Marla Ahlgrimm on the Changes Made by Motherhood

Motherhood is the ultimate goal for many women. However, one thing that many moms don't realize is that having a baby can change the body permanently, down to a cellular level. Today, women's health expert and self-help author Marla Ahlgrimm touches on just a few ways that motherhood has an effect that lasts a lifetime.

DNA Exchange

Pregnancy includes a two-way exchange of cells between a mom and baby. The immune system eliminates most of these postpartum, but Marla Ahlgrimm says a woman may carry her baby's DNA for decades after birth in a phenomenon known as fetal microchimerism. 

Breasts

One of the most noticeable changes during pregnancy and in the postpartum era are in the breasts. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, this is because pregnancy causes hormonal changes that trigger swelling and other changes in preparation for lactation. And thanks to sagging, ligament stretching, and other physical changes, some women's breasts will never look the same. Marla Ahlgrimm says they can become larger or up to a cup size smaller.

Hips and Pelvis

During pregnancy, the body produces hormones that loosen the joints and ligaments. Marla Ahlgrimm says this is most evident in the pelvis, which must prepare to expand for childbirth. Many women even notice permanently wider hips after giving birth.

Feet

Marla Ahlgrimm says that the increased weight that a woman carries during pregnancy, combined with the relaxing hormones, can cause flatter feet, which may be up to a full shoe size larger after pregnancy.

Abdominal Muscles

Even women who had a "six-pack" pre-pregnancy may find that their abdominal muscles never go back to the exact same spot. Marla Ahlgrimm says this is because of a condition called diastasis recti. Although the condition may improve with abdominal exercises, the gaps may not always close and can lead to a little permanent "pooch" that is all too often associated with a "mom bod."

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are highly common throughout pregnancy as the skin has to stretch rapidly to accommodate a growing body. Marla Ahlgrimm says that stretch marks can range in color from deep purple to pink. While they will fade over time, stretch marks rarely disappear completely. Similarly, many women get a dark line down the center of their abdomen that may remain permanently visible.

Vaginal Laxity

Vaginal laxity is not something that can be seen, but women who have given birth can certainly feel the effects. Some women may experience long-term to permanent changes in vaginal looseness as well as pelvic floor weakness that Marla Ahlgrimm explains can result in urinary incontinence.

Hair

Thick, luscious locks are common during pregnancy thanks to hormones. But the postpartum ponytail may never be the same. Marla Ahlgrimm says that women may experience a permanent change to their hair texture, thickness, and even waviness.

Cognitive Changes

"Mommy brain" is a real phenomenon during all stages of pregnancy. But Marla Ahlgrimm says that some research suggests that physical changes that happen during gestation may change a woman on a cognitive level. It is believed that the brain's structure changes to enhance empathy and maternal bonding and may, in some cases, lead to a persistent case of mild forgetfulness.

When they say having a baby changes everything, they (whoever they are!) mean permanently. And while Marla Ahlgrimm says that many of the effects of pregnancy, including weight gain, should resolve in the months after giving birth, others won't. A mother will carry evidence of giving life for the rest of hers.