Mobile phone-based postnatal follow up and maternal health outcomes for low risk mothers

Abstract

Background/Aim The immediate postnatal period poses challenges for maternal and newborn health. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of mobile phone-based postnatal follow up on maternal health outcomes among low risk mothers. Methods A quasi-experimental design was used to gather data from 70 mothers at a hospital in Egypt. Participants in the study group received information about postnatal self-care and three postnatal phone calls on day 3 (48–72 hours postpartum), between days 7 and 14 and 6 weeks after birth. Participants in the control group received standard care. Results Significantly more mothers in the study group were lactating (P=0.01), exercising (P<0.001) and rated their health as very good (P=0.03) than in the control group. Furthermore, more mothers in the control group experienced breast engorgement (P=0.01) and constipation (P=0.002), and 40% were not using contraceptive methods at the end of the puerperium period. Conclusions The authors recommend healthcare providers use modern technologies to complement existing care strategies to improve maternal health and reduce risks in a cost-effective way.