Postnatal maternal morbidity: extent, causes, prevention and treatment

doi:10.1111/j.1471-0528.1995.tb09132.x

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Wiley InterScience

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Volume 102 Issue 4, Pages 282 - 287

Published Online: 19 Aug 2005

Published on behalf of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

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Postnatal maternal morbidity: extent, causes, prevention and treatment

Cathryn M. A. Glazener, Wellcome Research Fellow (Postnatal Care) *†, Mona Abdalla, Statistical Research Fellow *, Patricia Stroud, Honorary Research Fellow *, Allan Templeton, Research Fellow ^† , Ian T. Russell, Regius Professor (Obstetrics and Gynaecology) *, Simon Naji, Director of Health Services Research Unit *

*University of Aberdeen Health Services Research Unit ^† Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aberdeen Maternity Hospital

Correspondence: Dr C. M. A. Glazener, University of Aberdeen, Health Services Research Unit, Polwarth Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB9 2ZD, UK.

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo describe the prevalence and causes of postnatal maternal morbidity.

DesignQuestionnaire survey of postnatal patients. Further data extracted from SMRl returns, case records and the Aberdeen Maternity and Neonatal Databank.

SettingPostnatal care in a teaching maternity hospital, midwife delivery hospital, general practitioner maternity units and in the community.

SubjectsTwenty percent random sample of deliveries (1249 women) surveyed one week, eight weeks and 12 to 18 months after delivery.

Main outcome measuresIncidence of self reported maternal morbidity, treatment received, readmission rates and causes for readmission.

ResultsOf mothers in the sample 85% (99% CI 82-88%) reported at least one health problem in hospital, rising to 87% (84-90%) of those at home; 76% (71-81%) reported at least one health problem after eight weeks post-delivery.

ConclusionsMaternal morbiditv is extensive and under-recognised after delivery. Measures to reduce and alleviate it must be sought.

Received 5 April 1994 Accepted 25 October 1994

DIGITAL OBJECT IDENTIFIER (DOI)

10.1111/j.1471-0528.1995.tb09132.x About DOI