From the Guidelines
Yes, postpartum complications can occur following childbirth, and it is essential to recognize and treat them promptly to prevent serious consequences. These complications can range from mild to severe and can develop hours, days, or weeks after delivery. According to the most recent and highest quality study 1, common postpartum complications include dyspareunia, low back pain, urinary incontinence, anxiety, depression, and other conditions that can have severe effects on women's health and wellbeing.
Postpartum Complications
- Dyspareunia: affects up to 35% of women after childbirth 1
- Low back pain: affects up to 32% of women after childbirth 1
- Urinary incontinence: affects up to 31% of women after childbirth 1
- Anxiety: affects up to 24% of women after childbirth 1
- Depression: affects up to 17% of women after childbirth 1
Importance of Prompt Recognition and Treatment
Prompt recognition and treatment of these complications are essential to prevent serious consequences, such as morbidity, mortality, and decreased quality of life. Healthcare practitioners should counsel women about postpartum depression, anxiety, and other complications, and connect them to community resources as appropriate 1. Additionally, broader and more comprehensive health service opportunities are needed to address these conditions, extending beyond 6 weeks postpartum and embracing multidisciplinary models of care 1.
From the Research
Postpartum Complications
- Postpartum complications can occur, and research has identified various factors that may contribute to their development 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Studies have investigated the association between antibiotic use during pregnancy and postpartum depression, with findings suggesting a potential link between the two 2, 6.
- The use of gastric acid inhibitors during pregnancy has also been associated with an increased risk of postpartum depression 2.
- Additionally, research has explored the relationship between SSRI use during pregnancy and the risk of postpartum hemorrhage, with results indicating a potential increased risk 3.
- Other factors, such as ibuprofen consumption, have been examined in relation to postpartum depression, with some studies suggesting a potential protective effect 4.
- The association between postpartum hemorrhage and postpartum depression has also been investigated, with mixed results 5.
Risk Factors
- Antibiotic use during pregnancy has been identified as a potential risk factor for postpartum depression 2, 6.
- Gastric acid inhibitor use during pregnancy may also increase the risk of postpartum depression 2.
- SSRI use during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage 3.
- Ibuprofen consumption may have a protective effect against postpartum depression, although more research is needed to confirm this finding 4.
- Postpartum hemorrhage has been explored as a potential risk factor for postpartum depression, with mixed results 5.