Pain, activity limitations, and functioning among women after vaginal birth and Cesarean section: a cross-sectional study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/Keywords:
Postpartum period, Pain, Activities of daily living, Mobility limitation, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and HealthAbstract
Regardless of the mode of delivery, the
postpartum period can be accompanied by pain and
discomfort. This study aimed to compare pain, activity
limitations, mobility, and functioning between women after
vaginal birth and Cesarean section. A cross-sectional study
was conducted with postpartum women aged 18 years or
older. Pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale), activity limitations,
and mobility (timed up and go) were assessed between 12
and 48 hours postpartum, and functioning (WHODAS 2.0 –
12 items) was assessed 30 days later. The Chi-squared test,
Fisher’s exact test, and Student’s t-test (α=0.05) were used.
A total of 148 women were evaluated (mean age: 28 years);
53.4% (n=79) had a vaginal birth and 46.6% (n=69) had a
Cesarean section. C-section was significantly associated
with the presence of pain in the following areas: low back
(p=0.03), abdomen (p<0.001), and lower limbs (p=0.01).
Vaginal birth was associated with perineal pain (p=0.01).
C-section was also associated with the presence of pain
and limitations in sitting, standing, walking (p<0.001), lying
down (p=0.001), and bathing (p=0.02). We conclude that
C-sections are associated with a higher frequency of pain
in different body regions, greater pain intensity, and greater
activity limitations period. Mobility and functioning did
not differ significantly between modes of delivery. Early
monitoring is necessary to prevent functional limitations.
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