Patterns of postpartum health in mothers of low birth weight infants.

Our purpose in conducting this prospective, descriptive study was to examine patterns of maternal health in women who delivered a low birth weight (LBW; < or = 2,500 g) infant until 6 months past the mothers' estimated date of confinement (EDC). Sixty-eight mothers of LBW infants were interviewed at nine data collection points: delivery, original EDC, infant discharge, and every month thereafter for 6 months. Health was assessed using the Health Perceptions Questionnaire and a structured interview (the Health Interview Schedule). Maternal acute care visits occurred throughout the study, with at least 71% of the mothers reporting one acute care visit. Sixty-four percent of the mothers reported having to change their activities because of ill health between the time their infant went home and the 6-month data point. At the 6-month data point, 19% of the mothers still rated their health as fair to very poor. An ongoing assessment of maternal health is important in mothers of LBW infants so that their health can be optimized.