5 Totally Normal After-Effects of Pregnancy

Remember those little squeeze bottles you were likely "gifted" from the hospital after childbirth? They may become your new best friend. "If you have any kind of tear when you have a baby, it burns horribly when you urinate," Dr. Nancy Herta of Michigan State University told Self. To ease the discomfort (or excruciating pain), fill your perineal irrigation bottle with warm water and use it for relief while urinating.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, many new moms see noticeable hair loss a few months after having a baby. Dermatologists refer to this condition as "excessive hair shedding," and it's caused by falling estrogen levels. While it may be alarming, excessive shedding is a temporary condition, and it should remedy itself. While the AAD states that most women will see their hair return to its normal fullness by their child's first birthday, using a volumizing shampoo and avoiding excessive conditioning can help in the meantime.

Make sure to contact your doctor with any serious concerns.

The production of breast milk works on a supply-and-demand basis. The more you nurse or pump, the more milk your body will produce, and the more ample your breasts will be. Stay hydrated, eat a healthy and well-balanced diet, and get plenty of sleep (easier said than done with a new baby, we know . . .) to ensure an adequate supply. Your breast size can vary greatly from early pregnancy until your baby becomes a toddler — be prepared!

According to the Mayo Clinic, most new moms experience postpartum "baby blues" during the first couple of weeks after giving birth. This generally includes varying degrees of mood swings, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and heightened emotions, and is completely normal. If these symptoms persist and become increasingly overwhelming, it may be a more serious case of postpartum depression. There's no way to predict whether or not this will happen to you (here are the common signs of PPD), and it's not a condition to be ashamed of. If you're concerned about your mental well-being, call your doctor or therapist and get the help you need.

Just when you thought that labor pains were a thing of the past, it's not unusual to feel contractions for the first few days after delivery according to the Mayo Clinic. These contractions, which can feel like menstrual cramps, prevent excessive bleeding by compressing the blood vessels in the uterus. They're likely to occur during breast-feeding, as oxytocin is released. Of course, please contact your doctor if you are concerned about any cramping or other pain after giving birth.