Association Between Perinatal Pain, Physical Activity, and Maternal Functioning After Cesarean Delivery: A Prospective Exploratory Cohort Study

Br J Anaesth. 2026;136:1062−1065. doi: 10.1016/j.bja.2025.12.015 A prospective, exploratory cohort study examined the relationships among early postpartum pain, physical activity, and maternal functioning following cesarean delivery (CD). CD is a common surgical procedure that is frequently associated with significant postoperative pain. Inadequate pain control can delay recovery, restrict mobility, and increase the risk of persistent pain. While postoperative mobility is recognized as an important component of recovery, few studies have objectively measured activity levels after CD. Furthermore, the relationship between recovery quality and maternal functioning across physical, psychological, and social domains, including self-care, infant care, and emotional well-being, remains unclear.