New figures from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that every year as many as 40 million women worldwide suffer from postnatal conditions after giving birth. About 140 million women give birth every year, so that’s more than a quarter.
Postnatal conditions
It is of course known that giving birth is not fun in most cases. It is often thought that ‘just suffer and then you will get something very nice in return’. But it is now clear from these shocking figures that it is not that simple. An enormous number of women suffer from very unpleasant complaints after giving birth and there should be more recognition for this, experts say.
Pain, anxiety and depression
The WHO study was published in the journal on Thursday The Lancet Global Health. This describes complaints such as anxiety, depression, pain during sex, lower back pain, incontinence, fear of childbirth and secondary infertility. These complaints can last for months or even years.
Daily suffering
Pascale Allotey, Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at WHO, said: “Many of these conditions cause significant suffering, both emotional and physical, in women’s daily lives, long after birth. And yet, overall, they are under-recognized, recognized and reported.”
Better access to healthcare providers
She continues: “Women should have access to healthcare providers throughout their lives, including beyond motherhood, who will listen to their concerns and meet their needs, so that they can not only survive childbirth but also enjoy good health and quality of life.”
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2023-12-08 09:20:14
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