Relationship of Antenatal Risk Factors and Postpartum Problems

Background: Exposing to antenatal risk factors have a negative consequences on the incidence of postpartum problems. Aim: This study aimed to assess relationship of antenatal risk factors and postpartum problems. Design: A descriptive retrospective research design was used. Setting: This study conducted at Postpartum Wards at Mansoura University Hospitals Mansoura, Egypt. Study sample: A convenient sample of 307 postpartum women who complained from any postpartum problems. Tool: A structured interview questionnaire was utilized to offer demographic characteristics, obstetric data and last pregnancy history, antenatal risk factors and different types of postpartum problems. Results: Reveals that there were highly statistically significant relationships between the occurence of primary and secondary postpartum hemorrhage and certain antenatal risk factors as anemia, autoimmune disorder, abruption placenta, placenta previae and antepartum hemorrhage. Additionally, the occurence of postpartum infection and antenatal risk factors of anemia, venereal disease and oligohydramnios. Furthermore, the occurence of postpartum hypertension and antenatal risk factors of renal diseases, diabetes, hypertension, pregnancy induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and polyhydramnios. Conclusions: There are positive relationships between certain antenatal risk factors as (medical history of the mother and last pregnancy complications) and the occurence of certain postpartum problems as (Primary postpartum hemorrhage, secondary postpartum hemorrhage, postpartum hypertension and infection). Recommendations: Designing an educational program about the common antenatal risk factors and how to manage.