Why Is Maternal Health So Important?
Question
Why is maternal health so important?
Answer
Maternal health is essential as it directly affects the well-being of mothers and their children, impacting physical, emotional, and social aspects of life. Each year, nearly 3.7 million live births occur in the United States, with many women facing significant challenges postpartum. These challenges include physical and emotional strain, difficulty balancing responsibilities, and feelings of isolation. Factors like inadequate self-care, postpartum depression, and pelvic floor dysfunction further complicate the recovery process and overall maternal experience.
Postpartum depression is a critical concern, affecting between 1 in 10 and 1 in 7 women within the first year after childbirth, yet it often goes undiagnosed due to stigma and fear of disclosure. Additionally, urinary incontinence is linked to an increased risk of postpartum depression, emphasizing the importance of addressing pelvic health as part of comprehensive maternal care. By supporting maternal health holistically—addressing physical, mental, and social factors—women can better navigate this transformative period and thrive.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, Overview And Importance Of Pelvic Health: Postnatal Pelvic Health Virtual Conference, presented by Jessica McHugh Conlin, PhD, OTR/L, BCP, CPT.
Jessica McHugh Conlin
PhD, OTR/L, BCP, CPT
Topics
Related Courses
The Driver Of Function: Postnatal Pelvic Health Virtual Conference
Pelvic health is an emerging practice area of occupational therapy, but it doesn’t have to stay in a silo. Pelvic health is something that all occupational therapy practitioners can integrate into their practice setting. We should be looking at pelvic health as our foundation of function and what that means as we work with people through the lifespan. This course is going to cover pelvic health 101; giving you a taste of what to look at, when to refer, and your role as an occupational therapy practitioner. We will also be discussing the changes that happen with pregnancy and postpartum. This is Day 2 of the Postnatal Pelvic Health Virtual Conference.Critical Rehab Needs For Acute Postpartum Patients: Postnatal Pelvic Health Virtual Conference
The role of rehab therapists in helping individuals adapt to new roles and routines within 24 - 48 hours after cesarean section, cesarean hysterectomy, and large-degree perineal tears will be reviewed in this course. Clinicians will learn strategies that improve early participation in daily living activities involving self-care, newborn care, and home management. This is Day 3 of the Postnatal Pelvic Health Virtual Conference.Postpartum Path To Well-being And Longevity: Postnatal Pelvic Health Virtual Conference
Embracing postpartum longevity for integrating long-term well-being and highlighting the ongoing journey of motherhood. Join us for a discussion that explores physical and emotional recovery, redefining roles, nervous system regulation, and intergenerational trauma, while fostering healing for future perimenopause and menopause transitions. This is Day 5 of the Postnatal Pelvic Health Virtual Conference.