Maternal quality of life assessment: the feasibility of antenatal–postnatal follow‐up using the Mother‐Generated Index

Abstract

Introduction. The Mother‐Generated Index (MGI) is a quantitative/qualitative postnatal quality‐of‐life tool. This study examined the feasibility of assessing changes in quality of life from late pregnancy to the postnatal period. Design. Attempted 6‐week postnatal follow‐up of 35 women who had completed the MGI and General Health Questionnaire antenatally. Quality of life comments were assessed thematically. Quantitative data were analysed in Excel and SPSS. Stepwise regression assessed the feasibility of identifying factors predictive of postnatal MGI score. Findings. Nineteen participants responded postnatally (56%). Quality of life scores rose for some and fell for others. Whereas 38% of comments antenatally had been positive, this rose to 51% postnatally. During pregnancy, ‘Tiredness’, ‘Looking forward to baby’, ‘Aches and pains’ and ‘Work’ predominated; postnatally, this changed to ‘Feelings about baby’, ‘Sense of self’, ‘Relationship with partner’, and ‘Adaptation to new role’. The regression analysis suggested that antenatal MGI, parity and degree of perineal trauma may be predictive of postnatal MGI score. Conclusions . This small exploratory study suggests that postnatal follow‐up using the MGI is feasible. This approach contributes towards a more holistic understanding of the pregnant woman/mother and her unique and evolving situation.

Keywords:

• quality of life
• pregnancy
• postnatal
• well‐being
• holistic care