What New Mothers Endure: Burden of Physical Postpartum morbidities and its determinants among recently delivered women, evidence from a hospital-based cross-sectional study in Kanpur

Background: The postpartum period, often referred to as the “fourth stage of labor,” is critical for maternal recovery; however, it remains underprioritized in many low- and middle-income countries. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to assess the burden of physical postpartum morbidities and identify associated sociodemographic and obstetric factors among recently delivered women (RDW) in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Methodology: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 560 RDW within six months of delivery attending the immunization clinic of a tertiary care hospital. Study participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured interview schedule covering sociodemographic details, obstetric history, and postpartum health status, and were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods to determine associations. Results: Back pain (54.1%) and anemia (51.3%) were the most prevalent postpartum morbidities. Other commonly reported conditions included excessive vaginal bleeding (19.1%), white discharge (15.4%), urinary incontinence (4.5%), and breast-related problems such as engorgement (3.0%) and infection (1.4%). Perineal pain (2.5%) and perineal tears (1.9%) were notable local morbidities. Significant associations were observed between postpartum morbidities and parity, socioeconomic status, antenatal care visits, birth spacing, and mode of delivery (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The high burden of postpartum morbidities highlights the need for comprehensive and sustained postnatal care extending beyond childbirth, with focused interventions and increased awareness to improve maternal physical health.