"What New Mothers Endure: Burden of Physical Postpartum morbidities and its determinants among recently delivered women, evidence from a hospital-based cross-sectional study in Kanpur"

Abstract

Background: The postpartum period, often referred to as the "fourth stage of labor," is critical for maternal recovery, yet it remains underprioritized in many lower and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess the burden of postpartum morbidities and identify associated sociodemographic and obstetric factors among recently delivered women (RDW) in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 560 RDW within six months of delivery attending an immunization clinic at a tertiary care hospital. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected through a semi-structured, pre-tested interview schedule covering sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric history, and postpartum health status and analyzed for associations using appropriate statistical methods.

Results: Back pain (54.1%) and anemia (51.3%) were the most prevalent morbidities. Other commonly reported conditions included excessive vaginal bleeding (19.1%), white discharge (15.4%), urinary incontinence (4.5%), and breast-related issues such as engorgement (3%) and infection (1.4%). Perineal pain (2.5%) and tears (1.9%) were notable local morbidities. Significant associations were found between postpartum morbidities and factors such as parity, socioeconomic status, number of antenatal visits, birth spacing, and mode of delivery (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The study underscores a high prevalence of postpartum morbidities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive, sustained postnatal care extending beyond delivery. Targeted interventions and improved awareness are essential to address physical  health concerns in postpartum women.

Keywords: postpartum morbidity, maternal health, cesarean delivery, anemia, cross-sectional study, Kanpur