Physical and Mental Problems that Lurk After Giving Birth

Masalah Fisik dan Mental yang Mengintai Ibu Pasca Melahirkan

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"Physical and Mental Issues Lurking for Postpartum Mothers"

It is important for mothers to continue consulting with doctors and seeking support after giving birth.

Dream - Going through pregnancy for 9 months, a mother's body undergoes rapid changes in a short period of time. It's not just the physical aspect, but also the hormones and psychological aspects.

Physical and Mental Problems that Lurk After Giving Birth

After the fetus is old enough, childbirth occurs. In the process of giving birth, the mother experiences contractions that cause intense pain. Not to mention afterwards, she has to undergo stitches if there are any tears.

For those who have to undergo a Caesarean section, the pain after the surgery will be more intense. Especially for the few days following, the recovery time is also longer. With numerous changes and pain, mothers experience health risks after childbirth.

Doctor Emma Rees, an obstetrician and gynecologist, explains several health problems that often occur in mothers after giving birth. Therefore, she reminds mothers to continue consulting and seeking assistance after the baby is born. What are these complaints?

1. Severe fatigue

Most new mothers accept that feeling tired after giving birth is normal. The body has just gone through a long journey during childbirth until giving birth.

"'Lack of sleep, taking care of the baby, breastfeeding, and the mother forgetting to take care of herself, even feeling guilty for leaving her baby just to take a shower,' says Rees.\r\n\r\nThis happens continuously. If there is no support from the partner or others around her, the mother will experience extreme fatigue. Her body will always feel tense, painful, have difficulty sleeping, and her emotions will be unstable.\r\n\r\nIf the mother feels extremely tired, make sure to consult with a doctor or midwife. It could also be due to the body lacking iron, and providing supplements with the right dosage could be the solution."

2. Problem with defecation and intestines

Giving birth puts extreme pressure on the pelvic floor and often causes urinary and/or bowel problems. It can be in the form of prolapse (protrusion of pelvic organs into the vagina), hemorrhoids (swollen blood vessels that feel like lumps around the anus), constipation due to dehydration, and frequent urination. Some of these symptoms will disappear over time with changes in diet and fluid intake.

"If it doesn't subside, don't hesitate to consult with a doctor. It's possible that the mother may need the assistance of a physiotherapist to help rehabilitate the pelvic floor."

3. Unstable mental

During pregnancy, childbirth, and after giving birth, mothers experience significant hormonal changes. This certainly affects mental health.

Baby blues are often experienced by mothers in the first week after giving birth. For some mothers, baby blues, or feelings of despair and low self-esteem, continue after the first week, the first month, and even up to the first year. Postpartum depression can occur at any time in the first year after giving birth, so it is important for mothers to consult with a psychologist/psychiatrist if they feel mentally unstable. Such as prolonged sadness or feeling overwhelmed.

4. Isolated

This feeling is often experienced by new mothers and they often keep it tightly. Mothers cannot do many things because they have to take care of the baby.

"For some women, this causes a loss of identity which in turn leads to feelings of alienation or isolation. As a doctor, I must remind new mothers not to forget to take care of themselves, there is no need to be selfish. A happy mother is greatly needed by the family," Rees said. Source: KidSpot (x)"