Search Results (126)

Background: Perinatal depression and anxiety are common but often under-detected. Current screening relies on depression-centered instruments and may miss relational drivers including sexual dysfunction, low self-esteem, and psychosocial adversity. Objective: To synthesize evidence on sexual function, self-esteem/body image, and psychosocial context as correlates of perinatal depression and anxiety, and propose a risk-stratified screening framework. Methods: We conducted a narrative evidence synthesis of studies from January 2010 to May 2025 (PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science) examining associations between perinatal mood/anxiety outcomes and sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index), self-esteem/body image (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), and psychosocial factors (perceived support, intimate partner violence). Results: Sexual dysfunction was highly prevalent and consistently associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms. Longitudinal evidence demonstrated bidirectional pathways: mood symptoms reduced sexual satisfaction, while sexual difficulties intensified relational strain and symptom persistence. Low self-esteem and negative body image mediated links between physiological changes and postpartum depression. Psychosocial adversity, particularly low partner support and intimate partner violence, identified high-risk subgroups with greater severity and slower recovery. Single-instrument approaches (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale alone) may miss pregnancy-specific anxiety and postpartum relational drivers. Conclusions: A staged, risk-stratified model is recommended: assess pregnancy-specific anxiety alongside depression screening in the second/third trimesters; postpartum, selectively add sexual function and self-esteem assessment for women with elevated symptoms or psychosocial risk. Integration within defined referral pathways may improve detection and enable targeted perinatal mental health care. Full article

Background/Objectives: Postpartum depression and anxiety affect up to 20% of women worldwide, yet remain understudied in Eastern Europe. Romania, one of Europe’s most religious countries, provides a unique context for examining how coping strategies and religiosity influence perinatal mental health. This cross-sectional study characterized coping styles, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and religiosity among postpartum women from two western Romanian counties (Bihor and Timiș) and examined associations between coping dimensions and psychological outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 201 postpartum women recruited from two public maternity hospitals between 2024 and 2025. Sociodemographic, obstetric, neonatal, coping (COPE Inventory), depressive (EPDS; PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), and religiosity (RCI-10) data were collected through questionnaires and medical record extraction. Associations between coping dimensions and psychological symptoms were examined using Pearson correlations. Analyses were performed in RStudio. Results: Prevalence of possible depression (EPDS ≥ 10) was 32.8% overall, with no regional difference (Bihor 32.0% vs. Timiș 33.7%, p = 0.920). EPDS demonstrated strong convergent validity with PHQ-9 (r = 0.58, p < 0.001) and GAD-7 (r = 0.61, p < 0.001). In bivariate analyses, avoidant coping showed the strongest association with depressive symptoms (r = 0.28, p < 0.001), particularly in Bihor (r = 0.35, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis (R² = 0.196, p < 0.001) identified avoidant coping as the strongest independent predictor (β = 2.82, 95% CI [1.16, 4.48], p < 0.001), followed by social support coping (β = 2.46, 95% CI [1.09, 3.83], p < 0.001). Emotion-focused coping showed an unexpected protective effect (β = −2.97, p = 0.004). Problem-focused coping and religiosity were not significant predictors. Critically, county was non-significant after controlling for coping strategies (p = 0.732), indicating regional differences are mediated by coping patterns rather than geographic location. Conclusions: Postpartum depression prevalence in Romania aligns with international estimates. Avoidant coping emerged as the primary modifiable risk factor. Findings support integrating coping assessment into postpartum screening and developing interventions targeting avoidant strategies in Romanian perinatal care. Full article

(1) Background: Perinatal loss is a deeply painful and often invisible experience, with a significant impact on mental health. This study aimed to assess levels of psychopathological symptoms, shame, and perceived social support according to the type of perinatal loss; explore the relationships between these variables; and analyze the mediating effect of perceived social support on the relationship between shame and symptoms, as well as the moderating effect of the type of loss. (2) Methods: A total of 501 Portuguese women who had experienced perinatal loss participated in the study, recruited through an online questionnaire. Psychopathological symptoms, shame, perceived social support, and type of loss were assessed. Analyses included descriptive statistics, Spearman correlations, normality and homogeneity of variances tests, and mediation and moderation models with PROCESS. (3) Results: The results revealed high levels of anxiety and depression, and moderate levels of shame. Perceived social support, especially from partners and family members, was high. Shame correlated positively with symptoms and negatively with social support. Only social support from friends significantly mediated the relationship between shame and psychological distress. (4) Conclusions: These results reinforce the protective role of support networks and the importance of clinical interventions focused on reducing shame. Full article

This systematic review aimed to identify psychosocial risk factors associated with the development of complicated perinatal grief in adult women who experienced pregnancy loss. Following PRISMA guidelines, comprehensive searches were conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases, covering 1990–2024. A total of 34 quantitative studies comprising 7872 participants were included, mainly using cross-sectional and longitudinal designs. Findings indicate that complicated perinatal grief is a multifactorial condition influenced by personal variables (absence of living children, history of depression or PTSD, advanced maternal age, low education and income), obstetric factors (later gestational loss, multiple pregnancies, stillbirth, or neonatal death), and psychosocial factors (low social support, relationship conflict, violence, ostracism, and limited psychological care). Negative cognitions, rumination, and maladaptive coping strategies were also linked to prolonged symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. The review concludes that complicated perinatal grief is a multidimensional phenomenon determined by psychological, social, cultural, and medical factors and highlights the need to understand perinatal loss as a profoundly significant experience that affects women’s identity, relationships, and mental health. This evidence highlights the importance of emphasizing the identified risk factors that can lead to complicated grief. Full article

Background/Objectives: The establishment of strong prenatal bonding is a key determinant of perinatal well-being, influencing maternal psychological adaptation and infant development. Numerous studies have examined risk factors and psychopathology during pregnancy, but limited research has explored the role of positive psychological constructs, such as positive mental health (PMH). This study aimed to assess whether anxiety mediates the relationship between PMH and the quality of prenatal bonding. Methods: A total of 90 pregnant women participated. PMH was assessed using the Abbreviated Positive Mental Health Questionnaire; anxiety using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; and prenatal bonding using the Prenatal Assessment Scale for Pregnant Women (EVAP). A simple mediation model was tested, with anxiety as a mediator between PMH (predictor) and prenatal bonding (outcome), controlling the analysis for previous miscarriages, relationship stability, high-risk pregnancy, and employment. Results: The model revealed partial mediation (F = 16.617, p < 0.001). Higher PMH was associated with lower anxiety (B = −0.297, SE = 0.062, p < 0.001) and stronger prenatal bonding (B = 0.777, SE = 0.091, p < 0.001). Interestingly, anxiety emerged as an adaptive response, which could improve maternal sensitivity and communication with the unborn child (B = 0.316, SE = 0.145, p = 0.032). The model explained 56% of the variance in prenatal bonding, even after accounting for relevant covariates. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of considering contextual and psychosocial factors when assessing the role of emotions such as anxiety during pregnancy. Rather than being inherently maladaptive, anxiety may play a functional role in facilitating maternal engagement with the baby, especially when grounded in PMH. Given the limited research, our findings support the integration of positive psychology frameworks into perinatal health interventions. Full article

Background: Depression and anxiety during pregnancy are global public health issues, as both are linked to adverse outcomes for mothers and their newborns. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety during pregnancy and identify the factors associated with these conditions in Mexican women. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 288 participants. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were applied during the second trimester of pregnancy. The factors associated with depression and anxiety were analyzed. Results: The prevalence of depression and anxiety was 20.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 16.1–25.7) and 22.2% (95% CI 17.8–27.3), respectively. The factors independently associated with an increased risk of depression, expressed as adjusted odds ratios with (95% CI), were anxiety, 10.8 (5.4–21.6), p = 0.0001, and educational level, secondary school and high school, 2.6 (1.10–6.14). In contrast, a bachelor’s degree was associated with a lower risk of depression, 0.38 (0.16–0.90), p = 0.03. The factors independently associated with a higher risk of anxiety were depression, 11.2 (5.6–22.1), and having children, 3.1 (1.6–6.1), p = 0.03. Conclusions: Our results show that one in five pregnant women exhibit clinical symptoms of depression or anxiety, and one in eight women have both conditions simultaneously. These findings highlight the importance of routine mental health screening and assessment during pregnancy. The factors linked to depression include anxiety and having completed secondary or high school education, while depression and having children were associated with anxiety. Full article

Structure of the study: Aims: The primary aim is to explore intergenerational clinical issues caused by the underdiagnosis of female autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) in mental illness (MI) patients by calculating the proportion of patients with mental health conditions who are autistic. Secondary aims are to derive further values for the true prevalence of female ASD and to derive a mathematical model to estimate the improved efficiency of management based on the correct diagnostic formulation. Context: Review diagnosis problems and background issues relating to female autism which affect the diagnosis and management of ASD and associated MIs. Methodology: An inductive process using Bayes’ theorem including a novel form akin to a medical test with secondary data from peer-reviewed sources, and the key variable of the unbiased value for the prevalence of ASD in females. Derivation of a model for management efficiency based on the Pareto Principle. Results: Prevalence values for ASD in various mental illnesses and conditions consequent on or associated with ASD and MI. Further data for the prevalence of female ASD with a range of 19 values. Estimation of the efficiency gains as advocacy for the revision of methods of treatment. Discussion: The centrality of diagnosing ASD in mothers with mental illness, in particular perinatal depression, to break a common intergenerational cycle. Problems to overcome and aspects of effective management including environmental and therapeutic interventions. Summary: This paper will, for the first time, calculate the proportions of children and young women with a mental illness (MI) who are autistic, and consider the consequences. Recent information suggests female autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is much more common than previously thought, with a likely prevalence of 6% and with 80% undiagnosed at the age of 18. ASD then becomes a common comorbidity of female mental illness with nearly one in five women who develop a mental illness being autistic. ASD has heretofore been regarded as a pediatric condition and, though now thought to be lifelong, it is still not well recognized by adult health services. Most mental illness first presents in the teens and early twenties, although anxiety can begin even earlier. Comorbid ASD is more difficult to diagnose due to diagnostic overshadowing, and ASD comorbidity makes the mental illness more severe and more difficult to treat. The consequences of perinatal depression are particularly concerning due to their intergenerational effects. Recognized ASD is readily treatable with an approach empathetic to neurodiversity. Improving the transition from adolescence to young adulthood by increasing knowledge of autism in adult health services would dramatically improve female mental health at surprisingly little effort or extra cost. Full article

Introduction: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs), including autism spectrum disorder and related conditions, are increasingly recognized among women of reproductive age, yet their unique needs during pregnancy and childbirth remain poorly studied. Communication differences, sensory sensitivities, and co-occurring psychiatric conditions may complicate maternity care, leading to higher risks of adverse outcomes and ethical challenges in clinical practice. This study aimed to examine pregnancy complications, delivery outcomes, and postpartum characteristics in women with NDs, compared with a control group, and to identify specific barriers in perinatal care. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at the National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Moscow, including 18 pregnant women with confirmed NDs and 21 matched controls with uncomplicated pregnancies. Data were extracted from medical records and included demographic parameters, pregnancy course, complications, labor management, neonatal outcomes, and documented communication or ethical issues. Comparative analyses were performed using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests for categorical variables and Student’s t-test or Mann–Whitney U test for continuous variables. Results: Pregnant women with NDs had significantly higher rates of pelvic girdle pain (66.7% vs. 23.8%, p = 0.01), vaginal bleeding (44.4% vs. 14.3%, p = 0.04), anxiety (61.1% vs. 19.0%, p = 0.007), and depression (50.0% vs. 14.3%, p = 0.02) compared with controls. Persistent daily nausea was also more common (50.0% vs. 14.3%, p = 0.03). Attendance of prenatal physician visits was lower in the ND group (66.7% vs. 95.2%, p = 0.02). Cesarean delivery occurred in 83.3% of ND women versus 23.8% of controls (p < 0.001), with psychiatric recommendations often cited as the indication. Breastfeeding was declined in 94.4% of ND cases versus 4.8% of controls. Labor duration was prolonged, and neonatal anthropometrics were lower in the ND group. Communication difficulties were documented in 83.3% of ND participants, and postpartum depressive symptoms were identified in 77.8%. Conclusions: Pregnant women with NDs face a multidimensional vulnerability in maternity care, including higher frequencies of pain, bleeding, nausea, anxiety, and depression, prolonged labor, markedly increased cesarean rates, reduced breastfeeding initiation, and smaller neonatal anthropometrics. Frequent communication barriers, guardian decision-making, and postpartum separation further complicate care. These findings underscore the necessity of neurodiversity-informed, individualized perinatal strategies, integrating sensory accommodations, trauma-informed communication, and proactive mental health support to improve both clinical outcomes and patient experiences. Full article

Background: Women are disproportionately affected by depression and generalized anxiety disorder compared to men throughout their lives. Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause are often associated with mood disturbances. Evidence suggests that modulating the gut microbiome through gut-targeted interventions may offer a novel therapeutic approach for various mental health conditions. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the efficacy of gut microbiome-targeted interventions in improving mental health symptoms in women during key hormonal transitions. Methods: A systematic search was conducted from inception to August 2025 across Embase, MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, FSTA, CENTRAL, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Two reviewers independently screened, extracted data, and assessed study quality. Methodological quality was evaluated using Cochrane’s risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2.0). Statistical analyses were performed with Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (version 4). Results: Eleven RCTs were included, of which eight were used in the meta-analyses. Gut microbiome-targeted interventions significantly reduced depressive symptoms (Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) = −0.848; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): −1.470 to −0.226; p = 0.008) and anxiety symptoms (SMD = −0.997; 95% CI: −1.684 to −0.311; p = 0.004) versus controls. Heterogeneity was high (depression: Cochran’s Q = 87.1, I² = 92%, τ² = 0.729; anxiety: Q = 35.3, I² = 89%, τ² = 0.535), but sensitivity analyses confirmed robustness. Meta-regressions indicated that treatment duration was not a significant moderator (depression: p = 0.12; anxiety: p = 0.28). Conclusions: Gut-targeted interventions significantly reduced symptoms of both depression and anxiety, highlighting their potential as complementary therapeutic strategies for managing mood disorders in women across hormonal life stages. However, high heterogeneity limits the ability to determine optimal standardized clinical recommendations, highlighting the need for further research to guide clinical applications and inform individualized approaches to treatment. Full article

Objective: This pilot study assessed the psychological and physical impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on postpartum women that gave birth during the pandemic, and evaluated the feasibility of remote monitoring for maternal mental health. The study also proposes a conceptual framework to strengthen remote maternal care in future public health emergencies. Methods: Conducted between 2020 and 2021 in Reggio Emilia, one of Italy’s ten hardest-hit provinces during the early COVID-19 outbreak, this study enrolled 21 pregnant women (10 COVID-19-positive at delivery, 11 COVID-19-negative controls). Psychological and physical health were assessed using validated instruments: the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) for depression, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) for anxiety, the Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IES-R) for trauma-related stress, and the SF-36 for physical functioning. Additional measures included breastfeeding experience and resilience. Remote assessments were conducted between 6 and 12 months postpartum to evaluate psychological recovery and satisfaction with perinatal care. C test was used to compare the two groups of women. Results: COVID-19-positive women reported significantly higher depressive symptoms (BDI: 13.50 ± 8.14 vs. 6.73 ± 4.73; U = 27, p = 0.048), and elevated state anxiety levels (STAI-S: 41.60 ± 10.23 vs. 33.64 ± 10.15; U = 27, p = 0.048) compared to controls. Post-traumatic stress symptoms were also higher among COVID-positive participants (IES-R total: 41.10 ± 19.33 vs. 30.64 ± 7.99; U = 24.5, p = 0.029). No significant differences emerged in EPDS or trait anxiety scores. Conclusions: Remote data collection proved feasible for postpartum women during the pandemic and highlighted elevated depressive, anxiety, and trauma-related symptoms in COVID-19-positive mothers. These findings support the development of flexible digital care frameworks for maternal well-being in crises. The introduction of the “10 Gold Rules for Remote Maternal Healthcare in Critical Situations” offers a forward-looking, expert-informed conceptual framework to guide the development of scalable, trust-based digital care models that go beyond monitoring to include proactive, patient-centred support. Full article

Prenatal physical activity (PA) has well-established benefits for maternal mental health. However, PA levels are generally low among pregnant individuals and were even lower during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since walking is the most popular form of prenatal PA, we aimed to examine associations between walking in the third trimester of pregnancy and mental health symptoms of depression, anxiety, pregnancy-related anxiety and perceived stress during the pandemic. Relevant pandemic-related factors (e.g., COVID-19 waves, population density) associated with walking were also studied. Pregnant individuals were recruited across Quebec (Canada) between October 2020 and September 2022, as part of the Resilience and Perinatal Stress during the Pandemic (RESPPA) study. Analyses were conducted on data collected via online questionnaires during the third trimester (n = 1086). Results revealed that higher levels of walking were significantly associated with lower symptoms of generalized anxiety (β = −0.06, p = 0.035), and perceived stress (β = −0.07, p = 0.007). Living in a more densely populated area, living with fewer children at home and having a university degree were associated with higher levels of walking. Those who completed their questionnaire in the second pandemic wave also reported higher levels of walking. Our results highlight the potential of walking in the third trimester to support maternal mental health. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sleep plays a key role in female fertility. Sleep disturbances (SDis) during pregnancy are common and may negatively affect maternal health, contributing to an increased risk of perinatal depression and anxiety. Aim: The present prospective study aimed to examine the interplay of sleep, anxiety, and depression during the pregnancy and postpartum stages, comparing women who conceived naturally (NC) with those who conceived through assisted reproductive treatment (ART). Methods: The study included five timepoints: pre-pregnancy (t0), the end of each trimester (t1–t3), and the postpartum period (t4). SDis were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FFS); perinatal depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Demographic and clinical characteristics were also collected. Given the imbalance in group size and the dispersion of values, a negative binomial regression model with robust variances and Satterthwaite approximation for the degrees of freedom was applied. Results: Compared to women with NC (N = 37), those undergoing ART (N = 57) were more likely to be older (p < 0.001), married (p < 0.001), unemployed (p < 0.001), and have a history of thyroid disease (p = 0.008). Significant differences between different time points were observed in both NC (N = 37) and successfully conceived ART groups (N = 9) in all sleep, fatigue, and well-being parameters. Notably, at the end of the first trimester (t1), the ART group reported more severe insomnia symptoms (p = 0.02). Conclusions: SDis are common in pregnancy, but more pronounced during the first trimester among women on ART. These findings highlight the need for early screening and targeted psychological support during perinatal care. Full article

Background: COVID-19 has limited pregnant and postpartum women’s access to mental health services, leading to the introduction of online interventions. Objectives: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of telepsychotherapy (i.e., psychotherapy provided through digital technology supporting real-time interactivity in the audio or audiovisual modality) with the one yielded by face-to-face interventions in treating perinatal depression and anxiety and to assess the therapist’s perceived alliance in both interventions. Methods: We collected anamnestic information and obstetrical risk factors for 61 women. We evaluated the effectiveness of face-to-face (N = 31) vs. telepsychotherapy (N = 30) interventions on depressive and anxiety symptoms at baseline (T0) and the end of treatment (T1) using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y 1 and 2). We assessed the degree of alliance perceived by therapists with the Working Alliance Inventory (WAI-T). Results: Both groups showed significant decreases in depressive (EPDS face-to-face: T0 12.65 ± 5.81, T1 5.77 ± 4.63, p < 0.001; EPDS remote: T0 11.93 ± 5.24, T1 5.70 ± 4.46, p < 0.001; effect size: 0.002) and state anxiety (STAI-Y 1 face-to-face: T0 51.19 ± 13.73, T1 40.23 ± 12.86, p < 0.001; STAI-Y 1 remote: T0 51.10 ± 11.29, T1 38.00 ± 10.90, p < 0.001; effect size: 0.007//STAI-Y 2 face-to-face: T0 43.13 ± 12.11, T1 41.03 ± 13.06, p = 0.302; STAI-Y 2 remote: T0 44.20 ± 8.70, T1 39.30 ± 9.58, p = 0.003; effect size: <0.001) symptoms by the end of treatment. Women treated remotely also experienced a significant reduction in trait anxiety at T1 (p = 0.003). We found no significant differences in either symptomatology (EPDS; STAI-Y) between the two interventions at baseline or in the therapist-perceived alliance. Conclusions: Synchronous telepsychotherapy for perinatal depression and anxiety showed comparable treatment response to face-to-face interventions, with both modalities associated with significant symptom reduction and the establishment of a working alliance. These findings support the potential of telepsychotherapy as a valuable alternative when in-person services are not accessible, especially during emergency contexts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Maternal depression, anxiety, perceived stress, and resilience are recognized determinants of perinatal health, yet routine psychological screening is still uncommon in Romanian obstetric practice. This study examined how these four psychological factors relate to preterm birth, gestational hypertension, intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR), and low birth weight in primiparous women. Methods: In a cross-sectional study at a tertiary maternity center in Timișoara (February 2024–February 2025), 240 women at 20–28 weeks’ gestation completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), and Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale-25 (CD-RISC-25). Obstetric outcomes were abstracted from medical records. Pearson correlations described bivariate associations; multivariate logistic regression assessed independent effects after mutual adjustment. Results: Preterm birth occurred in 21% of pregnancies, gestational hypertension in 17%, IUGR in 15%, and low birth weight in 21%. Higher EPDS, GAD-7, and PSS-10 scores correlated positively with each complication (r = 0.19–0.36; p < 0.02), whereas CD-RISC-25 scores showed inverse correlations (r = −0.22 to −0.29; p ≤ 0.012). In the fully adjusted model, GAD-7 remained the only independent psychological predictor of the composite obstetric outcome (β = 0.047; 95% CI 0.010–0.083; p = 0.013). Perceived stress approached significance; depression and resilience were no longer significant after adjustment. Conclusions: Generalized anxiety was the most robust psychological determinant of adverse obstetric outcomes, with perceived stress, depression, and lower resilience showing contributory roles at the unadjusted level. Incorporating brief instruments such as the GAD-7, PSS-10, and CD-RISC-25 into routine prenatal care could facilitate early identification of at-risk pregnancies and inform targeted preventive interventions. Full article

Background and Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which is becoming increasingly common in contemporary society, is recognized for its considerable psychosocial impact on pregnant women throughout the perinatal phase. The purpose of this research was to explore the possible links between mental health status and dietary habits among pregnant women diagnosed with GDM, alongside examining how these factors correlate with clinical indicators like HbA1c measurements and the necessity for insulin therapy. Materials and Methods: The study included 82 pregnant participants, 37 with gestational diabetes mellitus and 45 without. Blood samples were collected from all participants for biochemical analysis, including fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, and HbA1c levels, which can be clinical indicators for the presence of gestational diabetes mellitus, and the need for insulin treatment was recorded. Then, participants completed a questionnaire collecting sociodemographic and clinical data as well as the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Salzburg Emotional Eating Scale (SEES), and REZZY Eating Disorders Scale (REZZY). Data were statistically analyzed. Results: A previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes was more frequent in the case group (18.9%) than in the control group (2.2%) (p = 0.020). OGTT positivity was detected in 56.8% of the case group, whereas all control participants had negative results (p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in psychological symptom scores or eating behavior assessments (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus were observed to score higher on measures of anxiety, depression, and emotional eating, particularly in response to negative emotions. These findings may indicate a potential association between gestational diabetes and psychological or behavioral factors related to metabolic regulation during pregnancy. Full article