Postpartum health: Navigating physical and emotional changes after childbirth
January 16, 2025
Giving birth to a child makes a women to go through physical, social and emotional health changes. Their postpartum period begins an hour following the birth of their child. Post-partum period is divided into the early postpartum period, the first three weeks after childbirth, and the late postpartum period, which is four to six weeks after childbirth.
Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the mental health complications that may arise after childbirth. It is known as a depressive illness that often begins two to three weeks after birth and may last for a year. There are many factor that leads to PPD in women, such as: • Loss of interest • Lack of energy • Insomnia or hypersomnia (oversleeping) • Concentration difficulty (personal and professional) • Not feeling connected with own child • Changes in body weight • Disrupted eating • Having thoughts of hurting themselves or their child • Feeling of being unworthy • Loss of interest in activities once they use to enjoy Other contributing factors, physical problems such as: • Stomach problem (constipation or diarrhea) • Pelvic floor dysfunction (bladder and bowel dysfunction) • UTI (urinary tract infection) • Diastasis recti (abdominal muscle weakness) • Pelvic pain • Back pain • Carpal-tunnel syndrome However, many women do not seek professional help despite their condition due to feelings of embarrassment. Additionally, they are surrounded by family members and friends who expect them to be cheerful and bubbly. In some cases, there is an unknown fear of consulting a psychologist. This group of women may consider consulting a physiotherapist. In physiotherapy, we believe that treating physical problems helps balance emotional and mental health as well. Yes, you read that right! A tailored exercise intervention by a physiotherapist can effectively alleviate PPD symptoms, benefiting women both physically and psychologically. The positive impact of exercise on mood and postpartum well-being Physiotherapist plays a crucial part in the management of the physical and psychological symptoms during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Physio does this by offering advice on physical activity and teaching appropriate exercises. Exercise will raise your dopamine, serotonin and noradrenalin levels - hormones renowned for combating depressive mood. Researchers have already found that exercising for as little as 60 minutes, three times a week can reduce postpartum depression. Exercise also gives a sense of control and accomplishment, which can improve mood, self-confidence, and self-esteem. If the postpartum person is breastfeeding, light to moderate exercise does not affect breast milk, in fact, high-intensity exercise can increase lactate levels in milk. Essential postpartum exercises for relaxation and core strength The first and foremost exercise needed by mothers after childbirth is deep breathing exercises. This technique enhances relaxation in the body. Breathing is an important method widely used in stress management. It helps lower blood pressure, as well as slow heart rates and breathing rates. Next is deep core strengthening. Strengthening the deep core muscles helps with diastasis recti, which many women face after childbirth. It also aids in preventing abdominal organs from dropping forward due to the effects of childbirth. Deep core muscles are crucial for women, especially in maintaining proper posture, as most women tend to develop a lordotic (sway back) posture after childbirth. The importance of pelvic floor exercises and treatment for postpartum recovery Pelvic floor muscle exercises are vital for addressing pelvic pain, urinary and fecal incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. These exercises not only play a role in strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, which can become weakened or damaged during childbirth, but they also allow the muscles to better support the pelvic organs and structures, lessening the burden imposed on the supporting ligaments in and around the pelvis. Additionally, pelvic exercises increase blood flow to the pelvic floor, which helps expedite the healing of damaged tissues. Apart from exercises, specialized treatments like therapeutic ultrasound and massages are provided for addressing musculoskeletal-related problems such as back pain, pelvic pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Back and pelvic pain is a very common issue during both pre- and post-pregnancy for women. This is because their posture changes with each trimester as the fetus grows. In some women, back pain may also be a result of the epidural effect. Poor posture during breastfeeding can aggravate lower back pain, extending discomfort to the mid and upper back. This leads to discomfort and disturbances during daily activities. The role of physiotherapy in managing postpartum conditions Physiotherapy involves massage to release tightness and stretching to provide relaxation for daily movement. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and forearm. This condition is due to fluid retention that compresses the median nerve in the hand and may last until mothers wean off breastfeeding. Having this condition inhibits mothers from carrying heavy objects, including holding their own babies for extended periods. They should also minimize household chores to prevent the condition from worsening. Ultrasound treatment can help minimize symptoms, allowing mothers to carry on with their duties without much hassle. Simple hand exercises and posture correction during breastfeeding will also be taught to mothers to reduce their pain. Women’s bodies go through various hormonal changes, especially during pre- and post-pregnancy. These body pains and aches are completely normal and can be alleviated with the help of physiotherapy. By providing care during and after childbirth, physiotherapy effectively reduces a wide range of potential complications. Additionally, by addressing physical and emotional instability as well as reducing anxiety and stress levels among expectant mothers through various interventions, physiotherapy promotes successful pregnancies and improved maternal health. |
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