Postpartum Fatigue and Driving: Relating Experiences, Thoughts, and Opinions 12 Weeks After Birth

Fatigue in the postnatal period is such a common experience for most mothers that the term “postpartum fatigue” (PPF) has been coined to describe it. When new mothers experience extreme fatigue, it follows that their physical health, mental health, and social wellbeing are negatively affected. It is interesting to note that there is a distinct lack of empirical investigations focusing on the link between PPF and increased risk of injury, particularly when the links between fatigue and increased risk of road crashes are well documented. The purpose of this investigation was to undertake pilot research to develop an understanding of the duration of PPF and the performance impairments experienced by new mothers when involved in safety-sensitive activities such as driving a motor vehicle. Semistructured interviews were undertaken with women (N = 24) living in Southeast Queensland, Australia, at 12 weeks after they had given birth. Key themes were identified, with a particular emphasis on understanding the link between the participants’ experience of PPF and the impact this had on their overall cognitive and physiological functioning as well as their experience of the driving task. Sleep–wake data were also collected, and the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale was used to evaluate the potential crash risk for this group of mothers. It is proposed that the findings of this investigation could be used to improve current knowledge among new mothers and practitioners regarding the mechanisms and consequences of fatigue and to inform interventions that lead to a decreased risk of injury associated with PPF.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Print
  • Features: References;
  • Pagination: pp 34-43
  • Monograph Title: Women's Issues in Transportation: Summary of the 4th International Conference. Volume 2: Technical Papers
  • Serial:

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01339651
  • Record Type: Publication
  • ISBN: 9780309160834
  • Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
  • Created Date: May 11 2011 2:21PM