Women’s Knowledge regarding Postpartum Warning Signs

Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to assess women’s knowledge regarding
postpartum warning signs. Subjects and Methods: This was a descriptive study which was
conducted among (350) postpartum women attending the inpatient units in Ain Shams maternity
university hospital. From of December 2017 to May 2018. Data collection tools were a
'Structured Interviewing questionnaire and A Likert scale. Result: The present study showed that
nearly half of all postpartum women recognize postpartum warning signs. The majority of
postpartum women had incorrect knowledge regarding importance of detecting postpartum
warning signs. Furthermore it was concluded that, very poor knowledge of postpartum women
associated with socio demographic characteristics and obstetrical& delivery history such as age,
family income level, Residence and women’s educational level, also Primipara women and had
current complication. In addition to, there was no significant relationship between women’s
knowledge regarding postpartum warning signs and their age and marital status, while there is
highly statistical significance difference between women’s level of knowledge and their
residence, family income level, women job and women’s educational level. Conclusion: The
present study findings revealed that the majority of women had incorrect knowledge regarding the
following postpartum warning signs; Excess uterine bleeding (Lochia), perineal pain, breast pain,
Offensive odor and abnormal vital signs (especially high blood pressure). Moreover, Women’s
educational level, Residence, family income level, being multiparous and place of delivery found
to be significantly associated with women’s knowledge of postpartum warning signs.
Recommendations: Activating the role of maternity and community health nurse in branches of
obstetrics and postnatal follow up clinics to enhance postpartum women knowledge regarding
postpartum warning signs.