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The female body bears a significant burden during pregnancy and childbirth, which can have lasting effects. As a result, the postpartum period is sometimes called the fourth trimester, during which women must not only recover but also confront new challenges. This article will discuss the diseases that frequently affect women in the early stages of motherhood.
Mastitis
Women who have recently become mothers often experience one of the most common problems of the mammary gland, which is acute inflammation caused by bacterial infection penetrating the gland tissue. Mastitis is characterized by small sores or cracks on the chest and nipples visible on the skin’s surface.
Breastfeeding is the most common time for mastitis to develop, and it often causes high fever, breast swelling, and pain. The skin of the affected breast may also become tense and hot to the touch. It is essential to seek medical attention at the first signs of mastitis. A doctor will prescribe antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, and if required, refer the patient to a surgeon.
Hemorrhoids
People believe that individuals over 30 years old and women who have recently given birth are more prone to experiencing hemorrhoids. In the case of women, the development of hemorrhoids is associated with increased intra-abdominal pressure during pregnancy and childbirth. Symptoms of hemorrhoids include pain, itching, and bleeding in the anal area. If left untreated, hemorrhoids can lead to severe complications that may require surgical intervention.
Postpartum depression
Postpartum depression is a prevalent condition among women who have recently given birth, and if left untreated, it can cause significant health issues. This condition is characterized by a range of unpleasant symptoms that can be challenging to manage.
Typically, postpartum depression symptoms surface four to six weeks after childbirth. Women may experience heightened levels of anxiety and irritability, along with pathological insomnia that results in daytime sleepiness.
Pyelonephritis
Pyelonephritis is an infectious and inflammatory condition that affects the calyx-pelvis region of the kidneys, but the pathology is non-specific. Typically, this ailment is prevalent in young women during pregnancy and after giving birth. During the second trimester of pregnancy, when the fetus grows rapidly and exerts pressure on the kidneys and ureters, urine outflow can become obstructed, leading to stasis phenomena.
The symptoms of postpartum pyelonephritis usually include pain during urination, fever, as well as back and side pain. The onset of the disease typically occurs 7-14 days after childbirth. An accurate diagnosis can be made through urine and blood tests, as well as an ultrasound examination of the bladder and kidneys.
Diastasis of the abdominal muscles
The expansion of the abdominal cavity and the white line of the abdomen is significant during pregnancy. If the muscle separation exceeds 4.5 cm or the width of two fingers, diastasis is said to have occurred.
The desire to regain good physical shape, particularly by engaging in intense abdominal exercises shortly after childbirth, can contribute to the development of this condition in young mothers.
Other factors that may cause diastasis include obesity, excess weight, multiple pregnancies, large fetuses, and prior cesarean section deliveries.
Endometritis
Endometritis is a severe inflammatory condition that targets the endometrium, the inner layer of the uterus, and is commonly experienced by women of childbearing age, particularly those who have undergone cesarean section delivery.
The disease results from an invasion of infectious agents that trigger an inflammatory response. Various types of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, can cause the condition. However, the most common cause of endometritis is the presence of residual fetal tissue or placental fragments that were not entirely removed from the uterus, as well as blood clots.
Endometritis can lead to severe complications, such as postpartum bleeding and infertility. Therefore, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention from a gynecologist at the first indication of symptoms.
Urinary incontinence
Postpartum urinary incontinence is a common issue encountered by women. Its development can be attributed to several factors such as smoking, giving birth naturally, having a large fetus, and genetics.
Some signs and symptoms that may indicate the occurrence of this condition are:
- Experiencing pelvic pressure;
- Uncontrolled urinary leakage during sleep;
- Abdominal spasms.
Women who suffer from urinary incontinence may need to use the restroom frequently, more than twice at night and over eight times during the day. Additionally, they may experience difficulty controlling their bladder when coughing, sneezing, or laughing.
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