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How Reproductive Life Events Influence Women's Mental Health

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Behavioral and Mental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2025) | Viewed by 3789

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
Interests: parent-Infant mental health; reproductive psychiatry; attachment theory; perinatal period; behavioral endocrinology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Reproductive life events have the potential to profoundly shape the mental and physical health trajectories of women. From menarche to menopause, each reproductive life event marks a physiologic milestone that can influence a woman’s identity. When a woman advances to the reproductive age and conception becomes a possibility, they are required to navigate fertility issues, contraception, pregnancy, childbirth, and matrescence (i.e., the process of becoming a mother). Any one of these processes can evoke a range of emotions (including immense joy), though the challenges often come with a heavy psychological burden, especially when involving infertility, miscarriage, abortion, trauma associated with childbirth, and fractures in parent–infant attachment. Furthermore, menopause marks the end of one’s childbearing years, accompanied by its own emotional hurdles. Taken together, these events are impacted by cultural, societal, and personal factors that influence women’s mental health in multifaceted ways.

Societally, the support provided during the perinatal period greatly influences health outcomes. Access to perinatal care, support during childbirth, and postnatal care and education significantly impact the mental and physical health of both the mother and the child. Inadequate support during this vulnerable period can lead to higher rates of maternal morbidity and mortality, as well as infant complications. Furthermore, societal attitudes regarding contraception, family planning, and reproductive rights affect women’s ability to control their reproductive, physical, and mental health. When women have more control over their reproductive choices, they are more likely to pursue higher education, contribute to the workforce, and invest in economic growth. Importantly, women who are empowered and supported by society tend to have improved health outcomes for both themselves and their families. It is especially critical to address gender inequities and support women from marginalized communities who face additional barriers when accessing reproductive healthcare services. The impact of chronic stress, trauma, and compromised access to care on women in these communities is especially problematic.

Overall, understanding the relationship between reproductive life events and women’s physical and mental health is paramount for developing targeted diagnostic tools, effective interventions that take into account structural inequities, and support systems to provide holistic care. We invite submissions for a Special Issue of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH) that will explore this relationship between reproductive life events—as defined above—and women’s mental and physical health. Submissions will undergo peer review, and acceptance will be based on creativity, significance, and methodological rigor. We welcome empirical research studies, systematic reviews, theoretical papers, meta-analyses, and innovative approaches to patient-centered care.

Dr. Misty C. Richards
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • infertility
  • pregnancy
  • childbirth
  • matrescence
  • miscarriage
  • abortion
  • attachment
  • menopause

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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15 pages, 276 KiB  
Article
Mother–Infant Relational Quality Following a NICU Stay: Investigating the Role of Maternal Childhood Experiences
by Corinna C. Klein, Camila A. Ferrario, Ying Yan and Nicole M. McDonald
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(5), 732; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22050732 - 3 May 2025
Viewed by 218
Abstract
A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) stay complicates the transition to parenthood for new mothers. Women respond differently to perinatal stressors, which can impact their mental health and relationship with their new baby. Mothers’ own histories of adverse and benevolent childhood experiences can [...] Read more.
A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) stay complicates the transition to parenthood for new mothers. Women respond differently to perinatal stressors, which can impact their mental health and relationship with their new baby. Mothers’ own histories of adverse and benevolent childhood experiences can also shape their early parenting experiences. This study investigated the relationship between mothers’ adverse and benevolent childhood experiences and the observed and reported quality of interactions with their infant at 1 year following a NICU stay. Somewhat unexpectedly, we found that more maternal childhood adversity predicted less intrusive behavior and more responsiveness during a free play interaction at 12 months, while more benevolent childhood experiences predicted higher levels of observed intrusive mothering. Childhood experiences were not related to maternal perceptions of parent–child interaction quality. The length of the NICU stay was positively associated with maternal responsiveness. Findings highlight that childhood risk and protective factors may interact uniquely with a stay in the NICU, with greater adversity and a longer stay predicting more maternal responsiveness and sensitivity. Our study offers evidence that mothers can overcome their own early life challenges, and that overcoming childhood adversity may build resilience that uniquely prepares mothers for the challenge of a NICU stay. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How Reproductive Life Events Influence Women's Mental Health)
14 pages, 1659 KiB  
Article
Love vs. Risk: Women with Sickle Cell Disease Face Reproductive Decision-Making Dilemmas
by Lisa R. Roberts, Carlene O. Fider, Safiye Sahin, Jayde Frederick, Ilsa Nation and Susanne Montgomery
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(3), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22030342 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 658
Abstract
Sickle cell disease/trait (SCD/T) is the most common genetic blood disorder in the U.S., characterized by painful vaso-occlusive crises resulting in considerable morbidity and premature death. Advances in treatment have somewhat improved the quality of life and longevity. Therefore, people with SCD/T are [...] Read more.
Sickle cell disease/trait (SCD/T) is the most common genetic blood disorder in the U.S., characterized by painful vaso-occlusive crises resulting in considerable morbidity and premature death. Advances in treatment have somewhat improved the quality of life and longevity. Therefore, people with SCD/T are now living into their reproductive years. However, pregnant individuals with SCD have a maternal mortality risk of up to 26 times higher than the national average. Individuals with sickle cell trait also have an increased risk of untoward maternal health outcomes. We sought to understand reproductive health concerns among women with SCD/T, through data collected from patients, caregivers, advocates, and healthcare professionals using key informant interviews and focus groups (N = 54). Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim, coded inductively, and analyzed thematically. Three major themes emerged: (1) the Dilemma of Love vs. Risk, (2) SCD/T Knowledge, and (3) the Mental and Emotional Toll of SCD/T. Reproductive concerns and experiences among women with SCD/T influence their mental health and social engagement. Programs are urgently needed that address the unique SCD/T reproductive health risks and communication and support needs. These include readily accessible, age-appropriate SCD/T reproductive health information, counseling, and engaging communication tools for women and their potential partners. Support requires a multidisciplinary approach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How Reproductive Life Events Influence Women's Mental Health)
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12 pages, 1465 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Obstetric Healthcare Providers’ Knowledge of Black Maternal Mental Health: A Feasibility Study
by Kortney Floyd James, Keisha Reaves, Misty C. Richards and Kristen R. Choi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(10), 1374; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21101374 - 17 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1708
Abstract
Despite guidelines for screening and treating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), systemic issues and clinician biases often result in unmet mental health needs in Black women. This study assessed the feasibility and impact of comprehensive PMAD training on obstetric healthcare providers’ attitudes, [...] Read more.
Despite guidelines for screening and treating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), systemic issues and clinician biases often result in unmet mental health needs in Black women. This study assessed the feasibility and impact of comprehensive PMAD training on obstetric healthcare providers’ attitudes, knowledge, and implicit racial biases. We conducted a feasibility study with two cohorts of healthcare providers who received either in-person or virtual training. The training focused on PMADs, implicit bias, and culturally responsive care. Participants completed pre- and post-training assessments measuring attitudes, knowledge, empathy, and implicit racial biases. Both training modalities showed trends towards improved PMAD screening attitudes and empathy, with significant increases in beliefs about treatment efficacy. Implicit bias scores approached significance, showing a shift toward fewer participants with racial preferences. However, there was an unexplained increase in preference for White over Black post training. The training improved healthcare providers’ readiness to screen for PMADs and enhanced their understanding of PMADs. However, the persistence of implicit biases highlights the need for ongoing, sustained interventions to address deeply rooted biases. Future research should incorporate continuous learning strategies and link training to healthcare outcomes for minoritized communities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How Reproductive Life Events Influence Women's Mental Health)
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11 pages, 251 KiB  
Commentary
Rapid-Acting Treatments for Perinatal Depression: Clinical Landscapes and Future Horizons
by Emily M. Beydler, Amanda Koire, Elizabeth Steuber, Joseph J. Taylor and Reid J. Mergler
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(4), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22040546 - 2 Apr 2025
Viewed by 421
Abstract
Perinatal depression affects approximately 1 in 5 women and is the leading cause of maternal mortality in the United States. In addition to evidence-based treatment with antidepressant medications, there has been a push to identify rapid-acting options for pregnant and postpartum individuals. This [...] Read more.
Perinatal depression affects approximately 1 in 5 women and is the leading cause of maternal mortality in the United States. In addition to evidence-based treatment with antidepressant medications, there has been a push to identify rapid-acting options for pregnant and postpartum individuals. This paper reviews the evidence behind new pharmacological agents (neurosteroids and ketamine) and non-pharmacological approaches (transcranial magnetic stimulation). The paper also highlights the risks and benefits of electroconvulsive therapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Based on recent studies and research, the paper provides considerations when prescribing these modalities including: timing of symptom onset, severity of presentation, breastfeeding priorities, prior treatment response and treatment availability and cost. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How Reproductive Life Events Influence Women's Mental Health)
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