Even today more than 30% of women have problems after giving birth. The data comes from several studies commissioned by the World Health Organization, published in the scientific journal Lancet Global Health. Experts point out that difficulties can remain even for years after the end of the pregnancy.
The most difficult period for postpartum problems is the puerperium
WHO researchers have put most of the studies under the magnifying glass on the problems women may encounter once the baby is born. In particular they focused on the puerperium, the period that it goes from immediately after giving birth until the following month and a halfthat is, when the woman’s genital system regains the anatomical-functional conditions prior to pregnancy.
Pain during sexual intercourse, incontinence and back pain are the main problems after childbirth
The most common problem after giving birth remains the dyspareuniathat is, the sensation of pain during sexual intercourse. 35% of women complain about them. The percentage rises to 40% between 12 and 24 months after the end of pregnancy.
Also back pain they are very widespread: a third of new mothers suffer from it regardless of whether the birth was natural or she had to resort to a caesarean section. If 21% you lose total or partial control of your bladder19% suffer from fecal incontinence one year after the end of the pregnancy. 11% have problems in the perineal area, with pelvic painlocated in the lower abdomen.
The rarest physical problems
Less widespread prolapse of the vagina, which however affects between 1 and 10 percent. Postpartum women may also experience one thyroid dysfunction, defined as postpartum and some also to damage to the nerves of the lower limbs. In rare cases it can even reach venous thromboembolism, peripartum cardiomyopathy and obstetric fistula.
Postpartum problems of a psychological nature: postpartum anxiety and depression
So far the physical problems related to post pregnancy. There are also many psychological problems. Almost a quarter of women suffer from anxiety, one in seven is affected by postpartum depression. Up to 15% begin to suffer from tokophobia, that is, the fear of childbirth. It is often so strong that it prevents a second pregnancy. 10% suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
What causes problems after giving birth?
Of course, every pregnancy and every woman is different. The development of these problems depends on many issues:
There are personal situations, such as age, lifestyle, socio-economic conditions, degree of emancipation, possible abuse of drugs and alcohol. Also crucial the general state of health, that is, whether or not the new mother has high blood pressure, obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, anemia. More and more studies are also focusing on effects of smog. Women who live in polluted areas have a higher risk of having problems after giving birth.