scholarly journals ‘Phantom Kicks’: Women’s Subjective Experience of Foetal Kicks after the Postpartum Period

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Disha Sasan ◽  
Phillip GD Ward ◽  
Meredith Nash ◽  
Edwina R Orchard ◽  
Michael J Farrell ◽  
...  

During pregnancy, a woman will attribute increased abdominal sensations to foetal movement. Surprisingly, many women report that they feel kick sensations long after the pregnancy, however this experience has never been reported in the scientific literature. Here, we show that almost 40% of women in our sample experienced phantom foetal kicks after their first pregnancy, up to 28-years (average 6.8-years) post-partum. Using a qualitative approach, we found that women describe the phantom sensations as ‘convincing’, ‘real kicks’ or ‘flutters’. Twenty-five percent of women described the experience as positive, and 27% reported felt confused or upset by the experience. Our results demonstrate that phantom kicks in the post-partum period are a widely experienced sensation, that may have implications for a woman’s post-partum mental health. The mechanism behind the phantom kick phenomenon is unknown, but may be related to changes in the somatosensory homunculus or proprioception during pregnancy.

Author(s):  
Etse-Oghena Campbell ◽  
Christopher G. Rylander ◽  
Lauren Thaxton ◽  
Marian Yvette Williams-Brown

Abstract The immediate post-partum period offers a convenient time to have an intrauterine device placed because of the co-location of a non-pregnant woman and her clinician; however, this practice is associated with increased expulsion rates of up to 30%, compared with a 3% expulsion rate for interval insertions. This paper presents a device and method to improve intrauterine device delivery and retention in the immediate postpartum period. This initial feasibility study illustrates that it is possible to temporarily tether a commercially available intrauterine device within the uterus of an immediately postpartum baboon. The results indicate this device and method are technically feasible, but further studies will be needed to evaluate safety and efficacy in reducing expulsion rates.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natnael Etsay Assefa ◽  
Yodit Zewdie Berhe ◽  
Weldu Mammo Werid ◽  
Meresa Berewo Mengesha ◽  
Kidanemariam Berhe Tekola ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The extended post-partum period is the twelve months after delivery, which is a very critical time for mothers to ensure a safe birth interval. Many women do not realize that they are at risk of pregnancy during the postpartum period and the importance of birth interval. Birth interval more than two years reduces maternal and child mortality and give a better health for the mother and the child. Because of this assessing post-partum contraceptive utilization and the determining factors is crucial. Hence, the study was conducted to determine contraceptive utilization and identify factors which affect post -partum contraceptive utilization Methods: A community based cross sectional study was implemented among 422 women who gave birth one year prior to the study period in wukro town. The total sample size was allocated to the three kebeles proportionally. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select study subjects. Data were collected by interviewer administered structured questionnaire. The data were coded and entered using EpiData version 3.1 and transported to Statistical Package for Social Science version 20 for analysis. Binary and multivariable logistic regressions were fitted. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to measure strength of association. Results: A total of 422 women were enrolled in this study. Nearly half (48.6%) of the women were using contraceptive. Multivariable logistic regression showed that prenatal counseling [AOR 3.06(95% CI; 1.30, 7.22)], menses returned [AOR 3.99(95% CI; 1.96, 8.11)] and resuming sexual activity [AOR 5.96(95% CI; 2.67, 13.3)] were positively associated with utilization of postpartum contraceptive. Conclusions: Postpartum contraceptive use was low. Strengthening prenatal family planning counseling and improving women’s awareness about the return of their fertility after childbirth are suggested to improve family planning utilization in extended postpartum period.


2019 ◽  
Vol 73 (6) ◽  
pp. 557-563 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika Mitra ◽  
Ilhom Akobirshoev ◽  
Susan L Parish ◽  
Anne Valentine ◽  
Karen M Clements ◽  
...  

BackgroundAn emerging body of evidence underscores the often-intensive perinatal healthcare needs of women with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). However, population-based research examining postpartum experiences of US women with IDD is sparse. We examined emergency department (ED) use in the postpartum period among Massachusetts mothers with IDD.MethodsWe analysed 2002–2010 Massachusetts Pregnancy to Early Life Longitudinal data to compare any and ≥2 ED visits between mothers with and without IDD: within 1–42 days post partum, 1–90 days post partum and 1–365 days post partum. We also determined whether or not such ED use was non-urgent or primary-care sensitive.ResultsWe identified 776 births in women with IDD and 595 688 births in women without IDD. Across all three postpartum periods, women with IDD were vastly more likely to have any postpartum ED use, to have ≥2 ED visits and to have ED visits for mental health reasons. These findings persisted after controlling for numerous sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Women with IDD were less likely to have non-urgent ED visits during the three postpartum periods and they were less likely to have primary-care sensitive ED visits during the postpartum period.ConclusionThese findings contribute to the emerging research on perinatal health and healthcare use among women with IDD. Further research examining potential mechanisms behind the observed ED visit use is warranted. High ED use for mental health reasons among women with IDD suggests that their mental health needs are not being adequately met.


2010 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 888-895 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natália Rejane Salim ◽  
Dulce Maria Rosa Gualda

Puerperium is a period of great changes in women's lives, in physiological, psychological and socio-cultural terms. Female sexuality is a broad topic that should be explored vis-à-vis the singularity of woman's experiences which themselves vary at different moments in time. This article is part of the project: Sexuality in the Puerperium, the objective of which was to understand what women's experience of their sexuality is in the postpartum period. Observation and semi-structured interview were used. The research approach was qualitative and narrative was used as the conceptual and methodological method. Six primiparas who gave birth in a public hospital in São Paulo took part in the study. Observation took place in the in-patients unit in the immediate post-partum period. The interviews were conducted in the women´s homes. The results of the study have enabled an understanding to be formed of the meanings and changes in sexuality during the postpartum period as well as of the experiences every woman faces in her new roles, relationships and difficulties.


Author(s):  
Lopamudra Paul ◽  
Subrato K Mondal ◽  
Geeta Nanda ◽  
Kara E. Tureski ◽  
Ajay K Singh ◽  
...  

<div><p><em>India’s family planning programs have historically focused on limiting the number of children but in recent years focus has shifted from limiting births to increased spacing between children, especially among young couples on contraceptive acceptance in the post-partum period. This paper examines the behavior of couples in India on acceptance of contraceptives during the postpartum period by using data from the National Family Health Survey-3 (NFHS-3, 2005-06) and from a small scale survey in state of Chhattisgarh in India. </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em>According to the data, approximately 75 percent of women with children under a year and 83 percent of women with children under six months’ old reported not using any contraception. Only 0.9 percent of postpartum women reported acceptance of intrauterine contraceptive devices. The primary reasons cited for not using contraception were breast feeding (27.5 percent) and postpartum amenorrhea (16.9 percent). Education and wealth index and program factor specially interaction with health workers during post-partum period and institutional delivery had a significant effect on acceptance of contraceptives during the postpartum period. Achieving one’s desired family size also positively influenced women’s acceptance of family size soon after delivery. Small scale survey in Chhattisgarh also suggested that acceptance of family planning to space children is not high.</em></p></div>


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (19) ◽  
pp. 22
Author(s):  
Iulia Filipescu ◽  
Mihai Berteanu ◽  
George Alexandru Filipescu ◽  
Radu Vlădăreanu

Author(s):  
Shelemekh K.E. ◽  
Petrov Yu.A. ◽  
Arndt I.G. ◽  
Evdokimova E.P. ◽  
Chernavsky V.V.

The analysis of the data of modern scientific literature containing information on topical issues in the treat-ment of chronic endometritis as one of the most acute, frequently encountered problems of modern gynecol-ogy is carried out. This disease today requires special attention of doctors and scientists due to the erased course of the disease, complex diagnostics and multi-faceted treatment. Chronic inflammation affects men-strual function, fertility of women, is often a complica-tion of pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period, and can also cause infertility and early loss, which actualizes the topic of timely and individually selected treatment for patients diagnosed with chronic endo-metritis. Treatment should be aimed at relieving clini-cal symptoms, eradicating the pathogen and combat-ing adverse long-term consequences. Today, many approaches to treatment are known, but it is worth choosing the most effective and promising ones. In addition to etiotropic and symptomatic treatment, attention should be paid to restoring the morphofunc-tional potential of the endometrium with the help of physiotherapy. An important advantage of such com-plexes is the possibility of intracavitary effects that increase the effectiveness of treatment due to local treatment.


Onkologie ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 33 (8-9) ◽  
pp. 419-419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivier Mir ◽  
Paul Berveiller ◽  
Raphaël Serreau

Author(s):  
Linus Wittmann ◽  
Gunter Groen ◽  
Janusz Ogorka ◽  
Astrid Jörns-Presentati

AbstractEncounters between individuals with a mental disorder and police forces can be harmful and dangerous for both parties involved. Previous research explored mostly police officers’ subjective experience of these encounters and focused on their recommendations. The present study takes the perspective of individuals with a mental disorder and investigates their subjective experience of dealing with the police. Thirteen semi-structural interviews were conducted with individuals with a history of mental health problems who have had encounters with the police and experienced contact-based anti-stigmatization interventions as consultants. Interviews revolved around the subjective experience of these police encounters. Questionnaires were used to inquire about context factors, individuals’ perceptions of police officers, and their sense of security during these encounters. Furthermore, individuals were asked to rate police officers’ ability to recognize signs and symptoms of ill mental health and give recommendations in regard to adequate communication strategies, interventions, and police training. The results indicate that encounters were experienced predominantly as positive and non-threatening. Participants emphasized the importance of communication strategies with a focus on empathy and respect. Keeping personal space and satisfying basic needs was recommended. Contact-based anti-stigmatization interventions were regarded as an effective approach to reduce stigma. Empathy and respect are perceived as key strategies for police officers when dealing with individuals with a mental disorder. To promote these strategies, trialogical anti-stigmatization interventions and crisis intervention training, including communication skills and face-to-face contact, are promising approaches.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1184
Author(s):  
Naoki Fukui ◽  
Takaharu Motegi ◽  
Yuichiro Watanabe ◽  
Koyo Hashijiri ◽  
Ryusuke Tsuboya ◽  
...  

It is important to clarify how the breastfeeding method affects women’s mental health, and how women’s mental health affects the breastfeeding method in the early postpartum period when major depression and other psychiatric problems are most likely to occur. This study aimed to examine this bidirectional relationship in the early postpartum period. Participants were 2020 postpartum women who completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS). We obtained data for participants’ breastfeeding method for four weeks after childbirth. We performed a path analysis with factors including breastfeeding method (exclusive breastfeeding or non-exclusive breastfeeding), parity (primipara or multipara), the two HADS subscales (anxiety and depression), and the two MIBS subscales (lack of affection and anger and rejection). The path analysis showed that breastfeeding method did not significantly affect depression, anxiety, and maternal–infant bonding in the early postpartum period. Women with higher anxiety tended to use both formula-feeding and breastfeeding. Our study suggests that exclusive breastfeeding is not associated with maternal-fetal bonding in early postpartum, considering depression, anxiety, and parity.


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