Risk Factors and Outcome of Early Puerperium Following Caesarean Section

Abstract

Introduction: The postpartum period, or puerperium, typically lasts six weeks following childbirth and is crucial for the reversal of pregnancy-induced anatomical and physiological changes. This period is often divided into three stages: immediate, early, and remote puerperium. Early puerperium, the first week after childbirth, is critical due to the heightened risk of complications, especially following cesarean sections (CS). Objective: This study aims to investigate the prevalence and types of early puerperal complications in women undergoing elective and emergency cesarean sections. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in the Obstetrics and Gynecology department at Enam Medical College Hospital, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Hospital records from January 2015 to December 2015 were reviewed, including 100 women who had undergone cesarean sections. Data on demographic characteristics, antenatal care, risk factors, and types of early puerperal morbidities were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: The study found that 55% of the participants were aged 21-30 years, 70% belonged to poor socioeconomic backgrounds, and 90% were housewives. A significant 70% of the women had not received any antenatal care. The most prevalent risk factors for early puerperal morbidities were obstructed labor (40%) and prolonged labor (30%). Common complications included wound infections (50%), endomyometritis (45%), and urinary tract infections (35%). Conclusion: Early puerperal complications are prevalent among women who undergo cesarean sections, particularly those from low socioeconomic backgrounds with inadequate antenatal care. Addressing these issues through improved prenatal and postnatal care and better access to skilled birth attendants can potentially reduce these complications and enhance maternal health outcomes.