Healthshots

By Aayushi Gupta

Published July 14, 2024

7 Health Problems After Childbirth

From conceiving to delivering a baby, a mother goes through a lot of physical changes. Here are 7 health issues that new mothers should be cautious of. 

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Vaginal pain

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Women are aware of the pain they may experience during childbirth but vaginal pain after the delivery may also be bothersome, especially if there were tears or episiotomy during delivery.

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Heavy Bleeding

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The mother goes through heavy bleeding post delivery ideally for 24 hours, and normal bleeding happens for up to 12 weeks postpartum. If bleeding is very heavy and not slowing down a bit with each day, consult with a doctor.

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Breast pain

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Breast pain, including engorgement, cracked nipples, or mastitis (breast infection), is another common problem. You may apply a warm compress to reduce the discomfort caused by these conditions.

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Infection

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Infections, such as urinary tract infections or wound infections from episiotomy sites, are also frequent. However, these problems can be treated with antibiotics and painkiller medicines.

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Urinary Incontinence

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Leaking urine after childbirth often occurs due to weakened pelvic floor muscles. This can lead to involuntary leakage when laughing, coughing, or standing. This is also known as stress incontinence.

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Postpartum depression

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Postpartum depression is a serious mental health concern affecting many new moms. It involves persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or fatigue, potentially disrupting their ability to care for themselves and the newborns.

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Pelvic floor disorders

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Pregnancy and childbirth weaken the pelvic floor muscles, which can increase the risk of pelvic organ prolapse, where organs like the bladder drop into the vaginal space.

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