Postnatal maternal morbidity: extent, causes, prevention and treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the prevalence and causes of postnatal maternal morbidity.

DESIGN

Questionnaire survey of postnatal patients. Further data extracted from SMR1 returns, case records and the Aberdeen Maternity and Neonatal Databank.

SETTING

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

SUBJECTS

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

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Incidence of self reported maternal morbidity, treatment received, readmission rates and causes for readmission.

RESULTS

Of 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.

CONCLUSIONS

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