Postpartum or end-of-pregnancy weight loss is normal and begins as soon as you deliver your baby. You’ll lose a lot of weight abruptly after your baby is born and the placenta is expelled, but you will need to watch how fast you lose the rest of the weight.
If you’ve been losing weight and are concerned about whether it’s a healthy amount, we’ve created this guide to help you find out.
What is Considered Normal Postpartum Weight Loss?
Postpartum weight loss is expected to continue until you’re breastfeeding your newborn. But while it is normal, it’s crucial to monitor the rate at which you shed the baby weight to ensure that you are recovering well and healthily.
Weight changes often vary among mothers, but general trends guide medical professionals in determining whether or not you’re losing at a healthy and safe rate. As you focus on bonding with your baby and recovering at home, understanding the trends is vital to self-monitoring.
Let’s break down these trends below.
Initial Weight-loss After Delivery
Immediately after giving birth, you can expect to lose about 10 to 12 pounds (4.5 to 5.5 kg); it accounts for the average weight of your baby, the placenta, and amniotic fluid.
From there, your weight will drop for a few more days as your body sheds excess fluid retained during pregnancy. Generally speaking, you can expect to lose another 5 to 10 pounds (2.3 to 4.5 kg) as the swelling and edema subside.
Weight loss during this phase is entirely normal. It is part of the natural postpartum recovery process, your body’s way of returning to its pre-pregnancy state. You may also need to urinate more frequently and sweat a lot as your body expels excess fluids.
What to watch out for:
- Dehydration: Although the fluid loss is average, staying hydrated is still essential, especially if you intend to breastfeed. Dehydration might make it challenging to produce breastmilk and, what’s more, might delay wound healing for incisions.
- Excessive bleeding: This complication can occur after delivery and should be reported immediately to your doctor. Hence, you must closely monitor your vaginal discharge and incision wounds if you delivered your baby via c-section.
- Signs of infection: Monitor for this around your incision or perineal area. Moisture from sweat can promote bacterial growth, asserting the importance of proper wound care and postpartum hygiene.
Weight Loss in the First Six Weeks
During the first six weeks, your body will continue to adjust and recover from childbirth, and your uterus will contract back to its pre-pregnancy size. Similarly, you will also see your body return to its pre-pregnancy state. You might lose around one to two pounds (0.5 to 1 kg) per week.
You can also expect to lose more of this weight if you breastfeed your newborn, as it burns approximately 500 extra calories per day. On average, you may lose around two to four pounds (0.9 to 1.8 kg) per month, depending on your diet and activity level while breastfeeding.
While weight loss is a natural part of postpartum recovery, it’s important to avoid losing weight too quickly. Rapid weight loss can be a sign of nutritional deficiencies. Maintaining a balanced diet and ensuring you’re consuming enough calories while you’re breastfeeding is key.
Weight Loss Beyond Six Weeks
After the initial six-week postpartum period, you can expect healthy, gradual weight loss. You can start exercising regularly while maintaining a balanced diet during this period. A sustainable and healthy rate of weight loss during this time is about one to two pounds (0.5-1 kg) per week.
You can realistically expect to lose around 20 to 30 pounds (9 to 14 kg) by six months postpartum, depending on your pre-pregnancy weight, overall health, and lifestyle choices. Your experiences, however, may still vary from that of others. Hence, keeping in touch with your doctor to discuss and manage any dramatic weight loss is crucial.
When to Be Concerned About Postpartum Weight Loss
Postpartum weight loss is generally a natural and gradual process, but it’s important to recognize when the rate of weight loss might be too rapid. Losing more than one to two pounds per week after six weeks could indicate an underlying issue.
If you find yourself losing weight at a faster pace, it’s crucial to be vigilant about your health and monitor for specific symptoms like:
- Persistent fatigue
- Dizziness or feeling faint
- Hair loss
- Mood changes
- Poor appetite
These symptoms can be related to various postpartum issues that need the immediate attention of your doctor, such as:
- Postpartum thyroiditis: An inflammation of the thyroid gland that can occur after childbirth, leading to symptoms of hyperthyroidism (such as rapid weight loss, irritability, and palpitations) followed by hypothyroidism (such as fatigue, weight gain, and depression).
- Postpartum depression and stress: Emotional and psychological stress can lead to a decrease in appetite and unintentional weight loss. Postpartum depression can also contribute to poor nutrition and lack of self-care.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Not consuming enough essential nutrients can result in excessive weight loss. This can be due to poor dietary intake, malabsorption issues, or the increased nutritional demands of breastfeeding.
If you experience any of these symptoms or notice that your weight loss continues progressing rapidly, it’s essential to contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor will advise the appropriate tests or interventions to ensure that you stay healthy and well-nourished.
Final Thoughts
Postpartum or end-of-pregnancy weight loss is a normal part of your recovery process immediately after you deliver your baby. However, it’s important to note that this weight loss should be gradual and happen in increments over a period of weeks. Anything in excess could point to underlying issues you must direct to your doctor’s attention.
Remember to watch out for other symptoms we discussed above when monitoring your weight loss, and contact a doctor immediately for guidance. Your health is critical in this period for both you and your baby.
If you have concerns or need guidance, contact Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists. Our team supports you through every step of your postpartum journey, ensuring you stay healthy and well-nourished as you adjust to life with your new baby.
