Postpartum Well-Being: How to Care for Your Physical and Emotional Health
The birth of a baby marks the beginning of a new chapter, not only for the newborn but also for the mother. While much of the attention is naturally focused on the baby’s well-being, a woman’s physical and emotional recovery continues for weeks, months, and sometimes even longer after childbirth.
Understanding these potential health effects and having timely access to quality medical care are essential for supporting a full recovery and enjoying this new stage of life.
Recovery continues after giving birth
Although many women recover without major complications, the postpartum period does not end when they leave the hospital or after the first few weeks. Recovery can last for months or even years, and some physical or emotional symptoms require medical follow-up to prevent them from affecting a woman’s quality of life.
Recent studies highlight that more than one-third of women experience health problems that persist in the months or even years after childbirth. These include:
Pain during intercourse
35%
Low back pain
32%
8-31%
Anal incontinence:
19%
Depression:
11-17%
Perineal pain:
11%
Fear of childbirth
(tokophobia):
6-15%
Anxiety:
9-24%
Secondary infertility
(was able to get pregnant once, but cannot conceive again)
11%
What is recommended to support a healthy recovery after childbirth?
Don’t neglect your postpartum medical follow-up: Even if your pregnancy and delivery were free of complications, recovery continues for months after childbirth. Attending postpartum checkups helps identify physical or emotional health issues that may arise after routine obstetric care has ended.
Recognize that some symptoms are not a “normal” part of motherhood: Symptoms such as urinary incontinence, persistent pain during sexual intercourse, lower back pain, or signs of anxiety and depression should not be considered inevitable consequences of childbirth. Recognizing them early and consulting a healthcare professional can significantly improve recovery and quality of life.
- Have timely access to comprehensive medical care: Postpartum recovery may require the support of different healthcare specialists, depending on each woman’s individual needs. In addition to follow-up with an obstetrician or gynecologist, some mothers may benefit from psychological or psychiatric care, pelvic floor physical therapy, pain management, or diagnostic testing to identify and treat specific complications at an early stage.
❂ Severe or persistent pain.
❂ Heavy bleeding.
❂ Symptoms of anxiety or depression.
❂ Difficulty controlling urination or bowel movements.
Medical care doesn’t end with the birth of a baby. In some cases, postpartum recovery may require consultations with different specialists, diagnostic tests, prescription medications, or therapies to address physical and emotional complications that arise after childbirth. Having a health plan that supports you throughout this process ensures timely access to the care each woman may need. Learn about the benefits of having an international health insurance plan and how it can support you before, during, and after pregnancy.
Learn more about our health plans
If you want to learn more about our health plans, contact your insurance agent.
We’re here to support your health and your baby’s wellness every step of the way!
VUMI® minimizes worries by providing access to top medical providers and institutions before, during, and after the birth of your baby:
- Access to some of the world’s most prestigious maternity clinics, both in your home country and abroad
- Visits to doctors and specialists
- Diagnostic studies
- Prescription medications
- Care for maternity and newborn complications
- Complementary therapies with professionals that include chiropractor, psychologist, psychiatrist, osteopath and acupuncturist
- And much more!
