Few people would argue that pregnancy and motherhood naturally saddle women with most of the trials and responsibilities of bringing new life into the world. You can see the kinds of changes that growing a new life inside of you can bring. Troubles like back pains and nausea when eating your favourite foods are a pain in the neck. But it is a natural part of pregnancy you need to endure. Unfortunately, some complications of pregnancy are lifelong. For example, observe your post partum belly and record its appearance, circumference, and other details. Throughout the months or years, you may discover that your belly does not return to its original state.
Permanent changes to the body are not rare for new mothers, but they may bring discomfort or even pain. Some can lead to more serious health issues. A few pregnancy symptoms can even last a lifetime. You might want to be aware of the symptoms and complications that may stick around as you get older.
What are some health issues that stick around for much longer?
You do not need an extensive background in reproductive health to know a few symptoms pregnancy is responsible for. Fatigue, body aches, abdominal cramps, and much more await a mother who has recently given birth. You might say goodbye to the baby bump in a few weeks, but your body still needs to adjust to the stress and pressure of growing a new life within it. That is why you need diastasis recti exercises to strengthen your core muscles and get you back in shape.
But if you think separated ab muscles that need time to heal and go back to normal are bad enough, wait till you see what other pregnancy complications you might have. There is a reason why the postpartum period is called the “fourth trimester:” mothers will still experience many challenges, even after delivery. Sensitive mothers can experience symptoms like fever and chills, vaginal bleeding, urinary incontinence, diastasis recti in Singapore, and more. If you spot any of these symptoms, your best bet is to seek a doctor immediately.
Some complications go undetected until months or years later in life. These are what we call ageing complications in the female reproductive system. While people who have not gone through pregnancy can still experience these complications, they are more prevalent in those who have given birth. Here are a few examples you need to know.
1) Pelvic organ prolapse
A pelvic organ prolapse is what happens when one or more of the organs that sit on top of the pelvis “slip down” from their normal position and bulge into the vagina. While it does sound serious, it is not life-threatening. But it can still cause pain and discomfort for those who suffer from it. The organs most likely to be involved in the condition are the uterus, bladder, or bowels. If you think that you cannot stand the discomfort it may bring you, consult a doctor for pelvic organ prolapse treatment.
2) Polycystic ovary syndrome
A woman’s ovaries are supposed to suppress the number of male hormones it receives and absorbs. With polycystic ovary syndrome (or PCOS for short), the adrenal glands on the ovaries end up producing more male hormones than it needs. The overproduction can lead to cysts forming in the ovaries. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome have a higher risk of developing diabetes, infertility, and heart disease.
If you feel like you are experiencing symptoms of intense pelvic pain, excessive hair growth on your face or chest, acne and oily skin, and more, it may be because you are experiencing an imbalance of hormones in your system.
3) Menopause
Menopause is one of the most notorious and well-known symptoms of ageing. Unfortunately, once the process starts, you cannot stop it. Females have a finite number of egg cells in their body– meaning, if the supply is exhausted, the woman cannot get pregnant anymore. The female reproductive system is unlike the male reproductive one– males keep producing sperm cells all their lives, while females will reach the end of their prime around 40 to 50 years of age. This is followed by a phenomenon called menopause, where the body essentially shuts down the reproductive system and ceases to produce hormones that prepare women for pregnancy. This is one of the reasons why women stop having periods.
Menopausal treatment does not intend to provide older women with the ability to give birth or carry children again. But menopause can have tons of side effects that can cause discomfort for someone or even threaten their life. Other times, it can even mess with their moods. It is vital for women to have a smooth transition when they suspect they may be undergoing menopause.
4) STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)
Even if you have not been sexually active for a long time, you are not exempt from STDs. Sometimes, STDs may even be inherited from your parents. Most STDs affect men and women, but women are more at risk of developing more severe symptoms. There are over a dozen types of STDs and many microorganisms are responsible for causing them, such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
If you suspect that you may have an STD, you must reach out to a doctor. They can prescribe you an antibiotic if bacteria are causing your infections. But the most effective way to prevent diseases is through a combination of pills, birth control, and barriers like condoms to prevent the spread of the disease. Ask your partner to get tested first.
Orchard Clinic in Singapore is prepared to help you address common issues found after the delivery of your healthy children. For more information about the divarication of the recti and other treatments that provide aid to new mothers, check out their website.