Understanding women’s health issues after pregnancy

By Hermoine Macura-Noble
Special to The Times Kuwait

Pregnancy is a life-changing event, but once the baby is born, many new and unexpected challenges arise for the mother. While the focus tends to be on the baby, it’s equally important to understand the health issues women may face postpartum. Recovery after childbirth is a complex process, and women’s bodies undergo significant changes that can affect their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

“During pregnancy, no matter if we deliver vaginally or have a cesarean section, our body goes through tremendous changes. Muscles and supportive tissues in the pelvis get stretched and relaxed to make space for the baby in the womb. That leads to anatomical changes in the pelvic organs. The uterus, bladder, vagina, and rectum are not supported as they used to be. The pelvic floor muscles are stressed and not that strong anymore. Also, the vaginal wall, which also keeps the organs in the right position, will be affected as well,” explains Dr. Maria Karakoulaki, Functional Gynecologist and Menopause Expert at Gyneco in the Gulf.

Experts say the consequence of these changes can be urinary incontinence and painful intercourse because of the stressed vaginal wall. Urinary incontinence, the unintentional leakage of urine, is a common concern for many women during and after pregnancy. It can range from occasional dribbling to more frequent and noticeable leakage, and while it can be distressing, it’s often a temporary condition that can be managed or improved with proper care.

During pregnancy, urinary incontinence is primarily caused by the growing uterus pressing down on the bladder, which can lead to a feeling of urgency or the involuntary release of urine, especially when sneezing, coughing, laughing, or exercising. After childbirth, urinary incontinence may continue due to the physical changes the body undergoes during labor. This is especially true for women who experience perineal tears or episiotomies during childbirth.

While urinary incontinence often improves within a few weeks after childbirth as the body heals, there are ways to manage and reduce symptoms. One of the most effective treatments is pelvic floor exercises, known as kegel exercises, which help strengthen the muscles that control urination.

Other options include technology like the Emsella chair – a revolutionary, non-invasive treatment designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles using high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology. Ideal for individuals experiencing pelvic floor weakness, urinary incontinence, or postnatal recovery challenges, the treatment involves sitting fully clothed on the Emsella chair while the device strengthens and re-educates your muscles. Each session lasts about 30 minutes, and an entire course typically includes 6 sessions over a few weeks.

“There is no downtime, and you can resume your daily activities immediately after treatment. The Emsella chair’s benefits are that it is non-invasive, pain-free, and comfortable. There is no need for surgery or medication…Emsella is an effortless yet highly effective way to regain control and confidence,” shares Dr. Karakoulaki.

When it comes to mental health, postpartum depression is one of the most significant emotional health concerns after childbirth. It affects up to 15% of new mothers and can occur any time within the first year after giving birth. Symptoms of PPD can include persistent sadness or hopelessness, difficulty bonding with the baby, excessive crying, difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much, loss of appetite or overeating, and suicidal thoughts.

“It’s important to know that there is a difference between ‘Baby Blues’ and postpartum Depression. ‘Baby Blues’ is a pervasive state of hypersensitivity, tearfulness, exhaustion, desperation, anxiety, and sadness, which occurs in the first days or first hours after delivery and lasts only a few days and/or up to 2-3 weeks. Postnatal Depression, on the other hand, is a mental health disease similar to Depression. It will affect 1 out of 10 women and usually occurs within the first months after delivery. If a new mum is in this state for a couple of weeks, then she should talk with her doctor and address her symptoms and seek a proper treatment plan like psychotherapy and/or medication,” concludes Dr. Karakoulaki.

Caring for a newborn is physically and emotionally draining, and sleep deprivation is another significant issue for many new mothers. Lack of sleep can exacerbate postpartum Depression and increase the risk of other health issues, such as heart disease and diabetes.

New mothers must prioritize rest and recovery as much as possible. Enlisting help from family members, accepting offers of assistance, or hiring help for housework can help manage the demands of caring for a newborn while still getting much-needed sleep.

While pregnancy and childbirth are life-altering experiences, the health issues women face after pregnancy can be just as significant. Postpartum care should extend beyond the immediate weeks following childbirth and address physical, mental, and emotional health. New mothers need a strong support system, proper medical care, and the freedom to seek help when necessary. By prioritizing their health and well-being, women can make a smoother transition into motherhood and enjoy a healthier postpartum recovery.

By Hermoine Macura-Noble
The first Australian English speaking News Anchor in the Middle East. She is also the Author of Faces of the Middle East and Founder of US-based 501c3 charity – The House of Rest which helps to ease the suffering of victims of war. For more from our Contributing Editor, you can follow her on Instagram, here.