Patterns of postpartum health in mothers of low birth weight infants

Bibliographic Data

ID15217824
AuthorsSusan Gennaro (0000-0001-5720-4002, University of Pennsylvania, corresponding author), Anne M Krouse (University of Pennsylvania), Anne Krouse
Year1996
Volume17
Issue1
Pages35-45
Publication date1996-01-01
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Care For Women International (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0739-9332 • E-ISSN: 1096-4665
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/07399339609516218
PMID8707696
OpenAlexW2013962495
LanguageEN
References cited12

Our purpose in conducting this prospective, descriptive study was to examine patterns of maternal health in women who delivered a low birth weight (LBW; < or = 2,500 g) infant until 6 months past the mothers' estimated date of confinement (EDC). Sixty-eight mothers of LBW infants were interviewed at nine data collection points: delivery, original EDC, infant discharge, and every month thereafter for 6 months. Health was assessed using the Health Perceptions Questionnaire and a structured interview (the Health Interview Schedule). Maternal acute care visits occurred throughout the study, with at least 71% of the mothers reporting one acute care visit. Sixty-four percent of the mothers reported having to change their activities because of ill health between the time their infant went home and the 6-month data point. At the 6-month data point, 19% of the mothers still rated their health as fair to very poor. An ongoing assessment of maternal health is important in mothers of LBW infants so that their health can be optimized

Birth weight · Developmental psychology · Environmental health · Health services · Low birth weight · Maternal health · Obstetrics · Population · Pregnancy · Sociology · Birth, Development, and Health · Breastfeeding Practices and Influences · Demography · Gestational Diabetes Research and Management · Medicine · Psychology

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