Postpartum maternal complications: a retrospective single-center study

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Infectious Diseases
• Maternal Health

Background:

• Postpartum complications, particularly infections, represent a significant cause of maternal morbidity.
• Understanding the incidence and etiology of these complications is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence and causes of postpartum complications, focusing on infections.
• To analyze complication rates based on delivery method (vaginal vs. cesarean section) over a 17-year period.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational study at a tertiary maternity hospital (2008-2024).
• Inclusion of all women requiring medical assessment or hospitalization within six weeks postpartum.
• Analysis of complication frequency, types, infection rates, and microbiological findings.

Main Results:

• Overall complication rates were 7.6% after vaginal birth and 10.6% after cesarean delivery.
• Infections and breastfeeding issues were primary reasons for reevaluation; surgical site infections were most common post-cesarean (7.7%).
• Endometritis was prevalent after vaginal birth, while wound infections dominated post-cesarean, often with polymicrobial flora.

Conclusions:

• Postpartum infections are a leading complication, with higher rates following cesarean delivery.
• Enhanced preventive strategies, including antibiotic prophylaxis and microbial surveillance, are essential.
• Timely postpartum follow-up and targeted interventions can reduce maternal morbidity.