Puerperal morbidity: a neglected area of maternal health in Sri Lanka
De Silva, W.I.
Social Biology 45(3-4): 223-245
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-766X PMID: 10085736 Document Number: 281347
A large proportion of women in developing countries put most of their personal needs, including food consumption, behind those of their children, husband, and sometimes, other family members. In so doing, many mothers experience serious health problems requiring professional care, but they are unaware of the serious nature of their illness. The period of 42 days following delivery is known as the puerperium. Care during the puerperium receives less research attention than antepartum and intrapartum care in many developing countries, even though it is the period during which most maternal mortality occurs. A study on maternal morbidity was conducted in 3 Medical Officers of Health (MOH) areas of Kalutara District, Sri Lanka, to assess the prevalence of puerperal morbidity and to identify the characteristics of those women with high levels of morbidity. 600 of the mothers registered by the Public Health Midwives (PHM) in the study area were chosen to participate in this study. Data were collected using structured interviews conducted during the first week after puerperium, 43-50 days after delivery. Excessive bleeding from the vagina was reported by 40% of mothers, while minor symptoms such as breast engorgement and chills were reported by many mothers. 11% of the mothers in the study had neither symptoms nor signs of ill health, while the rest reported 1 or more illnesses. Primigravidae and women who had experienced pregnancy wastage had higher morbidity.