Self-Reported Health Problems of Birthing Persons During the First and Second Postpartum Years: Scope and Correlates

Birth. 2026 Jun 25. doi: 10.1111/birt.70090. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Postpartum health-related problems are diverse, and some may extend beyond the first postpartum year. The purpose of this study was to describe women’s postpartum health problems in the first and second postpartum years.

METHODS: We analyzed data from an online survey (N = 427) conducted in 2024. Respondents gave birth within the past 2 to 22 months. Open-ended questions elicited women’s health problems; physical and mental health ratings were also gathered. Data were analyzed by qualitative content analysis and non-parametric statistics.

RESULTS: The three most frequently reported problems were depression/anxiety, musculoskeletal issues, and genitourinary disorders. The number of physical health problems did not differ between women 2-12 months and 13-22 months postpartum, p = 0.958. Similarly, mental health problems showed no difference between the time frames, p = 0.087. The number of physical and mental health problems was correlated with each other (r = 0.156, p < 0.01). The number of physical health problems was correlated with body mass index (r = 0.136, p < 0.01) and negatively correlated with physical (r = -0.218, p < 0.01) and mental health ratings (r = -0.175, p < 0.01). The number of mental health problems was negatively correlated with physical (r = -0.202, p < 0.01) and mental health ratings (r = -0.310, p < 0.01).

DISCUSSION: Women reported a broad range of postpartum health problems, with no significant differences between the first and second years. Findings underscore postpartum care should be extended into the second year.

PMID:42347794 | DOI:10.1111/birt.70090