Complications in the postnatal period

Abstract

This chapter discusses physical and psychological morbidity following childbirth. The postnatal period is conventionally defined as extending to six weeks following birth. After this time, women are presumed to have physically recovered from the birth and able to resume their roles. However, some women experience ongoing health problems related to the pregnancy and birth that persist during the first year postpartum. The considerable variety, duration, and severity of morbidity are now being documented. In the past, health problems were narrowly defined as medical conditions requiring medical treatment, such as haemorrhage, thromboembolism and infection. More recently, researchers have broadened the scope of their work to incorporate women's perspectives on their health, encompass both physical and emotional dimensions of wellbeing, and recognise the persistence of problems that are commonly experienced. This chapter commences with a review of physical complications and morbidity following childbirth. The second section relates to common emotional complications such as postnatal depression and anxiety disorders.