A Critical Review of Post-Childbirth Pain Experiences and Management in Relation to Postpartum Depression Risk for...

This critical review examines literature published between January 2020 and January 2025, focusing on overlapping pain-related factors during and after childbirth (e.g., pain experiences and management). These factors may increase vulnerability to postpartum depression, especially among racial and ethnic minorities.

The findings from the 23 studies reviewed indicate that several factors contribute to peripartum pain experienced by individuals giving birth. Factors influencing the birthing person's pain experiences include their mental health during pregnancy (such as depression and anxiety), delivery method (especially cesarean), pain management practices, discrimination toward racial and ethnic minorities, and overall neglect of pain. Additionally, healthcare providers' beliefs about pain management play a role in postpartum pain experiences. Individuals with a history of depression or anxiety often experience more severe postpartum pain. Mode of delivery is an important factor, as cesarean deliveries are associated with more severe pain than vaginal deliveries. However, intrapartum experiences and pain management significantly influence pain ratings. Analgesics during and after labor may buffer postpartum pain, but not always. Additionally, pain relief medications for patients with opioid use disorders can impact postpartum pain management. While healthcare providers rely on clinical assessments and patient-centered approaches to inform postpartum pain management, data from racial and ethnic minorities revealed that healthcare professionals often fail to recognize these patients' pain. This underscores the disparities in perspectives and experiences among patients. Post-childbirth pain experiences and their management strategies may increase the risk of postpartum depression, highlighting the necessity for researchers and practitioners to consider them.