Will I ever be able to wear my pre-pregnancy clothes again?Last updated:
By Debi Pillarella, fitness expert
Question: Will I ever be able to wear my pre-pregnancy clothes again?Answer: Probably — but not for a while. Remember, it took nine months to grow your baby, so you can't expect all traces of your pregnancy to disappear in a few weeks. In fact, it may take nine months to a year or more to get back to what you consider "normal." Even then, you may find that the shape of your body has changed for good. Your hips may be broader, your bottom slightly rounder, or your waist just thick enough to require one size larger in fitted pants and skirts.
For the first month or so after giving birth, you'll probably be most comfortable in the maternity clothes you wore when you were four to five months pregnant. Or you may find that regular pants, shorts, and skirts with drawstring or elastic waistbands, roomy tees and tops, or loose-fitting dresses best accommodate your post-baby body.You probably already know the two essentials for shedding pounds: eating sensibly and exercising regularly. Finding time to work out can be challenging with a new baby in the house, but keep in mind that doing something is always better than doing nothing.Many health clubs and YMCAs offer postnatal fitness classes where you'll meet other new moms who are struggling with the same issues you are. You can even find workouts you can do with your baby, such as "mommy and me" yoga classes.If you can't find a class in your area, check with the childbirth education instructors at your hospital or birthing center — they usually have a wealth of information about local resources for new moms. Consider investing in a couple of exercise videos so that you have a backup plan on the days you can't leave the house for a walk or get to the gym.Also realize that just as every woman's body responds differently to pregnancy, every woman's body has its own way of rebounding afterward. Some women never get back to their pre-pregnancy weight, while others find that the relentless physical demands of motherhood leave them thinner than they were before having a baby.Be patient. Whenever you're feeling frustrated by how you look, pick up your baby and head to the nearest mirror. It's hard to be too critical of yourself when you're looking at the wonderful reason your body changed.
Question: Will I ever be able to wear my pre-pregnancy clothes again?Answer: Probably — but not for a while. Remember, it took nine months to grow your baby, so you can't expect all traces of your pregnancy to disappear in a few weeks. In fact, it may take nine months to a year or more to get back to what you consider "normal." Even then, you may find that the shape of your body has changed for good. Your hips may be broader, your bottom slightly rounder, or your waist just thick enough to require one size larger in fitted pants and skirts.
For the first month or so after giving birth, you'll probably be most comfortable in the maternity clothes you wore when you were four to five months pregnant. Or you may find that regular pants, shorts, and skirts with drawstring or elastic waistbands, roomy tees and tops, or loose-fitting dresses best accommodate your post-baby body.You probably already know the two essentials for shedding pounds: eating sensibly and exercising regularly. Finding time to work out can be challenging with a new baby in the house, but keep in mind that doing something is always better than doing nothing.Many health clubs and YMCAs offer postnatal fitness classes where you'll meet other new moms who are struggling with the same issues you are. You can even find workouts you can do with your baby, such as "mommy and me" yoga classes.If you can't find a class in your area, check with the childbirth education instructors at your hospital or birthing center — they usually have a wealth of information about local resources for new moms. Consider investing in a couple of exercise videos so that you have a backup plan on the days you can't leave the house for a walk or get to the gym.Also realize that just as every woman's body responds differently to pregnancy, every woman's body has its own way of rebounding afterward. Some women never get back to their pre-pregnancy weight, while others find that the relentless physical demands of motherhood leave them thinner than they were before having a baby.Be patient. Whenever you're feeling frustrated by how you look, pick up your baby and head to the nearest mirror. It's hard to be too critical of yourself when you're looking at the wonderful reason your body changed.
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