Is the significance of postpartum fatigue being overlooked in the lives of women?

Abstract

The focus of this article is to draw the attention of nurses to the important role fatigue plays in the lives of postpartum women, and to the related roles nurses can play in practice, research, and healthcare policy formulation. Fatigue in the postpartum period has the capacity to adversely affect not only the woman's quality of life, but also that of her family. For two decades women have been ranking fatigue as a major concern during the postpartum period; we know that postpartum fatigue is a real problem and continues to be so for as long as 19 months after delivery. The antecedents of postpartum fatigue and measures to reduce it have barely been discussed in the literature, nor have they been empirically investigated. This article provides an overview of the concept of postpartum fatigue including its definition, significance, incidence, etiology, nature, and management. In addition, recommendations are made for nurses involved in practice, research, and healthcare policy.