Early Postpartum Complications and their Determinants: A Cross-Sectional Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital

The postpartum period, critical for maternal health, is vulnerable to complications such as hemorrhage, infections, and hypertensive disorders, leading to significant maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. In India, postpartum hemorrhage is a major cause of maternal deaths. Early identification and management of these complications can prevent long-term disabilities.

This study aimed to estimate the occurrence of early postpartum complications and their determinants among women at a tertiary care hospital in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India.

This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India, from October 2023 to March 2024. During the study period, there were 4,996 postpartum admissions. Of these, 4,918 women provided informed consent and were enrolled in the study. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire covering demographic, antenatal, obstetric, and postpartum complications.

Among 4,918 postpartum women, 69.1% experienced complications, including pain/fatigue (63.5%), perineal morbidities (41.3%), and infections (15.5%). Higher complication rates were seen in women younger than 25 or older than 35 years, with lower education, underweight, fewer than four antenatal care (ANC) visits, inadequate iron/calcium supplementation, and short interpregnancy intervals.

Strengthening postpartum care, especially for high-risk groups such as younger and older mothers, and those with inadequate ANC, is crucial. Interventions should include ensuring at least four ANC visits, adequate iron and calcium supplementation, proper nutrition, and education on birth spacing to reduce complications.