A third of new mother globally face long-term health issues after childbirth

Over 40 million women annually face enduring health issues post-childbirth, a new study in The Lancet Global Health reveals, calling for greater attention to common postnatal problems.

The study, supported by the UN, WHO, and US Agency for International Development (USAID), highlights these conditions, which can last from a few months to even years, affecting a third of new mothers globally.

Conditions such as pain during sex for postnatal women affect 35% of women, low back pain (32%), depression (11-17%) and anxiety (9-24%), often go unnoticed. Many of these conditions occur later or continue for longer when women typically don’t have access to postnatal care.

Many cases are also underappreciated and underreported, says Pascale Allotey, WHO's Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health.

The study also exposes a significant lack of guidelines and data, particularly in low- to middle-income countries, emphasizing the need for systemic improvements in pre- and post-pregnancy health.

The data was largely collected from wealthier nations, and 40 million might not be the correct figure, researchers say. About 140 million women give birth every year.