You'll Instantly Lose 10 Pounds
True. Take one seven- to eight-pound baby, plus about two
pounds of blood and amniotic fluid, and you're pretty much assured a
10-pound weight loss in the hospital after you
deliver. "In the first week you will probably lose another three to
five pounds of water weight. However, it will take time until you return
to your pre-pregnancy weight," says Lisa Druxman, a San Diego-based
fitness trainer and author of Lean Mommy.
"It took nine months for you to put the weight on, so you should give yourself at least that to take it off."Your Hair Will Start to Shed
True. Up to 50 percent of women experience an increased shedding period after giving birth. "It's called telogen effluvium
and it occurs anywhere from one to six months after giving birth," says
Francesca Fusco, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at
Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. During pregnancy there's a boost in hormones, which slows the shedding process and thickens the hair. As hormones balance out after delivery, the hair returns to its normal growing and shedding
cycle. To maintain healthy hair and reduce some hair loss Fusco
suggests eating foods high in protein, iron, zinc, flavenoids,
antioxidants, and silica, which are all beneficial nutrients for a
healthy scalp and hair.
Breastfeeding Helps You Lose Weight
True. An exclusively breastfed baby needs around 500 to
800 calories a day for healthy growth and development -- if it's your
milk that is providing those calories, guess where that comes from?
"Sustaining a baby on breast
milk means you are putting out your own calories just by feeding your
child," says Johnson. Don't get discouraged if the weight doesn't melt
off as fast as you'd like -- the longer you breastfeed, the more helpful
it is for weight loss.
You Need to Eat More If You're Nursing
False. The calories for your breast milk are mostly coming from your body reserves. (Think: That extra cushion you put on your hips during pregnancy!) You should aim for one to two pounds of weight loss
a week, until you hit your target weight. If you find that you are
losing more than two pounds a week, you may need to add an extra snack
to your day to slow weight loss down. "It is important that you focus on
eating a complete diet, because the vitamins and minerals from the food
you eat will get pumped into your breast milk," says Melinda Johnson,
MS, RD, a lecturer at Arizona State University. "Focus on eating
regularly with plenty of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole
grains, and lean protein, and check with your doctor about continuing
your prenatal vitamin while you are breastfeeding."
You'll Lose Your Pregnancy Glow After Giving Birth. Hello, Acne!
True. During pregnancy, there is an increase of up to 50
percent in circulating blood volume. This increased blood flow manifests
itself in many places, especially in the face where blood vessels
become more dilated to accommodate the extra volume. If your skin
reverts to its pre-pregnancy pimply state once you stop breastfeeding,
start using a retinoid or OTC retinol, suggest Fusco. "This will speed
up cell turnover and create an instant glow." For those with heavy acne,
talk to your doc about a prescription product that combines a retinoid
and acne-fighting antibiotic like clindamycin or benzoyl peroxide.
New Moms Should Wait a Few Months Before Exercising Again
False. There are some exercises, such as kegels and abdominal bracing (contracting the abs, lower back, and buttock muscles at the same time), that you can start to do immediately after you
deliver. However, it is true that you should return to your full
exercise routine very gradually. "Think baby steps (pun intended!),"
says Druxman. "Take a few more steps each day and eventually you will
get to where you want to go."
Stretch Marks Are Here to Stay
False. Up to 90 percent of women will experience stretch
marks during pregnancy, says Dr. Fusco. "The tears are the results of
rapid weight gain, when the body expands faster than the skin can
stretch." In addition, an increase of hormones called glucocorticoids
during pregnancy slow down the formation of collagen and elastin fibers
in the dermal skin layer. The key is to begin treatment early when the
stretch mark is still new and red, pink, or purple in color.
Here's what you can do to reduce stretch marks:
- Drink lots of water to increase skin's elasticity.
- Avoid binging on starches, sweets, and salty snacks that can lead to extra weight gain and bloating.
- Stock up on citrus fruits and foods high in vitamin C, which is an essential nutrient in collagen production.
- Use topical oil like Bio Oil to maximize the skin's elasticity and keep it hydrated.
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