Search Results (62)

Pregnant individuals who receive a fetal anomaly diagnosis experience significantly elevated rates of depression, anxiety, and traumatic stress—up to four to six times higher than those for individuals with low-risk pregnancies. In low-risk pregnancies, perinatal mental health conditions are the leading cause of maternal mortality and are associated with adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight. These risks are likely compounded in pregnancies involving fetal anomalies due to the intersecting psychological and social burdens that complicate maternal well-being and access to care. However, there is a critical gap in understanding how these mental health symptoms translate into diagnoses, treatments, and outcomes due to the absence of a validated screening tool tailored to this population’s unique psychosocial needs. This perspective article reviews evidence, highlights the urgent need for specialized screening, and introduces ongoing research aimed at developing and validating an instrument that integrates both mental health symptoms and broader psychosocial distress. By bridging this gap, structured psychosocial screening has the potential to improve care coordination, facilitate earlier intervention, and mitigate long-term distress for individuals navigating pregnancies affected by fetal anomalies. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Mediterranean diet (MD) is well-studied for its health-promoting effects, while the factors influencing adherence in children remain an important research focus. This study examines the sociodemographic, maternal, perinatal, and lifestyle determinants associated with MD adherence among children aged 6–9 years in an effort to identify key predictors and their impact on long-term nutritional habits. Methods: This study recruited 4851 children from diverse Greek rural and urban regions. The mothers of the enrolled children completed relevant questionnaires on their children’s sociodemographics, perinatal outcomes, anthropometric parameters, breastfeeding practices, and physical activity status. The enrolled children completed the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) and the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children—State (STAIC-S) form to assess the presence of depression and anxiety symptoms, respectively. The KIDMED score was used to assess the MD compliance of the enrolled children. Results: The outcomes demonstrated that higher maternal education and family economic status gravitated toward increased MD adherence (p = 0.0071, p ˂ 0.0001), while exclusive breastfeeding (p ˂ 0.0001) and higher physical activity levels (p = 0.0101) were strong predictive factors for MD adherence, highlighting the role of early-life interventions in shaping dietary habits. In contrast, cesarean delivery (p = 0.0173) and higher birth weight (p ˂ 0.0001) were linked to lower MD adherence, indicating potential metabolic and behavioral predispositions. Notably, higher MD adherence correlated with lower prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms (p ˂ 0.0001, p = 0.0001), underscoring its potential protective role in mental health. Conclusions: Our findings highlight a complex interplay between early-life and dietary behaviors, while further longitudinal studies are needed to establish causality and optimize evidence-based nutritional strategies and education for childhood health and well-being. Full article

Background and Objectives: Evidence regarding how dispositional traits, antenatal anxiety, substance use, and obstetric events converge to shape post-partum depression (PPD) in South-East Europe is limited. We analysed 102 third-trimester women and followed them to six weeks post-partum, and 102 age-matched community controls were used to (i) compare baseline psychological profiles, (ii) chart antenatal-to-post-partum symptom trajectories, and (iii) build an integrated model of clinically relevant PPD (Edinburgh Post-natal Depression Scale, EPDS ≥ 12). Materials and Methods: All 96 raw variables were forward–backward translated from Romanian, reconciled, and harmonized. The principal instruments used were EPDS, State–Trait Anxiety Inventory form Y (STAI-Y), Revised Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory (OCI-R), NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI-60), and the four-item Maternal Worry and Satisfaction Scale (MWSS). Results: Groups were age-matched (31.1 ± 5.4 vs. 30.3 ± 5.1 years, p = 0.268) but differed in urban residence (39% vs. 17%, p = 0.001) and current substance use (smoking 21% vs. 34%, p = 0.041; alcohol 6% vs. 22%, p = 0.002). Of five personality domains, only openness scored lower in peripartum women (26.1 ± 4.6 vs. 29.3 ± 5.2, p < 0.001). State anxiety rose significantly from pregnancy to puerperium (+5.1 ± 8.4 points, p < 0.001). Post-partum EPDS correlated most strongly with state anxiety (r = 0.62) and neuroticism (r = 0.50). A final model (pseudo-R² = 0.30) identified post-partum state anxiety (OR 1.10 per point, 95% CI 1.05–1.15, p < 0.001) as the independent predictor; neuroticism showed a trend (OR 1.08, p = 0.081). Obstetric factors (prematurity, birth weight, caesarean section) were not significant. Conclusions: In this Romanian cohort, heightened state anxiety—in synergy with high neuroticism and lower openness—dominated the risk landscape of early onset PPD, whereas delivery mode and neonatal status were neutral. Routine perinatal mental health screening should therefore incorporate anxiety metrics alongside depression scales and brief trait inventories to refine preventive targeting. Full article

Background/Objectives: The global prevalence of childhood obesity and overweight is steadily increasing, representing a pressing public health concern due to its persistence during adolescence and adulthood and its association with elevated morbidity and mortality risks. This cross-sectional study was designed to examine the potential association between overweight/obesity and the presence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in children aged 6 to 9 years. Methods: A total of 4098 children from various urban and rural regions in Greece were enrolled. Data was collected through maternal questionnaires capturing sociodemographic characteristics, perinatal outcomes, anthropometric measurements, breastfeeding practices, and physical activity levels. Children fulfilled the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children—State form (STAIC-S) to evaluate symptoms of depression and anxiety, respectively. Results: Childhood overweight/obesity was independently and significantly associated with a more than two-fold increased likelihood of presenting depressive and anxiety symptoms. Childhood overweight/obesity was also significantly associated with maternal obesity, gestational weight gain, childbirth weight, mode of delivery, exclusive breastfeeding, and children’s physical activity. Conclusions: Overweight and obesity in children aged 6–9 years are significantly associated with an elevated risk of psychological distress, including depression and anxiety. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health policies and nutritional interventions aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle practices from early childhood. Educational efforts should also support new mothers in adopting and sustaining health-promoting behaviors to mitigate the long-term consequences of childhood obesity. Full article

Background: Perinatal depression and anxiety can be experienced simultaneously and change over time. This study aimed to explore the independent and joint developmental trajectories and predictors of perinatal depression and anxiety. Methods: From January 2022 to December 2023, a total of 1062 pregnant women from Affiliated Women’s Hospital of Jiangnan University were surveyed for depression and anxiety symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) in early pregnancy (T1, 0–13⁺⁶ weeks), mid-term pregnancy (T2, 14–27⁺⁶ weeks), late pregnancy (T3, 28–41 weeks), and 42 days postpartum (T4). Parallel-process latent class growth model (PPLCGM) was performed to identify the joint developmental trajectories of perinatal depression and anxiety, and logistic regression was used to analyze factors of joint trajectories. Results: Perinatal depression and anxiety each showed four heterogeneous developmental trajectories, and three joint developmental trajectories were identified: “high–slightly decreasing depression and high decreasing anxiety group” (3%), “low–stable depression and low–stable anxiety group” (71%), and “moderate–slightly increasing depression and moderate–decreasing anxiety group” (26%). Adverse maternal history, history of anxiety and depression, and work stress were risk factors for the joint developmental trajectory of perinatal depression and anxiety, while regular exercise, paid work and social support were protective factors. Conclusions: Three joint developmental trajectories for perinatal depression and anxiety were identified, demonstrating group heterogeneity. Perinatal healthcare providers should pay attention to the mental health history of pregnant women, conduct multiple assessments of perinatal anxiety and depression, prioritize individuals with risk factors, and advocate for regular exercise, work participation, and provide greater social support. Full article

The Perinatal Multisite Databank (PMD) aims at facilitating research on perinatal mental health by collecting clinical information of patients referred for evaluations at perinatal mental health clinics across the province of Quebec, Canada with the potential to improve patient care and support evidence-based practice. This study provides a detailed description of the first 693 participants concerning psychosocial risk characteristics, the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and comorbidity during the perinatal period, the evolution of perinatal depression and anxiety symptoms over time, and the treatments received. Data were collected using clinical reports and well-validated questionnaires at multiple timepoints (from pregnancy to 6 months postpartum). Results are discussed within the context of improving patient care and disease prevention strategies in the perinatal period. Full article

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the opinions of pregnant women living with HIV (PWLWHIV) about their positive childbirth experiences and the most important factors contributing to positive or negative experiences. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 82 PWLWHIV; semi-structured interviews were conducted in a public hospital in Rio de Janeiro. Results: A total of 65 (79.3%) PWLWHIV experienced a positive childbirth experience. Conversely, 14 (17.1%) PWLWHIV had a negative experience. The main reasons given by the PWLWHIV for positive experiences were the good health of the baby, their partner’s presence at the childbirth, and good healthcare professional support. The main reasons for negative childbirth experiences were poor healthcare professional support, excessive pain or medication, and the absence of a companion during childbirth. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the health of the baby at birth was the main factor in positive childbirth experiences. On the other hand, poor healthcare professional support was the main cause of negative childbirth experiences. Increasing the incidence of positive childbirth experiences could reduce maternal depression and anxiety, and significantly impact neonatal outcomes (mainly low birth weights and preterm birth). Future studies should target reducing depressive symptoms in perinatal HIV-positive women, increasing partner involvement, and decreasing HIV stigma. Full article

Background: Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (P-PTSD) symptoms develop after experiencing childbirth as traumatic. Several individual and environmental factors influence the childbirth experience. However, in Italy, this phenomenon remains unexplored due to the lack of screening tools. This project aims to validate the Italian version of the Perinatal PTSD Questionnaire (PPQ-II) and to identify maternal, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum risk and protective factors associated with P-PTSD. Methods: A total of 702 women (6–24 months postpartum) participated in an online cross-sectional study. They completed the PPQ-II, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), Big Five Inventory-10 (BFI-10), and a questionnaire to assess sociodemographic and perinatal factors. Factor structure was estimated with an exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Internal consistency of the scale, convergent and divergent analyses were computed. Associations between perinatal factors and P-PTSD were also investigated. Results: The EFA revealed a two-factor structure: “Arousal and Mood alteration” and “Avoidance and Intrusion”. CFA supported the factor structure, showing a good fit of the data. The validity was confirmed by a significant association between the PPQ-II and the DASS-21 and a lower correlation with the BFI-10. Significant associations were found between P-PTSD symptoms and factors across the maternal, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods. Conclusions: The Italian PPQ-II is a valid screening tool to include in maternity care protocols for the early identification of P-PTSD. This study also contributes to identifying perinatal factors for symptom detection and the promotion of maternal well-being. Full article

Objectives: This study examined how self-compassion and emotional regulation strategies have influenced perinatal anxiety, depression, and social anxiety during COVID-19. Methods: A probabilistic sample, determined by convenience criteria of 265 Australian perinatal women completed an online survey containing measures of depression, anxiety, social anxiety, COVID-19 experiences, self-compassion, and emotional regulation strategies. Results: As hypothesised, correlation analyses showed that self-compassion and adaptive emotional regulation strategies were negatively related to anxiety, depression and social anxiety, and maladaptive strategies were positively related. Contrary to predictions, COVID-19-related experiences showed little relationship with mental health outcomes. Parallel mediation analyses showed that self-compassion negatively predicted depression and anxiety and was partially mediated by specific emotional regulation strategies. For social anxiety, self-compassion was fully mediated by emotional regulation strategies. Different emotional regulation strategies were significant mediators of the relationship between self-compassion and each mental health outcome. Conclusions: The findings suggest that reinforcing self-compassion and addressing certain emotional regulation deficits is important in alleviating mental health symptoms among perinatal women. Full article

During pregnancy, reproductive hormonal changes could affect the mental health of women, such as depression and anxiety. Previous studies have shown that exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is significantly associated with mental health symptoms; however, the results were inconsistent. We aimed to examine the association between 24 endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in maternal urine and perinatal depression and their association with dietary and lifestyle factors. Participants were recruited from the “No Environmental Hazards for Mother–Child” cohort in Korea. Structured questionnaires asking dietary and lifestyle factors and evaluation of depressive symptoms were administered during antepartum (14 weeks of gestation) and postpartum (within four weeks after birth) periods. Urine samples were collected from 242 and 119 women during antepartum and postpartum periods, respectively. To assess perinatal depression, we used the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Antepartum depression and mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP) (1.50, 1.01–2.23) and 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) (0.05, 0–0.89) showed significant positive association. Additionally, postpartum depression showed significant associations with mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) (2.78, 1.00–7.70), mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) (2.79, 1.04–7.46), 2-hydroxynaphthalene (2-NAP) (7.22, 1.43–36.59), and 2-hydroxyfluorene (2-FLU) (<0.01, 0–0.004). Some dietary factors (consumption of fish, fermented foods, cup noodles, and popcorn) and consumer product factors (use of skin care, makeup, perfume, antibiotics, sunscreen, nail polish, new furniture, plastic tableware, detergent, polish, paint, and pesticide) were associated with the concentration level of chemicals. We found that exposure to several EDCs during pregnancy and the postpartum period was associated with perinatal depression and dietary–lifestyle factors. Women in childbirth need to actively seek out information about exposure to EDCs and make efforts to avoid them for their own and fetal health. Full article

Background/Objectives: The current trend in maternal health is to foster more natural and less medicalized therapies, with increasing interest in complementary therapies. This study has analyzed the benefits of complementary therapies during pregnancy, delivery and the postpartum period. Methods: A paired systematic review was carried out (PROSPERO: CRD42024543981). The following databases were consulted: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL. Inclusion criteria were randomized clinical trials about complementary therapies in women during pregnancy, delivery and/or the postpartum period. The risk of bias of the clinical trials was evaluated using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomized trials version 2 (RoB-2). Results: A total of 1684 studies were found, with a final selection of 17. The most studied symptom was pain. Hydrotherapy, perinatal Swiss ball exercises, acupressure, virtual reality and foot reflexology provided a significant reduction in pain during labor. Similarly, aromatherapy, electroacupuncture and massage have shown significant benefits in pain management after Cesarean. Yoga, when practiced during pregnancy, effectively reduces anxiety and depression, with similar benefits observed when practiced during the postpartum period. Conclusions: Complementary therapies improve pain, anxiety and depression management across maternal health phases. Full article

Background: The risk of depression during pregnancy and postpartum is high and has intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to estimate the risk of depressive disorders and self-harm thoughts in the third trimester of pregnancy and the first week postpartum in the pandemic period. Methods: This study involved a total of 317 pregnant and postpartum women. The risk and severity of depressive disorders and the prevalence of self-harm thoughts in women during the perinatal period were assessed using EPDS. Results: Pregnant women were significantly more likely to have higher EPDS scores compared to postpartum women. Mild depressive symptoms were reported by 22.08% of pregnant women and 17.18% of postpartum women, and severe symptoms were observed in 25.97% of pregnant women and 16.56% of postpartum women. Thoughts of self-harm were reported by 11.69% of pregnant women and 17.79% of postpartum women. Self-harm thoughts were significantly more common among pregnant women: multiparous women, pregnant women who received psychiatric treatment before pregnancy, those diagnosed with depressive disorders, those who suffered from prolonged periods of anxiety and sadness, and those lacking a supportive person. Among postpartum women, there were statistically significant differences in the prevalence of self-harm thoughts for place of residence, education, type of occupation, number of pregnancies, course of pregnancy, and presence of a supportive person. Conclusions: The increased prevalence of depressive symptoms and self-harm thoughts related to the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the urgent need for screening among pregnant women and the implementation of clinical interventions. Full article

(1) Background: Prenatal depression, maternal anxiety, puerperal psychosis, and suicidal thoughts affect child welfare and development and maternal health and mortality. Women in low-income countries suffer maternal mental health issues in 25% of cases during pregnancy and 20% of cases thereafter. However, MMH screening, diagnosis, and reporting are lacking. The primary goals of the present study are twofold, as follows: firstly, to evaluate the importance of screening maternal mental health to alleviate perinatal depression and maternal anxiety, and, secondly, to analyze research patterns and propose novel approaches and procedures to bridge the current research gap and aid practitioners in enhancing the quality of care offered to women exhibiting symptoms of perinatal depression. (2) Methods: We conducted a bibliometric analysis to analyze the research topic, using the bibliometric tools Biblioshiny and VOSviewer, as well as the R statistical programming language. To accomplish our goal, we obtained a total of 243 documents from the Scopus and PubMed databases and conducted an analysis utilizing network, co-occurrence, and multiple correlation approaches. (3) Results: Most of the publications in the field were published between the years 2021 and 2024. The results of this study highlight the significance of shifting from conventional screening methods to digital ones for healthcare professionals to effectively manage the symptoms of maternal mental health associated with postpartum depression. Furthermore, the results of the present study suggest that digital screening can prevent maternal physical morbidity, contribute to psychosocial functioning, and enhance infant physical and cognitive health. (4) Conclusions: The research indicates that it is crucial to adopt and include a computerized screening practice to efficiently and immediately detect and clarify the signs of prenatal to neonatal depression. The introduction of digital screening has led to a decrease in scoring errors, an improvement in screening effectiveness, a decrease in administration times, the creation of clinical and patient reports, and the initiation of referrals for anxiety and depression therapy. Full article

Background: Anxiety is one of the most frequent disorders during the perinatal stage that is associated with adverse health effects in women and their babies. In spite of this, preventive interventions during this stage are scarce. A long-distance intervention carried out during pregnancy can be an effective and accessible resource to help improve women’s emotional state. The objective of this study is to present and assess the effectiveness of a telepsychology cognitive–behavioral preventive intervention during pregnancy to manage anxiety. Methods: A random clinical trial will be carried out among pregnant women in Spain. The psychological intervention will take place via videoconference in seven weekly sessions, lasting one hour each, with groups of 6–8 pregnant women. Study outcomes will be collected via online questionnaires at five points in time: pre-intervention (baseline: t0), post-intervention (baseline: t1), follow-up at 1 month (t2), follow-up at 3 months (t3) and follow-up at 6 months (t4). The control group will receive usual pregnancy care (attendance at pregnancy follow-up consultations and information and answers to frequently asked questions provided by the midwife). Our primary hypothesis is that the intervention will decrease the frequency of women who present anxious symptomatology during pregnancy. The second objective is to analyze the effectiveness of this intervention to prevent depressive symptomatology during pregnancy, as well as postpartum anxiety and depressive symptomatology. The primary outcome measure is the difference in the mean anxiety score between the intervention and control groups assessed by the Edinburgh Depression Scale-Anxiety Subscale (EDS-3A), the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener (GAD-7) at the end of the intervention and at 1, 3 and 6 months postpartum. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) will be evaluated with the SCID clinical interview at the same time points. The secondary outcome will be determined by using the EPDS at the same time points. Conclusions: The results will determine whether a cognitive behavioral therapy applied via videoconference is well accepted by pregnant women, and if it is effective in preventing anxiety and emotional symptoms during the perinatal stage. If this intervention is an effective and useful resource among pregnant women, it can be implemented as a tool in Spanish healthcare. Full article

Background and Objectives: The prevalence of depressive symptoms during pregnancy is about 20%, and 10–15% in the postpartum period. Suicide is a worrying cause of death among women in these periods. Although ICD-10 lacks specific definitions for perinatal depression (it is planned in ICD-11), the DSM-5 defines it. Various etiological factors and treatment options are being investigated. This study aimed to examine potential etiological factors in order to contribute to potential preventive and therapeutic approaches. Material and Methods: A prospective study at the Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Clinical Center of Serbia, from October 2023 to January 2024 was conducted. Two hundred and five healthy women were surveyed before giving birth (37+ gestational weeks) and 2 weeks and 2 months after childbirth. The following factors were examined: sociodemographic, psychological, and obstetric (using a specially designed questionnaire); relationship quality (DAS-32); and depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms (EPDS; DASS-21). Results: Depression frequency was 26.3% before childbirth, 20% in the second week, and 21.9% in the second month after delivery. DASS-21 test results showed a statistically significant correlation before delivery and two weeks postpartum (p = 0.02). Factors that are significantly associated with the presence of depressive symptoms include the following: before childbirth—miscarriages (p < 0.01); in the second week after childbirth—personal experiences of a difficult birth (p < 0.01), cesarean delivery instead of planned vaginal delivery (p = 0.03), and application of epidural anesthesia (p = 0.04); and in the second month after childbirth—satisfaction with financial status (p = 0.035). Relationship quality is significantly correlated with DASS-21 test results before childbirth, in the second week, and in the second month after childbirth (p < 0.01), and it is significantly different in women with and without depressive symptoms (before childbirth, in the second week, and in the second month after childbirth, p < 0.01). Conclusions: There are risk factors that can be addressed preventively and therapeutically during pregnancy and in labor. This could be achieved through psychotherapy, partner support, and appropriate management of labor. Full article