The Weirdest Things That Happened to Parents After Having Kids
When I was pregnant with my daughter, my feet grew to the size of tree trunks. I couldn’t walk. My skin stretched so much that I was in pain and itchy, and just in misery. I was fearful that my feet would never go back to their normal size because I had heard stories from my friends that their bodies did some weird sh*t, and they are not alone! There’s an entire Reddit thread dedicated to parents spilling on all the weird stuff that happened to them, mentally and physically, after having kids.
The Reddit Thread: “Weird Stuff That Happened to You After Having Kids”
In the Mommit subreddit, one Reddit user wrote, “My belly button is an inch higher than it used to be and I have food allergies now. What is the weirdest thing that’s changed about you? Medical or non-medical.” The thread is filled with responses from parents who have experienced bizarre physical and mental changes after having kids.
Physical Changes
- My feet are a size bigger. Annoying.
- My hair went from straight to wavy.
- My belly button is an inch higher than it used to be.
- My eyesight changed for the worse with both pregnancies.
- My teeth also got bad.
- My elbow joints hurt and will lock up when extended sometimes.
- My wide feet got wider.
Mental Changes
- I don’t overthink anymore, it’s amazing.
- I cry at everything.
- I use to basically never cry and now it’s sad tears, happy tears, scared tears, tired tears …i cry for everything all the dam time.
- I’m NOT lactose intolerant anymore.
- I have about half a dozen really dark thick chin hairs that just keep growing back after plucking.
Medical Changes
- One of my ribs detached when I was pregnant with my first and never re-attached.
- Since the birth of my second, my dreams have changed entirely.
- My BO is so intense, not smelly per say, but different and strong.
- I have to reapply deodorant like 4x/day.
- I’ve changed brands a few times.
Emotional Changes
- I need alone time. I have never needed alone time. I thrive on energy from people. But the small people take my energy and I need more rest and quiet than ever before.
- On a positive note, my depression/anxiety has massively improved, and I’m far more mentally/emotionally resilient than I ever have been.
Changes in Personality
- I used to be a dog lover and now I can’t stand animals of any sort.
Why Do These Changes Happen?
While the exact reasons behind these changes are still unknown, research suggests that hormonal fluctuations, changes in body composition, and the stress of parenthood can all contribute to these bizarre physical and mental changes.
Conclusion
Having kids can be a life-changing experience, but it’s not just the joy and love that come with parenthood that are worth noting. The weird stuff that happens to some parents after having kids is a reminder that our bodies and minds are capable of incredible transformations. While some of these changes may be frustrating or inconvenient, they can also be a sign of the incredible resilience and adaptability of the human body.
Sources:
- Reddit thread: “Weird Stuff That Happened to You After Having Kids”
- American Pregnancy Association: Physical Changes During Pregnancy
- Mayo Clinic: Pregnancy and Hormonal Changes
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