Corresponding Author:
Rashmi,
C-24, Arya Nagar Apartments,
Plot No. 91, Patparganj,
Delhi-92, India.
E-mail: rashmi.malik2011@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

Maternal morbidity refers to complications that have arisen during pregnancy, delivery or during postpartum period. Monitoring the progress of various interventions depends upon measuring the maternal mortality and morbidity. Referral to a tertiary hospital has been described as one of the criteria for measuring maternal morbidity in low income countries. This paper describes the application of a practical approach to the assessment of the burden of postpartum morbidity by means of postpartum referrals to tertiary centre.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital (GTBH), Delhi and included women who required admission and treatment for obstetric complaints during postpartum period.

RESULTS

The common morbidities among postpartum women for which they sought medical services were postpartum haemorrhage (49%), puerperal pyrexia/sepsis (24.2%), followed by pre-eclampsia /eclampsia (11%). Haemorrhage accounted for 33%, puerperal sepsis for 24.2% and eclampsia/pre-eclampsia for 18.1% of total maternal deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the need to focus on the quality of postpartum care. The importance of post-partum care should be emphasized. Efforts to decrease maternal mortality and morbidity should focus on high-risk mothers not only during pregnancy and delivery but also during the postpartum period. Maternal mortality audits should be held, attended by the whole staff involved in the care of pregnant women, particularly in preventable cases and accountability should be discussed to avoid future mishaps.

KEY WORDS

Postpartum Maternal Morbidity, Maternal Mortality, Tertiary Hospital Admission, Severe Acute Maternal Morbidity, Developing Countries, Postpartum Referrals