Access and Quality of Postnatal Care in Low- and Middle - Income Countries: A Pragmatic Review

The postnatal period is comprised of the 42 days after delivery and is a vulnerable time for mothers and newborns. Postnatal care has traditionally been the lowest priority in the continuum of maternal healthcare. In this paper, we review the literature on postnatal care in low-and middle -income countries to identify gaps in care, their causes, and means to address identified deficiencies. Adequate postnatal care may not be available to women, or women may decide to not use care available to them. Quality of care may also be sub-par when compared with existing standard guidelines. Health systems across low-and middle -income countries need to be strengthened to ensure availability of quality postnatal care. Maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality data should be used to drive policy changes.