Sixteen per cent of women have depression symptoms in the year after childbirth and are more likely to report physical symptoms, including tiredness and back pain

Commentary on: Woolhouse H, Gartland D, Perlan S, et al.. Physical health after childbirth and depression in the first 12 months postpartum: results of an Australian nulliparous pregnancy cohort study. Midwifery 2014;30:378–84. Implications for practice and research The importance of physical and mental health in the postnatal period has been recognised in this study and in other research.1 2 Postnatal visiting has declined in the UK and satisfaction with postnatal care is low compared to other aspects of maternity care. Further research should focus on cost-effective strategies to improve this. Context Many women experience a range of physical and mental health problems of varying severity and duration following childbirth. The interaction between physical symptoms and mental health has not been extensively researched, although some studies have reported associations.1 2 Some interventions have been found to be...

Source: Evidence-Based Nursing - March 19, 2015 Category: Nursing Authors: Henderson, J. Tags: Editor's choice, Headache (including migraine), Pain (neurology), Incontinence, Pregnancy, Reproductive medicine, Mood disorders (including depression) Women s health Source Type: research