Moms, Recognize Postpartum Stress

When doctors follow pregnant women, they tend to spend a lot of time explaining the symptoms of postpartum depression. For many first-time mothers, hormonal imbalance can dramatically affect their mood after childbirth. Symptoms of mental exhaustion are to be expected as you go through the many steps of physical recovery after childbirth and learn to cope with baby care challenges. Doctors emphasize the importance of maintaining a good rapport with your doctor, so you are in the best position to start a conversation if you notice any signs of postpartum disorders. 

However, postpartum stress, a less severe condition than depression, is too often left untreated. Indeed, many mothers are not familiar with acute postpartum stress. They appreciate that their situation doesn’t match the description of a depressive disorder. As a result, many fail to seek help. Postpartum stress can lead to functional anxiety — aka feeling anxious all the time yet being able to function — which affects your mental and physical health. 

Chronic stress can lead to muscle conditions

Postpartum stress is similar to chronic stress, which can lead to tensions in your muscles. High tension is often associated with physical pain, typically in the shoulders, back, and neck. Anxiety cramps, however, can occur anywhere in your body. Muscles can develop spasms and rigidity, affecting your comfort, mobility, and quality of life. Prolonged cramping and contracture can affect muscle strengths, leading to stiffness or weakening. Some muscles can struggle with aggravated weakening, leading to drooping of the facial features or difficulties managing day-to-day activities such as opening jar lids, etc. Drooping eyelids, for instance, can be caused by high postpartum muscle stress. In some cases, the condition can be treated with ptosis eyedrops. However, if the condition is too severe, your doctor might recommend surgery. 

Unpleasant heartburns, just like during pregnancy

During the latest stages of the pregnancy, you can expect to experience heartburn as the baby presses against your digestive system. However, digestive discomfort and acid reflux should disappear after birth. If you continue to experience heartburn, this could be a symptom of high stress. Severe stress can increase the probability of heartburn as well as the pain you experience from it. Digestive problems are often related to stress. Stomach cramps, constipation, or even rapid weight loss can be connected to your stress level. Unfortunately, when your digestive health is affected, your body will likely experience high fatigue as it can’t assimilate nutrients adequately. Unfortunately, as your energy levels drop, you become more vulnerable to stress, creating a vicious circle. 

Extreme fatigue

As mentioned, high stress contributes to fatigue. First of all, your digestion could be compromised. Additionally, stress also disrupts your sleep patterns. New moms often complain about exhaustion, as babies need care around the clock. However, an exhausted parent is likely to fall asleep rapidly, even if the baby disrupts their sleep. A stressed-out parent, on the other hand, could struggle to fall asleep despite extreme tiredness. As a result, your body could try to replenish its energy through microsleep. 

Postpartum stress could have long-lasting consequences. While the condition doesn’t affect your day-to-day life in the same way as depression, it doesn’t make it a walk in the park. High stress is bad for your health, your relationship with your baby, and your ability to learn new skills as a parent. If you find yourself going through an abnormal level of stress, you should discuss it with your doctor.