Research has shown that certain postpartum factors negatively affect a

Research has shown that certain postpartum factors negatively affect a woman’s general health status after pregnancy. Which of the following women has the greatest risk factor for poor post-partum health?

1. A mother with complaints of fatigue, loss of appetite, and insomnia
2. A practicing attorney who has reluctantly taken a 3-month maternity leave
3. A stay-at-home mom who gave birth 2 months ago and whose husband recently lost his job
4. A mother of a 3-week-old and a 2-year-old whose military husband is currently deployed overseas

ANSWER

ANS: 4
Postpartum stress and depression have significant effects on postpartum women’s health. In ad-dition, a lack of social support can affect women’s health adversely. This woman is the most likely mother to be experiencing depression and economic stressors as well as a lack of support. While fatigue, loss of appetite, and insomnia may be reflective of depression, there are no indica-tions of the other high-risk factors. While this woman may be experiencing anxiety over being away from her career for 3 months, there is no indication of the other risk factors. While this mother may well be at risk for depression and possible financial stressors, there is no indication of a lack of support.