Introduction : The puerperal period is a continuum with changes taking place, both physically and emotionally, following
the period of pregnancy and eventual delivery. Postpartum problems are one of the leading causes of mortality and
morbidity after delivery. There could be a range of problems such as backpain, leg pain, tiredness, postpartum depression,
puerperal sepsis, sleep disturbances etc. This study aimed to study the prevalence rate of postnatal problems among
postnatal mothers of North Chennai.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Naravarikuppam PHC, Padianallur PHC, RSRM Hospital, a
tertiary lying in health centre working in co-ordination with Government Stanley Medical College, Chennai using the data
collected from 150 mothers which was conducted during the study period of August to November 2021. The data were
collected using pre-tested semi- structured questionnaire designed for the study. Data was entered in Microsoft Excel and
analysed in SPSS 16 version. Univariate analysis (Chi Square test) was used to find out association between independent
and dependent variable. Odd’s ratio was calculated with 95% confidence interval to find strength of association. P<0.005
was considered as statistically significant.
Results: Among 150 mothers 104(69%) had vaginal delivery and 46(31%) had caesarean delivery. Among various postpartum
problems fever is the most common among postnatal mothers and is statistically significant. No significant difference was
found to exist between mode of delivery and prevalence of postpartum problems except for leg pain which was found to
have higher association with caesarean section (56.5%). The prevalence of tension, lack of concentration, irritation was
found to be 13% in mothers who had caesarean delivery whereas the prevalence of above problems was found to be lesser
in vaginal delivery.
Conclusion: This study illustrated that fever was the most common postnatal problems among postnatal mothers and leg
pain was found to be higher in caesarean section. At the end of the study, the mothers were made aware of postpartum
problems and were educated about the importance of postpartum care that should be given after delivery.