Factors associated with maternal postpartum fatigue: an observationalstudy

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal and Child Health
• Psychology

Background:

• Postpartum fatigue is a common concern for new mothers.
• Understanding its prevalence and contributing factors is crucial for improving maternal well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of postpartum fatigue at 10 days, 1 month, and 3 months postpartum.
• To identify sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with fatigue.
• To explore the relationship between fatigue and infant characteristics, maternal-infant attachment, and support systems.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of the 2014 National Maternity Survey in England.
• Inclusion of 4,578 women who responded to questionnaires at 3 months postpartum.
• Assessment of fatigue using self-reported experiences at 10 days, 1 month, and 3 months postpartum.

Main Results:

• Substantial proportions of women reported fatigue: 38.8% at 10 days, 27.1% at 1 month, and 11.4% at 3 months postpartum.
• Fatigue prevalence varied significantly with maternal age, deprivation, education, and parity.
• Increased risk of fatigue was associated with depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and breastfeeding; women with fatigue used more negative language about their infants and perceived them as more difficult.

Conclusions:

• Postpartum fatigue is not universal but affects a considerable number of women, particularly in the early postnatal period.
• Maternal age and parity are predictors of postpartum fatigue.
• Practical support from partners and midwives may act as protective factors against postpartum fatigue.