Postpartum Health Concerns Every New Mother Should Be Prepared For
Common Health Problems After Childbirth and How to Care for Them
Hello, I’m Dr Aom, Dr Nataya Rakpuang, an American Board-certified aesthetic gynaecologist. In this article, I would like to share some of the health concerns that mothers may experience after childbirth, together with ways to care for and restore the body.
Postpartum physical changes should not be overlooked. During pregnancy, almost every part of the body changes and expands to support the baby’s growth and development. Many people assume that the main concern is simply weight gain, but the body may also experience several other changes and signs of decline. Recovery often takes time and requires appropriate care.
Common Health Problems After Childbirth
Weight Gain
Weight gain during pregnancy results from hormonal changes, increased food intake, and reduced physical activity.
After childbirth, body weight may not decrease as quickly as expected. Many mothers experience changes in their body shape that affect their confidence. Restoring a healthy weight and feeling comfortable with their body again therefore becomes an important concern for many women.
Body Pain
Postpartum mothers commonly experience pain in areas such as:
๐ The back
๐ The waist
๐ The knees
๐ The ankles
During pregnancy, the body carries both the mother’s increased weight and the baby’s weight for approximately nine months. Some women gain several kilograms during pregnancy, placing additional pressure on the joints and muscles.
Hair Loss
Hair loss is common during the first few months after childbirth, particularly while breastfeeding. It is associated with the rapid decrease in oestrogen levels after delivery.
Some mothers experience significant hair shedding and choose to cut their hair short. However, shortening the hair does not reduce the actual amount of hair loss.
Changes in Skin Condition
Skin changes after childbirth are a common concern. Skin that appeared radiant during pregnancy may become dry, dull, or tired-looking after delivery.
Insufficient sleep can make the skin appear even more fatigued. Other common concerns include:
๐ Melasma
๐ Freckles or dark spots
๐ Earlier appearance of fine lines
๐ Enlarged pores
๐ Makeup not adhering as well as before
These changes are closely related to hormonal fluctuations after childbirth.
Urinary Leakage
Some mothers experience urinary leakage during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as:
๐ Coughing
๐ Sneezing
๐ Laughing strongly
๐ Exercising or moving suddenly
This may occur when the pelvic floor muscles have become weakened or stretched during pregnancy and childbirth.
Sagging Breasts
Breast sagging is another common postpartum concern.
During breastfeeding, the breasts may initially feel firm and full because of milk production. However, after breastfeeding decreases or stops, the breasts may naturally lose firmness regardless of their original size.
This change may affect a mother’s confidence, particularly when wearing clothes that fitted differently before pregnancy.
Stretch Marks
Stretch marks often develop because the skin expands rapidly during pregnancy.
They may appear on:
๐ The abdomen
๐ The breasts
๐ The buttocks
๐ The hips
๐ The thighs
๐ The upper arms
Stretch marks may be especially noticeable when wearing swimwear or clothing that exposes more skin, which can affect confidence.
Fatigue
Postpartum fatigue often results from caring for a baby throughout the day and night.
When the baby wakes frequently during the night, the mother may not receive enough continuous sleep, leading to exhaustion, low energy, and difficulty recovering physically.
Reduced Sexual Desire
Caring for a baby throughout the day can leave mothers physically and emotionally exhausted, which may reduce sexual desire.
Other contributing factors may include:
๐ Focusing almost entirely on the baby
๐ Lack of personal time
๐ Hormonal changes
๐ Vaginal dryness or discomfort
๐ Insufficient sleep
๐ Changes in confidence or body image
Some mothers may also experience postpartum depression due to several physical, hormonal, and emotional factors.
Postpartum Recovery Treatments and Programmes
Several types of treatments and recovery programmes are available to address different postpartum concerns.
Breast-Firming Programme
A breast-firming programme may use Specific 448 kHz radiofrequency technology to deliver energy into the tissues and support recovery at the cellular level.
The treatment is intended to:
๐ Improve the firmness of sagging breasts
๐ Support breast tissue recovery
๐ Help widen the milk ducts in breastfeeding mothers
๐ Reduce milk-duct blockage
๐ Relieve breast engorgement without painful manual massage
The programme may consist of three sessions over two weeks.
Hair-Loss Reduction Programme
This programme may combine several treatments, including:
๐ INDIBA: Radiofrequency technology used to support deeper tissue and skin recovery
๐ Fotona Laser: Laser treatment intended to improve skin condition and stimulate collagen production
๐ Vitamin injections: A combination of vitamins used to nourish the body and support recovery from fatigue
The programme may be performed twice over a two-week period.
Postpartum Immune-Support Programme
This programme may include:
๐ NAD Plus: Intravenous nutrient therapy intended to support physical recovery and immunity
๐ Vitamin D3 injection at 300,000 IU: An intramuscular injection intended to support immune function and white blood cell activity
Intimate Recovery Programme
This programme may include:
๐ Femme 360: A non-surgical vaginal repair treatment using high-frequency radio waves to improve vaginal firmness
๐ O-Shot PRP: An injection of platelet-rich plasma into the intimate area to support tissue and blood-vessel recovery and improve female sexual function
The programme may be performed twice over two weeks.
Programme for Dry Skin, Melasma, and Postpartum Pigmentation
This programme may use:
๐ Fotona Laser: To improve skin condition and stimulate collagen production
๐ PRP: To support skin recovery using the patient’s own platelets
Programme for Abdominal Looseness and Stretch Marks
This programme may include:
๐ X-Wave: Shockwave energy intended to stimulate blood circulation
๐ Exilis: Non-surgical technology used to tighten the skin and reduce localised fat
Reference :
Independent Writer
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