When the Unexpected Happens: Understanding Neuropraxia in New Mothers
As a newborn photographer, I have the privilege of witnessing some of life’s most beautiful firsts—tiny fingers curling around parent's, sleepy smiles, and the quiet magic between a new parent and their baby. But behind the glow of new life, there are often untold stories of strength, recovery, and resilience.
Recently, one of my clients arrived for her newborn session not just with her precious baby, but also in a wheelchair. She had been diagnosed with neuropraxia shortly after giving birth—a condition that has temporarily affected her legs and left her unable to walk in the days following delivery. Although the exact reason for her condition at the moment is undetermined, her courage and openness inspired me to share more about this condition that many new parents aren’t aware of until they’re faced with it themselves. It could be a result of childbirth, known as postpartum neuropraxia.
What is Neuropraxia?
Neuropraxia is the mildest form of nerve injury. It happens when a nerve is compressed or stretched but not torn or permanently damaged. This results in temporary loss of motor function or sensation, but the nerve itself remains intact and can heal over time.
During childbirth, maternal neuropraxia most commonly affects the lower limbs. It can arise from sustained pressure on nerves during labour—especially during prolonged pushing or certain delivery positions. It can also be the result of sustained pressure from being lay for long periods of time such as during Caesarian sections.
How and Why Does It Happen?
Neuropraxia related to childbirth can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
• Prolonged second stage of labour (pushing)
• Use of stirrups during delivery
• Epidural-related positioning that causes prolonged pressure on nerves
• Compression of pelvic nerves (especially the femoral or obturator nerves)
• Instrument-assisted delivery (forceps or vacuum)
The result: the legs feel weak and unresponsive, making it difficult and unsafe for women to walk in the days that follow birth.
Common Symptoms
Maternal neuropraxia can present with symptoms like:
• Numbness or tingling in one or both legs
• Weakness or heaviness in the lower limbs
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Loss of balance or control
• Mild discomfort or altered sensation
Although it can be frightening to experience, this type of nerve injury is typically temporary and treatable.
Recovery and Treatment
The silver lining is that neuropraxia almost always improves with time. Recovery typically begins within a few days to weeks, and full function often returns within a few months, depending on the severity.
Treatment approaches may include:
• Rest and limited weight-bearing
• Physical therapy and gentle mobility exercises
• Occupational therapy for functional movement
• Assistive devices (wheelchairs, walkers, braces)
• Ongoing follow-up with a neurologist or physical medicine specialist
My client approached her recovery with grace and determination. She arrived for her newborn session in her wheelchair, full of love for her baby and trust in the healing process. Within a couple of weeks, she had already began regaining strength and mobility with the help of rest and amazing support from her husband and family.
A Reminder to Care for Mum, Too
We often centre our attention—and rightfully so—on the newborn after delivery. But mothers are going through profound changes too, both emotional and physical. Neuropraxia, while rare, is one of the many examples of how childbirth can impact the body in unexpected ways.
If you’re an expecting parent, knowing about these possibilities doesn’t mean something will go wrong—it means you’re empowered to recognise symptoms, advocate for yourself, and seek support if needed.
And if you’re already in the thick of new parenthood and facing something like this, know that you’re not alone. There is healing ahead, and there are people—doctors, therapists, photographers like me—who see you and support you.
During newborn sessions, I always take cues from each family’s unique needs. Whether that means slowing things down, accommodating wheelchairs or simply making space for rest and comfort—we’re in this together!
Let’s document your strength, your softness, your beginning—just as it is.
