigger after giving birth?

Many women think that the enlargement of the buttocks after giving birth is caused by childbirth. Some women also refuse their husbands and families’ requests to have children because they are afraid that their buttocks will become larger after giving birth and affect their figure. So, is this really the case? Now let us learn about the relevant knowledge about the enlargement of the buttocks after giving birth, and see if the enlargement of the buttocks is really related to childbirth.

1. Pelvis and childbirth

The pelvis is a skeletal bowl-shaped structure consisting of two large pelvic bones that are connected at the base of the spine (sacrum) at a joint called the sacroiliac joint. The pelvic bones are connected by a joint in the front called the pubic symphysis. Below the sacrum of the spine are four small bones that make up the coccyx. The pelvis plays a fundamental role in the balance of the human spine. At the same time, the pelvis is an important part of the birth canal and is the only way for the fetus to be delivered through the vagina. Its size and shape directly affect delivery.

2. Is it true that childbirth makes the pelvis bigger?

The statement that childbirth makes the pelvis larger is one-sided. During pregnancy, the pelvis plays the role of supporting the fetus and placenta. In the late pregnancy, as the fetus continues to grow, the fetal head slowly descends into the pelvis, and the ovaries secrete a substance called "relaxin", which gradually separates the pubic symphysis and relaxes the ligaments. These physiological changes are all preparations for the delivery of the baby. After giving birth, these pelvic muscles will be damaged to a certain extent due to extreme expansion, but generally speaking, pubic symphysis separation and mild damage to the pelvic muscles will gradually return to normal after delivery.

3. Doing a good job of postpartum recovery is the key

If the mattress is too soft, the body will fall when sleeping. If it is too hard, it may put pressure on the pelvis and cause it to tilt. Therefore, new mothers should choose a mattress with moderate hardness. In addition, new mothers can also alternate between lying on their side or on their back to help the pelvis recover. After childbirth, the pelvic muscles will become weak due to over-expansion. Therefore, new mothers should exercise these muscles appropriately. The following two exercises are the first choice:

(1) Standing exercise: Stand with your legs slightly apart, contract the hip muscles on both sides to hold them together, bring the thighs together, turn the knees outward, and then contract the sphincter to move the vagina upward. After patient training, you can learn to distinguish the contraction and relaxation of the vaginal and anal sphincters and improve the relaxation of the vagina.

(2) Horizontal exercise: Lie on your back with your buttocks on the edge of the bed, and stretch your legs straight out in the air, not touching the ground. Hold on to the edge of the bed with both hands to prevent yourself from slipping. Keep your legs together and slowly lift them up toward your upper body, keeping your knees straight. When your legs are raised above your torso, hold your legs with your hands and pull them toward your abdomen, keeping your knees straight. Then, slowly lower your legs back to their original position.

IV. Precautions

The pelvis is made up of nothing but bones, which are strong and not easily damaged. Therefore, pregnant women should strengthen their exercise during pregnancy, eat more foods rich in calcium and vitamin C, such as milk, fish soup, bone soup, etc., and get appropriate sun exposure to promote the body's absorption of calcium.

After reading the above information about the enlargement of the buttocks after giving birth, I believe female friends should understand that the enlargement of the buttocks after giving birth cannot be entirely blamed on childbirth, but is also related to one’s postpartum care methods. If you want to maintain your figure, you should pay attention to care after giving birth. The article also mentions a lot of knowledge about postpartum care. Female friends who have this need can learn about it.