Changes in women's physical health during the first postpartum year
D. K. Gjerdingen, D. G. Froberg, K. M. Chaloner and P. M. McGovern
Department of Family Practice and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
OBJECTIVE: To examine changes in women's physical health during the first
postpartum year. DESIGN: Participants completed surveys at 1, 3, 6, 9, and
12 months post partum. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Four hundred thirty-six
first-time mothers who gave birth at one of two St Paul, Minn, hospitals
during a 12-month period and who met the criteria for the study. MAIN
OUTCOME MEASURES: Physical symptoms and number of illness days experienced
within the previous 2 weeks. RESULTS: Physical problems seen at a higher
prevalence at 1 month post partum included breast symptoms, vaginal
discomfort, fatigue, hemorrhoids, poor appetite, constipation, increased
sweating, acne, hand numbness or tingling, dizziness, hot flashes, and
illness days. Several of these disorders--hemorrhoids, dizziness, fatigue,
and constipation--persisted beyond 1 month and were joined by other "late"
problems, including respiratory symptoms, sexual concerns, and hair loss.
Women who returned to the work force noted more symptoms of respiratory
infections, and women with vaginal deliveries had a higher prevalence of
hemorrhoids, vaginal discomfort, pain with intercourse, difficulty reaching
orgasm, sinus problems, and acne. CONCLUSIONS: Recovery from childbirth
often requires more than the 6 weeks traditionally allotted, and postpartum
health appears to be affected by delivery type and work status.
