Women experience a wide range of problems following childbirth.
The majority resolve within a few weeks as the body adjusts back to the pre-pregnancy state.
Problems that may persist longer than 6 weeks include:
- Perineal pain – may result from scarring following repair of tears and episiotomy during delivery. Infection and wound breakdown increase the risk of excessive scar formation.
- Urinary Incontinence – Leakage of urine when coughing or sneezing is a common problem that may have started during the pregnancy. It may worsen as a result of the weakened pelvic floor muscles due to the stretch and damage of the muscles and nerves during labour and delivery.
- Faecal incontinence – Difficulty controlling bowels is a less common problem after childbirth. It may result following repair of a tear in the small muscles around the back passage (third degree tear).
- Sexual dysfunction – Painful sex, lack of interest and vaginal dryness are common problems. It may result from the lack of estrogen due to breastfeeding.
Treatment for each of these conditions will be discussed and individualised during the consultation.
