Prolonged pain after childbirth is common. One in six women experience persistent pain, and one in five experience pain during intercourse eight months after giving birth. For some women, the pain lasts for years. Getting help at an early stage is very important.
Despite this, many women feel that they are not getting the help they need, says Beata Molin, a researcher and assistant professor at Red Cross University.
In one study, Beata Mullen interviewed women who experienced pain after childbirth.
Feeling forgotten and ignored
The interviewees' experience is that, in general, care ignores their pain. According to the study, women's experiences can be divided into four groups:
Photo: Dave Club, Unsplash.
Questionable pain experience: Most women see a midwife or other health care professional after giving birth. This is a common experience of not being listened to or not taking your pain seriously.
Inadequate pain management: In cases where women feel their pain has been captured by health care, they often receive no diagnosis or explanation. Pain is often interpreted as something normal after childbirth.
Inadequate postpartum care: Many of the women interviewed demand a better and clearer structure of postpartum care with more and more regular health checks, carried out by staff who need to be more knowledgeable in this area.
Lost in health care: Many in the study also believed they were unprepared to go from good care during pregnancy to often forgetfulness after birth when the focus is instead on the health of the newborn. Women describe their experiences being left out of the health care system and forced to get help on their own. They describe the experience of abandonment of care.
Associated with depression
Long-term pain has a huge negative impact on life, says Beata Molin.
These women are more likely to suffer from postpartum depression than those who do not suffer from pain. Pain can also have a negative impact on mothers' ability to care for their babies and lead to fear and anxiety about future pregnancy.
Read also: Four out of ten experience pain during intercourse a year after giving birth
Scientific material:
Ignored pain – experiences of healthcare encounters from the perspective of women experiencing persistent postpartum pain – a qualitative study, Sexual and reproductive health care.
communication:
Beata Molin, Assistant Professor at Red Cross University
[email protected]
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