The postpartum period: an issue not yet adequately addressed by nutraceuticals

In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare sector, accelerating the development of new preventive solutions.

In this particular global context, numerous feminist claims have also highlighted various issues, including the impact of the postpartum period on young mothers. This combination of factors has led to the emergence of new innovation levers in the nutraceuticals sector, to respond to an issue that is yet to be fully addressed.

The postpartum period: a difficult time after pregnancy

What is postpartum?

Postpartum is the period between the end of childbirth and the resumption of menstruation, i.e. the first menstrual period after pregnancy.

During this period, the mother can experience physical upheavals such as fatigue, sleep disorders, aches and pains, and loss of appetite. She may also experience emotional upheavals, including reduced libido, loss of interest in activities, panic or anxiety attacks, sadness, mood swings, and irritability.

These emotional changes are mainly baby-related and can include a lack of interest in the baby, worry, feelings of inability to care for the baby, guilt, and a loss of esteem for motherhood.

This period, often referred to as the "baby blues", can last from a few hours to a few days. However, when symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it may be postpartum depression [1].

Many women suffer during the postpartum period

A large proportion of young mothers are affected by postpartum difficulties: On average, 58% are affected by the baby blues [2]. 64% of women suffer from fatigue after childbirth [2] and 60-80% from psychological disorders (anxiety, mood) [3].

Postpartum depression affects 10 to 15% of women worldwide [4]. In France, almost one mother in five is affected by this condition within four weeks of giving birth [5]. Postpartum depression can last for months or even over a year if not treated promptly. It can hinder the creation of a harmonious, well-adjusted bond between mother and baby, which is essential for the child's mental and emotional development, and the health of the mother and the couple in the medium and long term.

An approach to postpartum care that’s evolving little by little

A complex subject that deserves more attention

The postpartum period is a delicate subject that deserves proper attention. It involves complex interactions between several factors, whether psychological, social, biological, genetic or environmental. These factors include stress, lack of sleep, a history of depression, hormonal problems (falling estrogen, progesterone and thyroid hormone levels), genetics, and oxytocin regulation [1].

Unfortunately, postpartum depression is still underdiagnosed and undertreated. Only one in two women suffering from this condition are recognized as ill by their GP or other healthcare professionals [6].

Towards the development of solutions for postpartum disorders

A. Current view of the postpartum period by businesses and society

The period after childbirth for women is now given greater consideration within the corporate and medical sectors.

In France, for example, the postpartum period is beginning to be taken seriously, with an early postnatal interview offered to young mothers since July 1^st, 2022, which is covered up to 70% by the national health insurance scheme [7] .

Also in France, out of more than 100 FemTech startups, 13% are positioned in the maternity and postpartum sector [8]. FemTech refers to all innovative technologies, products and services, including dietary supplements, dedicated to women's health: fertility, contraception, menstrual cycles, sexual well-being, menopause, etc.

B. Nutraceuticals: a solution just waiting to be developed

Despite the many postpartum issues mentioned above, dietary supplements specifically designed for this period are not yet widely available on the market.

Nutraceuticals offer interesting benefits for women in the postpartum period, combating mood swings, fatigue, stress, and hair loss, and improving the quality of breast milk. It is also important to note that breastfeeding women have greater needs, particularly for water and vitamins A and B. Pregnancy, like breastfeeding, leads to an increase in the mother's energy requirements [9].

As such, it is important to develop postpartum-specific dietary supplements with formulas that are compatible with breastfeeding, meet women's specific nutritional needs during this period, and guarantee the product's safety and efficacy for both mother and baby.

However, it is important to note that nutraceuticals cannot replace comprehensive, personalized postpartum care. Women with symptoms of postpartum depression or other mental health problems should consult a qualified health professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References

[1] MSD manual. Postpartum depression, 2022

[2] Badr HA, Zauszniewski JA. Meta-analysis of the predictive factors of postpartum fatigue. Appl Nurs Res. 2017 Aug; 36:122-127. doi: 10.1016/j.apnr.2017.06.010. Epub 2017 Jun 19. PMID: 28720232.

[3] Manjunath NG, Venkatesh G, Rajanna. Postpartum Blue is Common in Socially and Economically Insecure Mothers. Indian J Community Med. 2011 Jul;36(3):231-3. doi: 10.4103/0970-0218.86527. PMID: 22090680; PMCID: PMC3214451

[4] Woody CA, Ferrari A, Siskind D, Whiteford H, Harris M. A systematic review and meta-regression of the prevalence and incidence of perinatal depression. J Affect Disord. 2017; 219: 86-92

[5] santé Publique France, 1000 premiers jours.fr, Le baby blues et la dépression post-partum, April 2024

[6] C Cardaillac, C Rua, E G Simon, W El-Hage, Oxytocin and postpartum depression, 2016

[7] CNGOF. Troubles psychiques de la grossesse et du post-partum

[8] Care Insights. Etat des lieux femtech, 2023

[9] ANSES OPINION on the updating of the PNNS dietary guidelines for pregnant or breastfeeding women, 2019

[10] Rich in the calcium needed to maintain normal bones, and in proteins that help maintain normal bones

[11] Source of iron that helps reduce fatigue