ANXIETY AND FATIGUE OF FIRST TIME MOTHERS WITH NORMAL DELIVERY AND CAESAREAN SECTION

Abstract

The purpose of this descriptive comparison research was to study intrapartum anxiety level, postpartum fatigue level, and compare intrapartum anxiety level, postpartum fatigue level in first time mothers, between normal delivery and caesarean section. The sample was composed of 108 nulliparous, gestational age 37-42 weeks, with 54 normal delivery mothers and 54 emergency caesarean section mothers. Data were collected by using two questionnaires; the anxiety questionnaire based on modified Spielberger collected at 24 hours after delivery, and the fatigue questionnaire based on modified Pugh et al. were collected at 24 and 48 hours after delivery. Data analysis was performed using independent t-test. The results of this study revealed that;

First time mothers with normal delivery had mild anxiety level, while first time mothers with caesarean section had moderate anxiety.

First time mothers with normal delivery had low fatigue level at 24 and 48 hours after delivery, while first time mothers with caesarean section had moderate fatigue level at 24 and 48 hours after delivery.

The first time mothers with caesarean section had statistically significant intrapartum anxiety level, and fatigue level during 24 and 48 hours after delivery higher than normal delivery (p < .001)