Wondering what’s normal after pregnancy? There are a lot of things that can take you by surprise during the postpartum stage. How did you never know that you’d lose loads of hair? Or that you’d be changing your pajamas multiple times a night because of night sweats? Learn more about the top five post-pregnancy symptoms and practical tips to support your recovery.

You’ve just done one of the most incredible things a human body can do. It’s something everyone will tell you, and it’s true. But your body also enters a phase that you didn’t quite see coming. And it’s probably throwing some total surprises your way. From sudden hair loss to emotional ups-and-downs, post-pregnancy symptoms can be strange, frustrating, and sometimes downright alarming.

But your body needs time to recover from this life-changing event, and these symptoms, while they may seem bizarre, are incredibly normal. You’re not alone, and there’s always something you can do to feel a bit more in control.

After nine months of carrying and nurturing a tiny human, your body has changes to recover from — and recover it will! But while the post-baby glow is real (#SomeDays), there are also other less glamorous parts of the postpartum phase that no one warns you about. Here are five totally normal post-pregnancy symptoms you might experience, and most importantly, what you can do to manage them.

1. Hair Loss You Didn’t See Coming

So you’re brushing your hair one morning when you notice an alarming amount of strands in your brush. Or you look down and your sweater has hair ALL OVER IT. Is this normal? Absolutely. It’s called postpartum hair loss, and it happens to nearly half of new mothers.

During pregnancy, rising estrogen levels keep your hair in a growth phase, giving you that thick, luscious look. Postpartum, estrogen levels plummet, which can lead to sudden shedding. It’s not permanent, though — your hair will return to its pre-pregnancy state within six to twelve months. It’s also worth saying that it’s really your body shedding less hair during pregnancy. So afterwards, all the hair that would have fallen out over several months comes out fairly quickly.

What you can do:

• Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.
• Avoid heat styling and harsh treatments that can stress your hair further.
• Eat a diet rich in biotin, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids to support hair health.

2. The “Why Am I Still Pregnant” Belly

Your baby might be in your arms now, but your body’s physical recovery can take time. Many women are surprised to find they still have a round, soft belly weeks (or even months) after giving birth.

Your uterus expanded to accommodate your baby, and now it’s gradually shrinking back to its normal size — a process called involution. Additionally, abdominal muscles and skin have been stretched, which takes time to recover.

What you can do:

• Be patient with yourself — this is a normal part of postpartum recovery.
• Practice gentle core-strengthening exercises after getting your doctor’s approval.
• Consider wearing a postpartum support garment for extra comfort during recovery.
• Speak to a mommy makeover surgeon if you’re still not happy with where you are after a year or so.

3. Emotional Roller Coasters (Yes, Including Crying Over TV Commercials)

One day, you’re over-the-moon happy; the next, you’re crying because your coffee got cold too fast. Sound familiar? This emotional whiplash has a name — postpartum mood swings.

Your hormones are rapidly readjusting post-birth. Additionally, exhaustion, physical recovery, and adapting to your new role as a mom can amplify emotional ups and downs. Most of the time, these feelings are normal and will stabilize after the first few weeks.

What you can do:

• Don’t hold it in — talk to your partner, a friend, or other moms who understand.
• Take breaks where you can, even if it’s just a five-minute breather.
• If these emotions feel overwhelming or persist longer than six weeks, speak with a healthcare professional to rule out postpartum depression.

4. Night Sweats That Rival Hot Yoga

Waking up drenched like you just ran a marathon? Postpartum night sweats are very common, especially in the weeks immediately following childbirth.

During pregnancy, your body retains extra fluids. After delivery, your body works overtime to shed that excess water, and one way it does so is through sweat — often during sleep. Your hormones are also on a bit of a rollercoaster during this time as your body settles down, which is another reason for the sweats.

What you can do:

• Stay hydrated during the day to replace lost fluids.
• Sleep on moisture-wicking sheets or place towels under you if the sweating is heavy.
• If you’re breastfeeding, ensure you’re replenishing fluids more frequently.
• Put spare changes of clothes near the bed so you can easily change during the night if you need to.

5. A Different Kind of Tired

You expected newborns to be demanding, but nobody warns you about the deep, bone-tired exhaustion that comes after childbirth. And no, it’s not just from sleepless nights.

Beyond sleep deprivation, your body uses a lot of energy to heal postpartum, while also producing milk if you’re breastfeeding. This combination can leave you feeling completely zapped.

What you can do:

• Take “sleep when the baby sleeps” seriously — it works if you can fit it in.
• Ask for help! Whether it’s your partner, family, or friends, delegate tasks so you can have moments to rest, or take it in shifts with the baby so you can catch up on some sleep.
• Add energizing, nutrient-dense foods to your diet, like oatmeal, bananas, and lean proteins.

Recovering after birth is a unique (and sometimes bumpy) road for everyone. Be kind to yourself through this process—your body has just done something extraordinary. If you’re feeling unsure about any of your symptoms, reach out to your doctor or midwife for personalized support. Ultimately, remember that what you’re going through is normal — and better yet, temporary. You will come through the other side.