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Physical and Mental Health: Mothers and Infants
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Physical and Mental Health: Mothers and Infants

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 March 2023) | Viewed by 11919

Special Issue Editors

Dr. David Ramiro-Cortijo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
Interests: breast milk; inflammation; prematurity; fetal programming; oxidative status; obstetrical complications; pregnant physiology
Dr. María de la Fe Rodríguez Muñoz

E-Mail Website
Assistant Guest Editor
Department of Personality, Evaluation and Treatment Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Nacional de Educacion a Distancia, 28015 Madrid, Spain
Interests: perinatal depression; anxiety; risk factors; treatment; prevention; e-health; breastfeeding; infertility

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Optimal health during the perinatal period is essential not only for women but also for the developing infant. Failure in physical and mental health during this period has been related to anxiety disorders and depression in the mother and unstructured attachment in infancy, harmful outcomes nowadays and with seriously impacting on public health policies.

Physical and Mental Health during gestation and the immediate postnatal period is a profound unknown in the field of public health. Moreover, events that occur in the fetal period may be so decisive for the health of future generations that they may predispose to cardiovascular disease. This idea has been worked out under the Fetal Programming Hypothesis. In this context, it would seem logical to think that increasing maternal health knowledge with physical and mental implications will be helpful to optimize materno–fetal development.

This Research Topic welcomes the latest research or reviews focusing on maternal health during the perinatal period, their role in health and diseases not only in women but also in infants. In this Research Topic, the peri- and postnatal stage is valued, so research related to the gestational stage is also welcome. We accept original research articles, literature and systematic reviews, meta-analysis articles, intervention protocols, and case reports. This collection will focus on both basic, translational, and clinical research, which uses animal models, observational or interventional studies, and clinical trials.

Dr. David Ramiro-Cortijo
Dr. María de la Fe Rodríguez Muñoz
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • depression
  • anxiety
  • neonatal attachment
  • obstetrical complications
  • fetal programming of diseases

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 1235 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Relationship between Anemia and Postpartum Depression: Evidence from Malawi
by Zijing Cheng, Mahesh Karra, Muqi Guo, Vikram Patel and David Canning
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 3178; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043178 - 11 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2051
Abstract
Purpose: Study findings suggest association between anemia and postpartum depression, but available evidence is scant and inconsistent. We investigate whether anemia is related to postpartum depression among women who have recently given birth in Malawi, where anemia prevalence is high. Methods: We use [...] Read more.
Purpose: Study findings suggest association between anemia and postpartum depression, but available evidence is scant and inconsistent. We investigate whether anemia is related to postpartum depression among women who have recently given birth in Malawi, where anemia prevalence is high. Methods: We use cross-sectional data from 829 women who were 18–36 years old, married, lived in Lilongwe, Malawi, and gave birth between August 2017 and February 2019. The primary outcome is postpartum depression in the year after birth, defined by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Anemia status was assessed using hemoglobin levels that were measured at the time of the interview. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the relationship between postpartum depression and anemia status. Results: Our analysis sample consists of 565 women who completed the PHQ-9, tested for anemia, and had no missing values for covariates. Of these women, 37.5% had anemia (hemoglobin levels ≤ 110 g/L), and 2.7% were classified as showing symptoms of a major depressive disorder (MDD). After adjusting for potential confounders, anemia was significantly associated with increased risk of MDD (OR: 3.48, 95% CI: 1.15–10.57, p-value: 0.03). No significant associations were found between other covariates and postpartum depression. Conclusions: Our findings suggest a potential association between anemia and postpartum depression among women in Malawi. Policies that aim to improve nutrition and health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women could generate a “double benefit” by both preventing anemia and reducing the risk of postpartum depression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical and Mental Health: Mothers and Infants)
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12 pages, 708 KiB  
Article
‘Next Stop: Mum’: Evaluation of a Postpartum Depression Prevention Strategy in Poland
by Magdalena Chrzan-Dętkoś, Natalia Murawska and Tamara Walczak-Kozłowska
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11731; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811731 - 17 Sep 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3599
Abstract
In the article we present a mid-point evaluation of the postpartum depression (PPD) prevention strategy in Poland. As PPD is associated with potential negative consequences for the mother and infant, the need to introduce screening and treatment is vital. The project covered over [...] Read more.
In the article we present a mid-point evaluation of the postpartum depression (PPD) prevention strategy in Poland. As PPD is associated with potential negative consequences for the mother and infant, the need to introduce screening and treatment is vital. The project covered over 21,500 women in the first year postpartum. The average score in the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), in a screening provided in direct contact, was 4.73 (SD = 4.14, n = 7222), and increased in 55% of women in the follow-up study. In online screening the average score in the EPDS assessment was 16.05 (SD = 5.975, n = 10,454). The ‘probable depression’ rate (EPDS > 12) in ‘direct’ contact is 7.3%, and on the online platform—77%. Additionally, 26% of possibly affected mothers assessed in ‘direct’ contact benefited from psychological consultations. The average score in the EPDS among mothers who benefitted from consultations is 16.24 (SD =4.674, n = 231). Approx. 82% of healthcare providers raised their knowledge of PPD after training sessions. Maintaining the assumptions of the program: training for medical staff, screening conducted throughout the first twelve months postpartum, online platform with the possibility of self-screening and early psychological intervention seem to be justified actions, leading to a higher number of women with risk of PPD referred. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical and Mental Health: Mothers and Infants)
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12 pages, 386 KiB  
Article
Women during Lactation Reduce Their Physical Activity and Sleep Duration Compared to Pregnancy
by Gema Cabrera-Domínguez, María de la Calle, Gloria Herranz Carrillo, Santiago Ruvira, Pilar Rodríguez-Rodríguez, Silvia M. Arribas and David Ramiro-Cortijo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11199; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811199 - 6 Sep 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1993
Abstract
Sleep, mental health and physical activity are fundamental for wellbeing, and some of these factors are interrelated. However, these aspects are not usually considered during pregnancy and lactation, which are particularly vulnerable periods. Therefore, our aims were to conduct a cross sectional study [...] Read more.
Sleep, mental health and physical activity are fundamental for wellbeing, and some of these factors are interrelated. However, these aspects are not usually considered during pregnancy and lactation, which are particularly vulnerable periods. Therefore, our aims were to conduct a cross sectional study to assess the psychological capital, quality of life, sleep hygiene and physical activity in a cohort of women during pregnancy and lactation periods. Women were recruited from Spanish maternity and lactation non-profit associations and social networks through an online platform with the following inclusion criteria: pregnancy (in any period of gestation) or breastfeeding period (≤6 months postpartum). The cohort was categorized into ≤12 weeks of gestation (n = 32), >12 weeks of gestation (n = 119) and lactation (n = 60). The women self-reported the sociodemographic data, obstetric complications and full breastfeeding or mixed practices. In addition, women responded to the psychological capital instrument, the health survey form, the Pittsburg sleep quality index and the pregnancy physical activity questionnaire. Overall, the groups were similar in sociodemographic variables. Women in the lactation period perceived lower social support compared to the gestation period. No statistically differences were found between groups in the psychological capital nor in the general health survey form. However, the models adjusted by employment and civil and economic status and perceived social support, demonstrated that the sleep duration negatively associated with the lactation period (β = 1.13 ± 0.56; p-Value = 0.016), and the household tasks were associated with this period (β = 2147.3 ± 480.7; p-Value < 0.001). A decrease in physical daily activities were associated with both the end of gestation and the lactation periods. In addition, the decreasing total activity was associated with the lactation period (β = 1683.67 ± 688.05; p-Value = 0.016). In conclusion, during lactation, the poorer sleep and physical activity, together with a lower social support of the woman, may lead to deficient mental health adjustment. Our data suggest that women are at higher risk of vulnerability in lactation compared to the gestation period. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical and Mental Health: Mothers and Infants)
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13 pages, 976 KiB  
Article
Prevalence of Congenital Anomaly and Its Relationship with Maternal Education and Age According to Local Development in the Extreme South of Brazil
by Carolina Ribeiro Anele, Marcelo Zubaran Goldani, Lavínia Schüler-Faccini and Clécio Homrich da Silva
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 8079; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19138079 - 1 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1811
Abstract
Congenital anomalies (CA) contribute to disabilities and health conditions throughout life. Furthermore, they can cause emotional distress to the mothers and children, who may also experience limitations in individual and social development. This study investigated the prevalence of CA and the relationship with [...] Read more.
Congenital anomalies (CA) contribute to disabilities and health conditions throughout life. Furthermore, they can cause emotional distress to the mothers and children, who may also experience limitations in individual and social development. This study investigated the prevalence of CA and the relationship with maternal education and age according to local development in the extreme south of Brazil. This is a retrospective observational study with birth data from the Live Birth Information System from 2000 to 2017. The association between age and maternal education with the presence of CA was verified using multiple Poisson regression for robust variances in models adjusted for those variables with a preliminary significant association. A total of 5131 (1.5%) had some CA identified at birth between 2000 and 2017. Only advanced age (≥36 years) was associated with CA regardless of macro-region development (p ≤ 0.001). The highest risk was observed in regions with medium development (RR = 1.60; 95% CI 1.30–1.97). Maternal education (<8 years of study) was associated with CA only in mothers from macro-regions with very high development (RR = 1.27; 95% CI 1.03–1.54). These analyses confirmed that women of advanced age are at greater risk of having children with a CA regardless of maternal education and local development, but social characteristics can also have an influence, as regions with higher development had lower prevalence of CA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical and Mental Health: Mothers and Infants)
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7 pages, 950 KiB  
Article
Progressive Changes in Lumbopelvic Alignment during the Three Month-Postpartum Recovery Period
by Mako Fukano, Kozo Aisaka, Sayaka Nose-Ogura, Tomoyuki Fujii and Suguru Torii
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(10), 5807; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19105807 - 10 May 2022
Viewed by 1562
Abstract
Pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain is a common musculoskeletal problem, and postural changes are believed to be involved in these disorders. However, the lumbopelvic alignment changes in postpartum women remain unclear. This study aimed to determine whether there are changes in lumbopelvic alignment following vaginal [...] Read more.
Pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain is a common musculoskeletal problem, and postural changes are believed to be involved in these disorders. However, the lumbopelvic alignment changes in postpartum women remain unclear. This study aimed to determine whether there are changes in lumbopelvic alignment following vaginal or cesarean delivery and when these alignment changes occur after delivery. Thirty postpartum females (PP group) and 20 nulliparous female controls (CTL group) underwent anteroposterior, lateral pelvic, and lower-back X-ray in a static upright position. Digital radiographic images were analyzed and three radiographic variables, the pelvic incidence, pubic symphysis width, and sacral slope, were measured. The pubic symphysis width of the PP group was significantly larger immediately and one month after childbirth (PP group: 6.0 ± 1.1 mm (immediately), 5.0 ± 1.2 mm (one month); CTL group: 3.4 ± 0.4 mm; F = 31.79, p < 0.001). The sacrum slope in the PP group was significantly larger than in the CTL group 1 month after childbirth (PP group: 39.9 ± 6.6°; CTL group: 32.8 ± 5.1°; F = 2.59, p = 0.05). A two-way analysis of variance indicated no statistically significant main effects or interaction effects between the delivery modes on the pubic symphysis width or the sacrum slope. This study suggested that the course of lumbopelvic alignment progressed towards recovery for at least one month, and that these changes were independent of the delivery method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical and Mental Health: Mothers and Infants)
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