Michael Smith

Professor Tyler

English Composition II

6 December 2020

The Health Impacts on Childbearing Women

Every year millions of women in the U.S. gives birth. The normal recovery time after

birth is 6 weeks. Women do have the right to take a Family Medical Leave of Absence (FMLA)

during their pregnancy or after having a baby; however, women are only allowed to take a

maximum of 12 weeks before their job becomes jeopardized. Less than 8 months ago my wife

gave birth to our 3rd daughter. As I have watched my wife mother our 3 children over the last 7

years, I often wondered what are the short- and long-term effects childbearing has on women.

Are women back to their baseline at 6-12 weeks after giving birth or are there lasting effects

from childbearing, birthing, and adding a baby to the family? Childbearing and adding a new

addition to the family is a huge adjustment one in which can impact a woman’s health both short

term and long term.

During pregnancy women can experience a multitude of health conditions. On average

women are pregnant for 9 months. The CDC states that symptoms and complications during

pregnancy can be minimal to extreme and in rare cases may be fatal (CDC). According to the

CDC pregnancy related complications can be experienced by mother or baby and can be physical

and/or mental health conditions. The health conditions can be a result of pregnancy or increase in

severity due to pregnancy and often have a minimal effect but, in some instances, can have a

severe impact on the mother and/or the baby (CDC). Some common health conditions that
 Smith 2

women may experience during pregnancy include high blood pressure, depressed mood, a

decrease in the number of red blood cells, gestational diabetes, urinary tract infection, and

morning sickness (CDC). As you can see, women are often impacted by physical and mental

health conditions during pregnancy.

It is obvious that having a new baby is a big adjustment. Couples that are new to

parenthood feel that it is a life-changing experience that is both joyous and exhausting. Stepping

into the role of becoming a first-time parent can have an impact on the new parents such as

stress, marital quality and mental health. Stress after having a baby can be caused by factors such

as the realization of a life-long commitment, financial hardship, and the struggle to find balance

between work and family (Vitelli). The transition from a working mother to a parent is a

complete change in schedule such as baby focused activities instead of adult routines like

changing diapers during dinner. Confident women abruptly felt uncertainty surrounding their

future. New parents often question what is best for their child and if the mother should return to

work? Will returning to work negatively impact the social or academic development of the child?

Sometimes, women adjusted their career due to fear, guilt, and desire and ultimately deserted

their career for a part-time job (Karaim). As you can see adding a baby to a family has major

impacts on both parents but there are also affects that women only experience.

In addition to the stresses a couple experiences after having a baby, women experience a

whole set of issues pertaining to their health. Approximately 12% of new mothers in the U.S.

experiences postpartum depression between 2-9 months postpartum. Worldwide postpartum

depression affects 17.7% of new mothers. Through research the effects of postpartum depression

are known to negatively impact relationships between mother and child such as bonding between

a mother and her child, the desire to breastfeed/continue to breastfeed, neurocognitive

 Smith 3

development of the infant, and quality of life in the mother (Schalff et al. 141). In addition to

postpartum depression some women experience body dissatisfaction during and after pregnancy.

Changes in a women’s body shape and size impacts a women’s perception of her body resulting

in body dissatisfaction. Women who experience body dissatisfaction have a higher rate of

reporting symptoms of depression during the postpartum period (Schalff et al. 141). Women also

experience other health issues during the postpartum period. Some common health issues after

pregnancy include a weak pelvic floor which can affect your bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum.

Woman can suffer from bladder and bowel incontinence due to pressure from the baby during

pregnancy and giving birth. Constipation is common in the first few weeks postpartum due to

dehydration but usually resolve after hydration is established. After giving birth most women

experience some form of diastasis recti (a gap between the two sides of the rectus abdominis

muscle) which results in weak core muscles. Other common health issues after having a baby

include spider veins, varicose veins, stretch marks, changes to facial skin, teeth and eye

problems, hormonal fluctuations, pain and bloody discharge called lochia (Schiedel).Women

who child bear are at risk of developing an array of mental and physical health conditions during

and after pregnancy.

 Smith 4

Figure 1Postpartum depression is a common but treatable condition that effects women after giving birth. (Creekside Center for
Women)

The effects of having a baby can vary depending on when women choose to have

children. Studies have shown that early childbearing in which women have a baby at 22-23 is

harmful to physical health as women age…and is linked to psychiatric morbidity…and

depression… (Spence 4). Early childbearing has related health conditions that may arise soon or

long after giving birth. Women who have children early in life have been connected to a poorer

quality of physical health. One study found that parents have more depression than those who are

childless, and parents of grown children have equal amounts of depression than those who are

childless (Spence 2) Although early childbearing can negatively impact women’s health, late

childbearing has its own set of issues. It was found that women in the U.S. who have a child after

the age of 35 have unfavorable health issues later in life with their odds increasing for below

average mobility at age 50 and older. Late childbearing has been linked to poorer physical health

and increased depression (Spence 5-6). Regardless of when women choose to have children
 Smith 5

whether that be earlier or later in life, women may develop mental and/or physical health

conditions.

The number of children a woman has can play a factor in whether a woman’s health will

be affected. For instance, women with 6 or more children compared to women with 3-5 children

have higher rates of developing a physical limitation. (Spence 2-7). Regarding mental health,

Spence states that there is no link between having 6 or more pregnancies and mental health

conditions such as depression (7). Studies seem to be inconsistent between the number of

children a woman has and health conditions that may arise. While one study shows that woman

with 6 or more children are at a greater risk of developing physical limitations another study

suggests no link between how many children a woman has and activity-based limitations

(Spence 6-7).

It is evident that there is a risk for women to develop physical and/or mental health

conditions from having children. The questions that come to mind now is how are these health

conditions diagnosed and how can women cope with these conditions? When it comes to PPD

(Postpartum Depression) the best way for women to obtain a diagnosis is to visit their doctor. A

doctor will be able create a treatment plan based off symptoms and determine what form of

treatment will work best such as psychotherapy and antidepressants. Psychotherapy is a form of

therapy in which the patient speaks with a professional on mental health about their feeling and

thoughts and determine ways in which to handle or resolve the issues (Marcin). Sometimes

medications know as antidepressant are prescribed by a physician. The most common type of

antidepressant are SSRIs which work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain which can

reduce symptoms of moderate to severe depression (Mayo Clinic). Some other ways in which to

cope with PPD include exercise, a healthy diet, dedicating time for yourself and time for rest,
 Smith 6

taking fish oils, consider breast feeding, avoid isolation, and form a support network. In a study

published by Mental Health and Physical Activity, walking significantly eased depression

(Marcin). Some women who have children choose to breastfeed their child. “A 2012 study

suggests that breast-feeding may reduce your risk of developing PPD…protection may extend all

the way the way to the fourth month after delivery” (Marcin). However, Marcin states that some

women will develop depression as a result of breastfeeding, a condition known as Dysmorphic

Milk Ejection Reflex or D-MER. There are many ways in which to manage PPD. Ultimately

PPD is treatable with many women seeing improvements in symptoms within six months.

However, in severe cases women can develop a serious condition that needs to be urgently

addressed by a physician called postpartum psychosis which includes symptoms of confusion,

disorientation, obsessive thoughts, paranoia, or hallucinations (Marcin).

Having a child can have major physical impacts on women. Some women deliver their

baby by cesarean section, commonly called a C-section which is a surgery to deliver a baby

through a surgical opening in the uterus and abdomen (Donaldson-Evans). Roughly 1/3 of

deliveries in the U.S. are accomplished by C-section and approximately 6-18% of women who

have a C-Section will develop chronic pain in the excision scar (Bavis). Not all health conditions

are brought on by the birth of a child. Women who have high blood pressure and obesity priori to

pregnancy often have negative health impacts during pregnancy and in the future. The President

of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, Dr. Lisa Hollier, believes that many

health issues will resolve after childbirth; however, an enduring health impact is seen in a few

women (Bavis 5). In a 2017 analysis of studies it was determined that females who had preterm

deliveries or developed gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia during pregnancy have an

increased risk for stroke, diabetes, and heart disease (Bavis).

 Smith 7

The current recommendation by the ACOG is for women to see their doctor at 3 weeks

postpartum or sooner if need be (Bavis). Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, M.D. of Obstetrics &

Gynecology believes that the weeks following pregnancy are critical for women’s continuing

health and should be viewed as an opportunity to encourage and support healthy living as a

whole…postpartum care should be performed during numerous appointments instead of just the

standard six-week appointment (Horsager-Boehrer). During the postpartum period doctors can

help women form a routine schedule of care and refer them to additional services such as

physical therapy (Bavis). Ultimately, it is critical that women follow up with their physician

during the postpartum period to check for health conditions and receive the proper measure

needed to manage and/or resolve health issues.

It is apparent that there are major effects on women who have children, but

inconsistencies exist from one woman to another. For example, Spence states that the number of

children a woman has causes physical limitation in those with 6 or more children. Spence also

states that in a separate study there was no correlation between the number of kids a woman has

and physical limitations. Regarding late childbearing, Spence states that women who have

children after age 35 have a negative impact on their health later in life but that self-reported

limitations did not distinguish early and late child bearers (5,7). For the most part the sources are

consistent that women are affected by having a child both physically and mentally. The article by

spence show the results of different studies and shows how one study proves that there are long

term consequences of childbearing and then another study shows no correlation between

childbearing and long-term consequences. As well in the article by Karaim, it is stated that

mothers often worry if they are hurting their child’s development by returning to work and then
 Smith 8

it goes on to say that returning to work sets a good example and that working mothers are able to

inspire their children to follow their dreams.

Regardless of what health conditions a woman may develop after having a baby there are

resources available to help them cope. Woman can reach out to their healthcare provider, a

minister/faith leader, reach out to support groups, chat with others experiencing similar problems

and call the Postpartum Depression Hotline at 800-944-4773 (Marcin). One benefit available to

working mothers is the option to take a Family Medical Leave of Absence. A mother can use up

to 12 weeks of leave under FMLA for care during pregnancy, pregnancy related problems such

as incapacitation, and health conditions following child birth .If a woman is still experiencing

health concerns outside of the allotted time for a leave of absence under FMLA there are

exceptions . The U.S. department of Labor states a woman can continue their leave if there is a

long-lasting illness, either physical or mental that requires ongoing treatment by a healthcare

professional or inpatient care (U.S. Department of Labor). Per The U.S. Department of Labor at

least one of the following scenarios must be met to qualify as long-lasting illness:

Qualifications for Long-Lasting Illness

Scenari Severity Time Frame Regimen
o#
1 Incapacitated >3 consecutive days Treatment twice by a healthcare

provider or once with continuing

regime of treatment
2 Incapacitated Any period relating to NA

prenatal care of pregnancy

3 Incapacitated Any period relating to a Incapacity or treatment as a

serious chronic health result of a chronic health

 Smith 9

condition condition
4 Incapacitated Any period due to a NA

permanent or long-term

condition in which

treatment is probable

ineffective
5 Incapacitated Any period of incapacity Multiple treatments and recovery

due to numerous treatments

with recovery known to

cause incapacity of >3

consecutive days
Table 1 The above table list scenarios that would qualify a women to meet the requirements of a long-lasting illness in order to
be eligible for continuing leave under FMLA (U.S. Department of Labor).

Women on a regular basis are only allotted a 6-12-week FMLA leave postpartum creates

a misconception that women are back to normal after having a baby at the time frame to return to

work which for a lot of women is not the case. As well, many doctors state that women can

return to work at 6 weeks postpartum which also creates a misconception that women are back to

normal at 6 weeks postpartum. Through my research it is evident that women experience effects

of birthing a child and adding a new life to the family. Some women feel the effects more than

others due to the array of health conditions that can appear during pregnancy and after birth such

as mental health problems like postpartum depression and the struggle to find a balance between

work life and family life. Childbearing women may have health issues appear during and/or after

pregnancy, but most will resolve. Health issues that persists or appear in women after childbirth

can be managed by the help of a healthcare provider who will be able to develop a treatment plan

that is personalized to the patients’ needs. Ultimately, the belief By Dr. Lisa Hollier that many
 Smith 10

health issues will resolve after childbirth and in some instances, woman will experience enduring

health effects best sums up the impact on childbearing women (Bavis).

Works Cited

Bavis, Lauren. “‘4th Trimester’ Problems Can Have Long-Term Effects on A Mom’s Health.”

NPR, 24 Jan. 2019, www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/01/24/686790727/fourth-

 Smith 11

trimester-problems-can-have-long-term-effects-on-a-moms-health. Accessed 1 Nov.

2020.

CDC. “Pregnancy Complications.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, 13 Aug.

2020, www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternalinfanthealth/pregnancy-

complications.html. Accessed 12 Nov. 2020.

Creekside Center For Women. “Mental Health,” Creeksideobgyn.com, 2020,

creeksideobgyn.com/symptoms-postpartum-depression-ppd-anxiety/. Accessed 8 Nov.

2020.

Donaldson-Evans, Catherine. “Having a C-Section (Cesarean Section).” MedlinePlus, National

Library of Medicine, 13 May 2019, medlineplus.gov/cesareansection.html. Accessed 1

Nov. 2020.

Horsager-Boehrer, Robyn. “Beyond the Six-Week Postpartum Checkup: How Health Care after

Pregnancy Is Evolving | Your Pregnancy Matters | UT Southwestern Medical Center.”

UT Southwestern Medical Center, 10 July 2018, utswmed.org/medblog/postpartum-care-

evolution/. Accessed 1 Nov. 2020.

Karaim, Reed. “Working Mothers Are Benefiting the Family.” Gale In Context , Opposing

Viewpoints , 2003, go-gale-com.sinclair.ohionet.org/ps/retrieve.do?

tabID=Viewpoints&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&searchResultsType=Sing

leTab&hitCount=2574&searchType=BasicSearchForm¤tPosition=8&docI

d=GALE

%7CEJ3010136247&docType=Viewpoint+essay&sort=Relevance&conte

ntSegment=ZXAY-
 Smith 12

MOD1&prodId=OVIC&pageNum=1&contentSet=GALE

%7CEJ3010136247&searchId=R4&userGroupName=dayt30401&inPS=tr

ue. Accessed 25 Oct. 2020.

Marcin, Ashley. “How to Deal with Postpartum Depression: Diet, Exercise, and

More.” Healthline, Parenthood, 11 Feb. 2020,

www.healthline.com/health/depression/how-to-deal-with-postpartum-depression.

Accessed 1 Nov. 2020.

Mayo Clinic. “Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).” Mayo Clinic, 2018,

www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/ssris/art-20044825.

Accessed 1 Nov. 2020.

Schiedel, Bonnie. “17 Mind-Blowing Ways Your Body Changes after Giving Birth.” Today’s

Parent, Today’s Parent, 9 May 2018, www.todaysparent.com/baby/postpartum-

care/mind-blowing-ways-your-body-changes-after-giving-birth/#:~:text=Symptoms

%20can%20include%20insomnia%2C%20anxiety. Accessed 25 Oct. 2020.

Schlaff, Rebecca A., et al. “Examining the Impact of Body Satisfaction and Physical Activity

Change on Postpartum Depressive Symptoms.” Journal of Physical Activity & Health,

vol. 17, no. 2, Feb. 2020, pp. 141–148. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?

direct=true&db=s3h&AN=141454867&site=eds-live.

Spence, Naomi J. “The Long-Term Consequences of Childbearing: Physical and Psychological

Well-Being of Mothers in Later Life.” Research on Aging, no. 6, 2008,

p.722. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?

direct=true&db=edsgao&AN=edsgcl.187962105&site=eds-live.
 Smith 13

U.S. Department of Labor. “Frequently Asked Questions and Answers About the Revisions to

the Family and Medical Leave Act | U.S. Department of Labor.” U.S. Department of

Labor, 16 Jan. 2009, www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla/final-rule/faq#:~:text=An

%20employee. Accessed 25 Oct. 2020.

Vitelli, Romeo. “Becoming a New Parent.” Psychology Today, Psychology Today, 9 2015,

www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/media-spotlight/201502/becoming-new-parent.

Accessed 25 Oct. 2020.