5 common health issues that new mothers should be cautious of

New moms might think that they are ready to tackle once they are back home with their baby. After all, they have been through nine months full of ups and downs, including difficulty sleeping and morning sickness. Now that their baby is here, everything should be smooth, right? There are various health issues that mothers may face after delivery. Health issues are often overlooked as everyone gets busy keeping a check on the baby’s health.But as a partner, one should provide the right amount of attention to the new mother and look after her needs. Some issues that may occur after delivery are:
1. Postpartum depression
Postpartum depression is a mental health condition that affects a large number of new mothers. It includes feelings of sadness, anxiety, and fatigue, and it interferes with the ability of a mother to take care of her baby and herself. It usually occurs after a few weeks of childbirth, but can start later, up to a year.
Risk factors and causes related to it include hormonal changes, depression history, stressful life events, and a lack of support. For the right and timely treatment, it is necessary to detect the condition early. Signs that one should watch for are sadness, loss of interest in different activities, difficulty bonding with the baby, and thoughts of harming the baby or themselves.
Managing postpartum depression not only includes seeking help from medical professionals, like therapists and counsellors, but it also includes seeking support from family and friends. Treatment not only includes therapy; it also includes medication and support groups.
2. Breastfeeding Challenges
It is a natural process, but often new mothers face challenges that can make them stressed. Some common issues related to latching problems include pain in the nipple, mastitis (breast infection), and a low supply of milk.
Signs related to breastfeeding that one should look for are pain during feeding, the baby not gaining weight, and engorged breasts. To manage the above, it is important to consult lactation consultants or medical professionals.
For additional encouragement and advice, one can also look for support groups and online resources. It is important to remember that the breastfeeding journey is different for every mother, and it’s okay to seek help and take the necessary steps to keep both mother and baby healthy.
3. Postpartum Haemorrhage
It is a potentially life-threatening condition; this mother goes through heavy bleeding post-childbirth. Ideally, it happens within the first 24 hours post-delivery, although it can happen up to 12 weeks postpartum.
Risks included in this condition are prolonged labour, multiple births, and conditions like placenta. Symptoms to look for in this condition are heavy bleeding, dizziness, a rapid heartbeat, and a sudden drop in blood pressure. To manage postpartum haemorrhage, it is important to look for immediate medical attention.
Treatment of the following conditions includes medications, blood transfusions, and, in extreme cases, surgical procedures. New mothers should look for immediate medical care if they experience any of the mentioned symptoms.
4. Pelvic floor disorders
Pelvic floor disorder is a very common condition that is caused by the weakening of muscles post-childbirth. In this condition, one can’t relax and coordinate muscles in the pelvic floor to urinate or have a bowel movement. Your pelvis is home to organs like the bladder, uterus, prostate, and rectum. There are the support structure that keeps everything in place.
Some common symptoms of pelvic floor disorders that one should look for are leakage of urine, a feeling of heaviness, and difficulty with bowel movements. These issues create a huge impact on a mother’s quality of life.

Your provider might do some physical exams to check how well you can control your pelvic floor muscles. Using their hands, healthcare professionals will look for knots or weakness in the muscle. Your healthcare provider might also perform a pelvic exam.
Some measures and treatments that are recommended include pelvic floor exercises, like Kegels, for strengthening the muscles. Physical therapy and, in some cases, surgical options are also considered.
5. Postpartum Thyroiditis
It is a rare condition in which, within the first year of pregnancy, inflammation is seen in the thyroid gland. The gland ideally releases a hormone that controls essential body processes. Postpartum thyroiditis usually takes place in three parts:
• Phase one: The thyroid gland releases too many hormones (hyperthyroidism) due to inflammation. It ideally happens one to six months after pregnancy and can last from one week up to three months.
• Phase two: The thyroid doesn’t produce or release enough hormones (hypothyroidism). It ideally takes place four to eight months after pregnancy and can last up to a year.
• Phase three: The thyroid returns to producing hormones at a normal level.
Not everyone experiences all the phases in the order mentioned; some people skip the hypothyroid phase; they only go through hyperthyroidism, and then their thyroids start producing hormones normally. In rare situations, people stay in the hypothyroid phase, and to make up for low thyroid hormone levels, they require hormone replacement therapy.
Here’s what new mothers can do:
New mothers should be aware of several common health issues that significantly impact their health and their ability to take care of the newborn.
Treatments vary depending on the severity of the symptoms. On one hand, some women require medications, while on the other, some just require regular monitoring. It is important to raise awareness among new mothers regarding common health issues that are caused post-childbirth. Early detection and correct treatment help in managing the mentioned issues effectively. New mothers need to prioritise their health and seek medical advice when needed; by doing so, they can ensure an easy, healthy, and happy postpartum experience for themselves and their babies. By being aware of the issues and seeking timely medical advice, new mothers can navigate these challenges easily. Actively managing health not only ensures timely recovery but also promotes a nurturing environment for newborns, fostering healthy development and strong maternal bonds.
(Dr. Geetu Gaba, Consultant - Obstetrics And Gynaecology, Manipal Hospital Dwarka)