Prepartum and postpartum acute fatigue and the influencing factors

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine and to compare the severity of the acute fatigue levels in women during the prepartum and the postpartum periods, to define patients’ characteristics and pregnancy associated changes related to acute fatigue and to learn about the impact of pre- and postpartum fatigue on some daily activities. This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Sakarya Women and Children’s Hospital, Turkey. 128 pregnant women who were expected to deliver in due time were included into the study. The data was collected using a questionnaire prepared by the researchers containing the “Brief Fatigue Inventory” as well as the sociodemographic questions. For the statistical analysis, matched t-test, correlations and variance analyses were used. The obtained results showed a mean prepartum and postpartum Acute Fatigue Inventory (AFI) scores of 5.77 ± 1.97 and 6.49 ± 1.48, respectively (p<0,001). Significant pre- and postpartum differences were observed regarding the mood, interpersonal relation and enjoyment of living scores (p=0.005; p=0.033; p=0.000, respectively). On the other hand, the differences between the pre- and the postpartum scores regarding the fatigue-affected general activity, walking ability and performance in daily routines did not reach to significant levels (p>0.05) We conclude that in the postpartum period, women were significantly more distressed and consequently, acute fatigue syndrome was more severe compared to prepartum period.