Abstract Background: Postpartum anxiety (PPA) remains relatively under-researched despite its significant impact on maternal well-being. This study aimed to assess the incidence of postpartum anxiety and identify associated demographic, obstetric, and medical risk factors leading to postpartum anxiety. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 738 postpartum women at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Hospital, Jaipur, from September 2022 to February 2024. Participants were evaluated for anxiety symptoms using the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS) immediately postpartum and at six weeks. Demographic, obstetric, and medical risk factors were analyzed for their association with occurrence of postpartum anxiety and gravity of anxiety symptoms. Results: The incidence of postpartum anxiety was 21.7% immediately after delivery (20.3% mild-moderate, 1.4% severe) and decreased to 17.6% at six weeks postpartum (16.7% mild-moderate, 0.9% severe). Lower socioeconomic status, working status and multiple abortions showed significant relationship with postpartum anxiety. NICU admission, cesarean delivery and complications during childbirth were also significant risk factors. (p<0.001) Conclusion: The study identified several modifiable risk factors for postpartum anxiety. Early screening and targeted interventions focusing on high-risk groups could help reduce the prevalence and impact of postpartum anxiety.
International Journal of Medical Science and Advanced Clinical Research (IJMACR) (2026) studied this question.