Female genital mutilation (FGM) management during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period

Abstract

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a traditional practice with serious health consequences to women that is still practiced in 28 countries with approximately 2 million girls exposed to the practice annually. The complications of FGM cause suffering to the woman all her life. Pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period are particularly important as there is increased risk of mortality and morbidity from FGM complications. Although the overall strategy should be to eliminate the practice completely, the healthcare providers and policy makers in the meantime should not only be aware but also well trained in the management of FGM complications to decrease the risk of mortality and serious morbidity.