Background: The postpartum period, often referred to as the “fourth stage of labor,” is critical for maternal recovery; however, it remains underprioritized in many low- and middle-income countries. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to assess the burden of physical postpartum morbidities and identify associated sociodemographic and obstetric factors among recently delivered women (RDW) in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Methodology: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 560 RDW within six months of delivery attending the immunization clinic of a tertiary care hospital. Study participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured interview schedule covering sociodemographic details, obstetric history, and postpartum health status, and were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods to determine associations. Results: Back pain (54.1%) and anemia (51.3%) were the most prevalent postpartum morbidities. Other commonly reported conditions included excessive vaginal bleeding (19.1%), white discharge (15.4%), urinary incontinence (4.5%), and breast-related problems such as engorgement (3.0%) and infection (1.4%). Perineal pain (2.5%) and perineal tears (1.9%) were notable local morbidities. Significant associations were observed between postpartum morbidities and parity, socioeconomic status, antenatal care visits, birth spacing, and mode of delivery (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The high burden of postpartum morbidities highlights the need for comprehensive and sustained postnatal care extending beyond childbirth, with focused interventions and increased awareness to improve maternal physical health.
Sachan et al. (Fri,) studied this question.