Early Postpartum Symptoms Differ Between Older and Younger First-Time Mothers

To describe symptom patterns in first-time mothers through 3 months postpartum.

Longitudinal, descriptive correlational.

Secondary analysis of data from a randomised clinical trial of first-time mothers. Symptoms were assessed at 1, 2 and 3 months postpartum using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale for dimensions of 32 symptoms.

New mothers (n = 114) reported an average of 7.0 (SD 4.7) symptoms at 1 month, decreasing to 5.3 (SD 4.3) at 3 months. Physical symptoms decreased to the greatest degree. Symptoms reported by over 33% of participants included lack of energy, worrying, pain, difficulty sleeping or concentrating and feeling irritable, sad or drowsy. The most distressing were lack of energy, feeling irritable, pain, nervousness and hair loss. Symptoms did not differ by type of birth or infant feeding. Older mothers (≥ 35 years) had significantly more symptoms and distress than younger mothers.

Most symptoms improved over time, yet some were still prevalent at 3 months. Symptoms not appraised as particularly distressing may still be of clinical concern for safety reasons. Frequent postpartum assessments and interventions are important, particularly for older mothers.

In the first 3 months, postpartum symptoms not perceived as distressing may lead to adverse health outcomes. These symptoms may threaten maternal-infant welfare beyond the first 3 months postpartum. Older first-time mothers merit particular attention by clinicians.

The authors complied with STROBE reporting guidelines.

No patient or public contribution.