Untreated Pregnancy Pain: A Silent Epidemic that Contributes to Suffering and Harm

Strategic Insights -

Untreated pregnancy pain is a widespread and often undertreated issue that affects the health and well-being of mothers-to-be. Between 50% to 75% of expectant mothers experience pain, with many being told that the pain is a temporary discomfort that will go away after the baby is born. However, for many mothers, the pain persists, leading to preventable suffering, mental health challenges, and even suicidal thoughts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The majority of mothers (50% to 75%) experience pain during pregnancy, which is often undertreated.
  • Current treatments for pain during pregnancy are limited, and many mothers are unaware of effective alternatives such as exercise, physical therapy, and chiropractic adjustments.
  • Untreated pregnancy pain can lead to mental health challenges, including depression and suicidal thoughts, which are responsible for 5% to 20% of maternal deaths in the U.S.
  • Opioid or narcotic pain relievers may be prescribed for severe pain, but 1 in 5 women report misusing these medications, increasing the risk of newborn withdrawal and suffering.
  • Managing pregnancy pain requires open communication between the mother and their healthcare provider, including gently adjusting expectations, sharing how they feel, and asking about available treatments.
  • Pregnancy pain is not just a minor discomfort, but a serious issue that requires attention and treatment to prevent long-term effects on the mother's and baby's health.

Statistics:

  • 50% to 75% of expectant mothers experience pain during pregnancy.
  • 44% of women with severe pain report moderate to severe depressive symptoms during the third trimester of pregnancy.
  • 1 in 5 women with pain report misusing prescribed opioid or narcotic medications during pregnancy.
  • Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome costs the country over US$\$462 million annually.
  • Suicide and drug overdoses are leading causes of death in the year after childbirth.

Sources:

  • The Conversation -- USA (3) -- By Julie Vignato, Assistant Professor of Nursing, University of Iowa
  • "Back pain during pregnancy is often dismissed as a passing discomfort — a nurse explains why it should be taken seriously and treated" (https://theconversation.com/back-pain-during-pregnancy-is-often-dismissed-as-a-passing-discomfort-a-nurse-explains-why-it-should-be-taken-seriously-and-treated-268264)