1. Physiological effects:
1 Pregnancy: Pregnant women will experience a series of physiological changes, such as hormonal fluctuations, weight gain, breast development and so on. These changes may lead to morning sickness, edema, fatigue, back pain and other symptoms in pregnant women.
2 childbirth process: childbirth is a painful process, which may lead to complications such as tearing and bleeding. In some cases, cesarean section may be needed, and the risk of operation is relatively high. According to the data of China Ministry of Health, the cesarean section rate in China was about 34.9% in 20 14 years. Compared with the appropriate cesarean section rate of 10%- 15% recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), the cesarean section rate in China is higher. Caesarean section may lead to postoperative complications, such as infection and bleeding. At the same time, the influence of cesarean section on women's postpartum recovery is also greater than that of natural delivery.
3 postpartum complications: pregnancy complications: although not all women will experience it, pregnancy complications (such as pregnancy-induced hypertension, eclampsia, placental abruption, etc.). ) may have an impact on the physical and mental health of women.
According to the data of the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 300,000 women worldwide die of maternal complications every year, and these complications are also one of the main causes of maternal death (WHO, 20 19). In addition, pregnancy and childbirth complications may also lead to long-term effects on women's health, such as cervical scar and infertility.
4 changes in sexual life: during pregnancy and postpartum, women's sexual life may change, such as weakened sexual desire and painful sexual intercourse. This may affect women's quality of life and partnership.
According to a study, about 42% postpartum women said that the quality of their sexual life declined in the first six months. In the face of changes in sexual life, women can communicate with their partners, consult professional doctors and find suitable solutions.
Second, the psychological impact:
1 Anxiety during pregnancy: Hormone changes during pregnancy and concerns about fetal health, childbirth and parenting may lead to anxiety in pregnant women.
A study on the psychological status of pregnant women found that about 10% to 15% of pregnant women had anxiety symptoms during pregnancy. Anxiety during pregnancy may lead to mental health damage of pregnant women, and then affect fetal development.
2 Postpartum depression: Postpartum hormone fluctuation, life pressure, lack of support and other factors may cause postpartum depression and affect women's mental health.
A study on pregnant women in China found that the incidence of postpartum depression in China was about 14.3%. Postpartum depression may have a negative impact on women's mental health and parent-child relationship.
3 Impaired self-esteem: During pregnancy and postpartum, women's bodies will undergo great changes, such as weight gain, stretch marks and breast changes. These changes may affect women's body image and self-esteem, and lead to psychological stress.
A study on postpartum women shows that about 60% women are dissatisfied with their body image. This dissatisfaction may lead to inferiority complex and even depressive symptoms. In order to improve body image, women can try proper exercise, maintain healthy eating habits and psychological intervention, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
4 Fertility pressure: In some cultural backgrounds, women may face fertility pressure from family and society, such as reproductive age and fertility. When women decide to have children, these pressures may lead to anxiety and stress.
According to a survey, about 23% of women are under pressure from family and society when they decide to have children. Faced with the pressure of childbirth, women can communicate with their partners, family members and friends and express their thoughts and feelings in order to gain support and understanding.
5 Parenting stress: The stress and challenges in the process of parenting may lead to psychological troubles for women, such as worrying about children's growth and education. About 42% parents experienced moderate to severe psychological stress in the first six months after their children were born.
(3) Social impact:
1 career development: childbirth and parenting may affect women's career development, such as taking maternity leave and adjusting working hours. In some highly competitive industries, women may face the problem of declining competitiveness in the workplace.
According to data from the US Department of Labor, about 43% of married women in the United States leave the workplace after giving birth. According to the data of the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the influence of childbearing on women's employment is decreasing year by year, but it still has an impact on women's career development.
2 Economic burden: Raising children needs to bear a large economic burden, such as medical care, education and living expenses. This may increase the family's economic pressure and have a certain psychological burden on women.
A study by Renmin University of China shows that the total cost of raising a child to the age of 18 in China is about 238,000 RMB. The economic expenses required for raising children may lead to an increase in family economic pressure, which in turn will have a psychological burden on women.
3 Limited social life: Women need to spend a lot of time and energy to take care of their children after giving birth, which may lead to limited social life and affect friendship and personal interests. Postpartum women face the challenge of time and energy, which may lead to limited social life. The study found that in the first year, the social activities of postpartum women decreased by about 50% compared with those of childless women.
4 Marriage and family: relationship between husband and wife: the birth of a child may change the relationship between husband and wife, and both parties need to bear the responsibility of raising children. In the process of raising children, couples may have conflicts because of uneven division of labor and different concepts.
5 Parent-child relationship: In the process of parenting, women need to spend a lot of time and energy to interact with their children and cultivate parent-child relationship. In this process, women may face challenges in educational methods and discipline.
Faced with the challenges brought by childbirth, women and their families need to pay attention to their physical and mental health and seek social and family support to reduce the negative impact of childbirth on women.
Then, if a woman decides to have children, please be prepared from the following aspects:
Health status: Before family planning, women are advised to have a comprehensive physical examination to ensure their health. For a specific disease or condition, seek the advice of a professional doctor, and evaluate the reproductive risk and matters that may need special attention.
Age: 25-35 years old, family planning, reducing the risk of childbirth. If you are over 35 years old, you can give birth on the advice of a doctor, but you need to pay close attention to your health during pregnancy.
Financial situation: make a detailed family budget and evaluate the cost of raising children. Reserve education, medical care and other expenses in advance to cope with possible economic pressures in the future.
Career development: discuss career planning with your partner to ensure a balance between family and career. Understand the maternity leave policy of the company or industry, so as to return to the workplace smoothly after delivery.
Partnership: maintain a stable partnership to ensure that both parties have the same expectations in giving birth and raising children. Discuss and allocate family responsibilities to ensure that both parties share the responsibility of childcare.
Social support: understand the local medical security and parenting policies so as to get full support during childbirth. Seek help and advice from relatives and friends and establish a supportive social network.
Parenting concepts and educational methods: read parenting books, attend parenting lectures or consult professionals to understand the appropriate parenting methods. Discuss parenting concepts and educational methods with your partner and reach an agreement.
Lifestyle: evaluate the current lifestyle, such as working hours, entertainment activities, etc. And consider whether you can make appropriate adjustments for your child. Plan the living arrangements during maternity leave in advance to ensure a smooth transition to parenting.
Environmental factors: consider the safety, comfort and educational resources of the living environment to create a good growth environment for children.