Common postpartum issues

No matter how the birth went, new mums need to focus some time and energy on themselves. By Liz Connor.

The first six weeks after giving birth – the ‘postpartum period’– may see significant adjustments for new mums, both mentally and physically.

No matter how easy or complicated your baby’s birth was, your body needs time to recover.

Between aches and pains, hormonal changes and sleepless nights, it can be an intense time that brings with it a variety of new symptoms and questions.

1. URINARY INCONTINENCE

During the first three months after labour, around one in three women will experience postpartum incontinence, says

Pradnya Pisal, of London Gynaecology.

Pisal explains: “This usually improves to some extent within the year after delivery, but there are a few things you can do to help the recovery process. Remaining active throughout pregnancy and avoiding excess weight gain is a good thing in the antenatal period, as this will put less pressure on the pelvic floor.”

Also, practise pelvic floor exercises as soon as you can after giving birth, as these will strengthen the muscles under the uterus and bladder – squeezyapp.com will guide you through the whole process.

2. HAEMORRHOIDS

Also known as ‘piles’, haemorrhoids can be common during and after pregnancy, and may cause pain and discomfort if left unchecked, possibly accompanied by blood during bowel movements. Dr Sadia Bhatti, of The Harley

Street Centre For Women (hscfw.co.uk), says that haemorrhoids usually go away on their own eventually, taking between a few days and several weeks. “If you suffer from bleeding from haemorrhoids, you should seek treatment and speak to your GP.

“Try to avoid constipation and straining, as this can make the problem worse, and it’s a good idea to stay hydrated with water and eat a high-fibre diet, as hard stools will cause haemorrhoids to bleed,” Bhatti adds.

3. SWELLING

Swelling – usually in the legs and feet – occurs mostly during the course of the pregnancy, but can continue afterwards. “Often, you don’t need to do anything about the swelling as you should see improvement by a week,” Bhatti assures.

“However, if you’re not seeing improvement after a few days, use compression stockings to reduce the swelling. It’s also good to elevate the legs during the night-time, so place a couple of pillows under the feet while you’re sleeping.”

4. DISCHARGE

Made up of the inner lining of the womb and mucous membranes being shed, ‘Lochia’ can linger for up to six weeks after the birth – initially red and heavy, it will become more of a brown discharge by week three.

The most comfortable solution is to wear thick sanitary pads in the first few weeks after birth, and then decrease them in size when it feels appropriate. Changing the pads as soon as they get wet is advised, as the perineum area needs to stay dry to avoid a risk of infection.

Finally, foul-smelling discharge is not normal and can be a sign of an infection, so Bhatti suggests contacting your GP or midwife if this occurs.

5. NIPPLE PAIN

Nipple pain is common niggle for women who are breastfeeding, but if you feel that the pain is excessive, it might be a sign of a fungal infection.

If the pain is too much then you might decide to use a breast pump to allow your nipples time to heal.

6. DIASTASIS RECTI

Diastasis recti is the separation of your ‘six-pack’ muscles, which meet at the midline of your abdomen. “It often happens during the course of your pregnancy, where your bump is being pushed against the abdominal wall,” explains Bhatti.