{"id":316820,"date":"2024-10-15T11:24:07","date_gmt":"2024-10-15T15:24:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/?post_type=article&p=316820"},"modified":"2024-11-25T10:25:12","modified_gmt":"2024-11-25T15:25:12","slug":"eleven-weeks-postpartum-2","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/316820\/eleven-weeks-postpartum-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Eleven weeks postpartum"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Here’s what you might experience in terms of physical changes, mental health, energy levels, self-care needs, and intimacy at 11 weeks postpartum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Postpartum by week<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Water retention<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Also known as edema, postpartum water retention is relatively common. You probably had some swelling in your legs, feet, and hands during pregnancy. While this swelling usually goes down substantially in the week after giving birth, you might continue to retain water for a few months. If it gets noticeably worse, let your healthcare provider know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diastasis recti<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As many as 60% of women develop diastasis recti (separation of the left and right ab muscles) during pregnancy, which can make your stomach stick out slightly. It’s not usually permanent, but about 40% will still have it at six months postpartum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skin changes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The vast majority of people develop stretch marks<\/a> during pregnancy. Though they can fade, they may never disappear entirely. You might also notice other skin issues this week, like breakouts, hyperpigmentation (dark patches), hives, or rashes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skin changes can be frustrating, especially if you’ve never experienced them before. But the good news is you’re probably not as restricted in terms of skincare treatments as you were while pregnant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hair loss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some people begin to lose hair around this time. This postpartum symptom can be hard, especially when you’ve gotten used to lusciously thick pregnancy hair. But remember it’s completely normal (and temporary!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Menstruation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your period<\/a> could come as soon as four weeks after giving birth, or take nearly a year to show up again. (It usually takes a little longer for those who are breastfeeding<\/a>, but this isn’t always the case.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When your cycle does restart, it could be longer or shorter than it used to be or involve different or more intense symptoms. Additionally, while you might get a period around this time, don’t be surprised if it’s not regular for another few months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mental health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health conditions at 11 weeks postpartum. Here’s what to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Postpartum depression<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Roughly 11% of new mothers suffer from postpartum depression<\/a> (PPD). Symptoms of PPD include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n