Survey of trend and factors in perinatal maternal fatigue. (18th May 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cheng, Ching‐Yu; Chou, Yu‐Hua; Wang, Panchalli; Tsai, Jung‐Mei; Liou, Shwu‐Ru
• Is Part Of: Nursing & health sciences. Volume 17:Number 1(2015:Mar.)
• Page Start: 64
• Page End: 70
• Publication Date: 2014-05-18
• Subjects: Nursing -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Periodicals; 610.73
• DOI: 10.1111/nhs.12149
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1441-0745

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Few studies have investigated maternal fatigue, particularly fatigue throughout the duration of pregnancy and the postpartum period. The purpose of this study was to explore changes related to maternal fatigue from pregnancy to postpartum and the factors influencing fatigue. This prospective longitudinal study surveyed 197 pregnant women beyond 24 gestational weeks monthly until one month postpartum. The Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue scale and one question about fatigue were used. Women at late pregnancy experienced a significant increase in level of fatigue, which remained high after childbirth. Those who were not happy about the pregnancy or were multiparas experienced a higher level of prenatal fatigue than their counterparts. At postpartum, mothers who were unemployed, had no one to help with childcare, or felt that the baby's night‐time sleep pattern was a serious problem had a higher level of fatigue. Interventions can be planned and implemented at early pregnancy to reduce the prevalence of fatigue. Encouraging pregnant women to share experiences and thoughts about pregnancy and being a mother is suggested. Further studies that evaluate culturally sensitive instruments for fatigue are needed.</p> </abstract>