[2][3] Long term health problems (persisting after the delayed postpartum period) are reported by 31% of women.

[5] Diastasis recti is a gap between the two sides of the rectus abdominis muscle that can occur in the antenatal and postnatal periods.

[8] Secondary postpartum haemorrhage is abnormal or excessive bleeding after 24 hours and before 12 weeks postnatally.

Signs and symptoms usually include a fever greater than 38.0 °C (100.4 °F), chills, lower abdominal pain, and possibly bad-smelling vaginal discharge.

[10] Obstetric fistula is a medical condition in which a hole develops in the birth canal as a result of childbirth, typically after a prolonged obstructed labour[11][12] and is preventable with timely access to Cesarean section.

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the uterus, bladder or rectum drop lower in the pelvis creating a bulge in the vagina.

Approximately half of all women who have given birth experience some degree of pelvic organ prolapse, most frequently as they age and go through menopause.

[21] Research shows that symptoms of Posttraumatic stress disorder are common following childbirth, with prevalence of 24–30.1%[22] at six weeks, dropping to 13.6% at six months.