Maternal Stress: Not Just a Mental Illness, but Also a Health Hazard

Abstract

Objective Postpartum stress is a common phenomenon experienced by many mothers. It can manifest itself in various symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, insomnia, anxiety, depression and fear. In severe cases, it can lead to the development of postnatal psychosis. The objective of this study is to identify and assess the subjective perception of postpartum maternal stress in relation to selected socio-demographic characteristics and to determine the association between subjectively perceived maternal postpartum stress and midwifery care. Methodology: The study population consisted of 200 respondents who had given birth to one healthy child and their postpartum period was in the range of six months. The study was conducted in a pediatrician (referred to as a ‘general practitioner for children and adolescents’ in the Czech Republic) outpatient offices, May 2022 to January 2023. The survey utilized the standardized Maternal Postpartum Stress Scale (MPSS) questionnaire, which was supplemented with socio-demographic data and information on whether midwifery care had been provided. Results The study participants had an overall mean score of postpartum stress 32.7. The stress scores for each subscale were as follows: 15 for personal needs and fatigue of the mother, 9.9 for infant nurturing, and 7.8 for body changes and sexuality. The study found a statistically significant relationship between the number of births and body changes and sexuality (p = 0.0097). Statistical significance level 5%. However, no statistically significant effects of sociodemographic parameters or midwifery care were found in the study population. Conclusion In the study population, overall postpartum stress was mild to moderate. Sociodemographic parameters and midwife care did not have a statistically significant effect on subjective perception of maternal postpartum stress. Research shows that mothers who have had more than one birth are more prone to experiencing stress in terms of body changes and sexuality after childbirth. It is therefore important to give these mothers extra attention and offer them support and help to cope with these challenging changes