Age-specific determinants of post-partum fatigue in primiparous women

Post-partum fatigue is a serious concern for mothers worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify age-specific determinants of self-perceived fatigue after childbirth among Japanese primiparous women.

A multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted in Japan. The degree of fatigue was assessed using the Postnatal Accumulated Fatigue Scale during the hospital stay after childbirth. Associated factors were stratified into two age groups (<35 or ≥35 years old); data were analyzed using stepwise multiple regression.

In the younger group, significant determinants of post-partum fatigue included: anticipated difficulties in child-rearing after discharge; perception of inadequate sleep conditions; dissatisfaction with childbirth; shorter sleep and meal times; longer duration between feeding and infant bedtime; unemployment; and having hyperemesis gravidarum. In the older group, significant determinants of post-partum fatigue included: anticipated difficulties in child-rearing after discharge; perception of inadequate sleep conditions; shorter meal times; formula feeding; and dissatisfaction with childbirth.

Primiparous mothers who anticipated new life with their infants to be difficult and who had an irregular lifestyle tended to report higher levels of fatigue during the post-partum hospital stay. Nurses and midwives should assess maternal sleep and eating conditions, providing support to ensure adequate maternal rest. Special efforts should be made to reduce anxiety about new life with infants among younger primiparous women who had experienced hyperemesis gravidarum.