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Writer's pictureBushra Parveen

Effects of Postpartum on the Skeleton and Muscular System



Most diverse changes in the skeletal system and muscles of a mother are felt hours to some weeks after giving birth, however, the pregnancy period also has a great impact on the experience just after giving birth.

Even though childbirth affects the whole body muscles, the most affected parts are the pelvic area, hips, and perineal muscles. The reproductive tract and the lower belly are subject to dynamic changes too after birth.

Postpartum comes with the following effects on the skeletal and muscular system;

  1. Malfunction of the pubic symphysis, a condition normally known as Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction.

  2. Pain on the pelvic girdle

  3. Diastasis of the symphysis pubis

  4. Perineal muscle tears that cause lacerations around the anal and birth canals. Cultural practices like Female Genital Mutilation may worsen the results.

  5. Effects of the inner lining of the uterine wall muscles and the endometrium. This can cause infections and lead to endometritis.

  6. Urinary and fecal incontinence and urinary retention may cause involuntary urine discharges.

  7. Postpartum Hemorrhages. This leads to generally weak muscles all over the body because cell activities are interfered with.

  8. Hormonal imbalance. After birth, the body system and the neural paths are quite affected. And the brain too, especially the grey matter. Notably, the grey matter of a mother who has just given birth is found to be quite larger, interestingly in readiness for child affection.

Malfunction/Dysfunction of Pubic Symphysis (Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction)

Pubic Symphysis is a joint between the two left and right pelvic bones that make the pelvis. The pelvic girdle consists of different bones that are joined together to form an anatomical skeletal system that holds the belly and encounters the weight of your upper body. It distributes your weight equally to the hip bone and the legs so that you are stable and able to walk.

During pregnancy, the pelvic floor, the iliac bones, and Ischial bones are greatly pressed by the additional weight of the baby. The joint between the two sides of the pelvis becomes tensed. And with the contractions during labor, when the pressure is released after giving birth, the joints have to take time to recover. This leads to malfunctions.

The associated joints include the symphysis pubis joint which is affected during birth and sacroiliac joints between the sacrum and ilium. This is what causes pelvic girdle pain after childbirth. And in severe cases, the joint may rupture partially.

When you feel all these, some remedies can serve the whole condition. One useful tip is proper lying position while breastfeeding. You achieve this by lying on the sides and avoiding sitting or standing for a long time.

You can also take prophylactic antibiotics, laxatives, and analgesics as prescribed by a health officer.



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