Expectant mothers are warned about the sleepless nights and endless nappy changes when they prepare to give birth, but there are some aspects that don’t come up in conversation.
A new survey has been delving into the effects of birth on the body – including the revelation that a high number of women experience painful sex after giving birth.
Mumsnet revealed that over a third of women suffered ‘uncomfortable’ sex in the months after giving birth.
The site also found that of the 1,224 women surveyed, almost half had problems continence after labour.
Mumsnet revealed that over a third of women suffered ‘uncomfortable’ sex in the months after giving birth from 2013 to 2016
The study was conducted as part of their Aftercare not Afterthought campaign, which is fighting for better post natal care.
Of women who gave birth between 2013 and 2016, 36 per cent admitted that sex was still uncomfortable months after giving birth.
Mumsnet believes this is down to improper aftercare, as only four per cent of those who had uncomfortable sex reported that they had received ‘great’ medical care, and 13 per cent said they’d received ‘adequate’ care.
A huge 75 per cent of those women said they had not asked for or received medical help.
Some 42 per cent of the women surveyed said they have experienced problems with continence or their pelvic floor.
The survey also found that many women were still in pain months after giving birth, as some 34 per cent of women who tore during birth or had a caesarian said they did not have adequate care for the surgical wound or injury in the weeks after.
Only 20 per cent had a debriefing on the postnatal ward from their midwife, despite this being recommended practise.
Mumsnet believes an ‘honest conversation’ about what can happen while giving birth will give new mothers the confidence to speak to medical professionals if they are suffering after labour.
Mumsnet Founder Justine Roberts said: ‘For most mothers, thankfully, birth means a baby – but it also means tears and wounds, and for some it can mean uncomfortable sex, incontinence or prolapse symptoms that last for years or even decades.
‘We see so many stories on Mumsnet of women struggling on with their daily lives despite pain and degrading symptoms.
‘We need an honest conversation about what birth can mean for some mothers, and for women to feel they have permission to discuss these symptoms with their healthcare providers and receive effective care.’
Some 42 per cent of the women surveyed said they have experienced problems with continence or their pelvic floor