Changes in perceived health status, physical symptoms, and sleep satisfaction of postpartum women over time

The aim of this study was to identify the changes of perceived health status, physical symptoms, and sleep satisfaction of postpartum women over time. A longitudinal design was used. Participants were 137 healthy postpartum women who had not been diagnosed with any medical diseases. Data were collected by a self-report questionnaire at three periods, the second day, 4-6 weeks, and 12-14 weeks postpartum. Women's perceived health status was lower at 4-6 weeks than on the second day after childbirth, physical symptoms were more frequent at 4-6 weeks than on the second day after childbirth, and sleep satisfaction was lower at 4-6 weeks than at 12-14 weeks postpartum. Tiredness or fatigue was the most frequent symptom experienced by postpartum women at all three periods. These results indicate that the period from 4 to 6 weeks postpartum is the most difficult time for mothers. Therefore, there is a need to develop nursing interventions to alleviate fatigue and other symptoms, and to help and support women during the period 4-6 weeks postpartum, a critical period for interventions.