Social Isolation and Recovery After Birth Injury

A version of this video with audio description track is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf6qCx-bIBA Social isolation may influence how the body recovers from pelvic floor injury after childbirth. Lindsay Burnett, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor and physician-scientist at UC San Diego, studies factors during pregnancy and postpartum that may affect pelvic floor muscle recovery, including medications, diet, exercise and social interaction. Her research grew from clinical observations connecting patients’ perceptions of traumatic births with physical outcomes such as fecal incontinence. In a preclinical model, social support was associated with improved pelvic floor muscle regeneration and distinct metabolic changes. Burnett is investigating metabolites involved in wound healing and skeletal muscle regeneration, along with possible connections between social interaction, the gut microbiome and systemic metabolism. The research offers a biological perspective on why emotional and social support may matter during postpartum recovery. Recorded on 05/27/2026. [Show ID: 41640] Donate to UCTV to support informative & inspiring programming: https://www.uctv.tv/donate Please Note: Knowledge about health and medicine is constantly evolving. This information may become out of date. More videos from: UC San Diego Women's Health Symposium (https://www.uctv.tv/ucsd-womens-health) More from: Motherhood Channel (https://www.uctv.tv/motherhood) Explore More Health & Medicine on UCTV (https://www.uctv.tv/health) UCTV features the latest in health and medicine from University of California medical schools. Find the information you need on cancer, transplantation, obesity, disease and much more. UCTV is the broadcast and online media platform of the University of California, featuring programming from its ten campuses, three national labs and affiliated research institutions. UCTV explores a broad spectrum of subjects for a general audience, including science, health and medicine, public affairs, humanities, arts and music, business, education, and agriculture. Launched in January 2000, UCTV embraces the core missions of the University of California -- teaching, research, and public service – by providing quality, in-depth television far beyond the campus borders to inquisitive viewers around the world. (https://www.uctv.tv)