Search Results (210)

Background: Antenatal depression and anxiety contribute significantly to maternal morbidity and adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, structured screening and targeted interventions are largely absent from standard prenatal care in many Eastern European countries, including Bulgaria. This study examines the prevalence and psychosocial predictors of antenatal psychosocial risk using the validated Antenatal Risk Questionnaire–Revised (ANRQ-R) in a nationally underrepresented population. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 216 third-trimester pregnant women in Bulgaria. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviours, and reproductive history were collected. Multivariate logistic regression identified predictors of elevated psychosocial risk. Results: A total of 65.7% of participants met the criteria for elevated psychosocial risk. Significant risk factors included passive smoking exposure during pregnancy (OR = 5.03, p < 0.001), physical activity prior to pregnancy (OR = 1.81, p = 0.004), and a family history of hereditary disease (OR = 42.67, p < 0.001). Protective factors were better self-rated current health (OR = 0.37, p = 0.004), the presence of chronic illness (OR = 0.42, p = 0.049), previous childbirth experience (OR = 0.11, p = 0.032), and residence in Northwestern Bulgaria (OR = 0.31, p = 0.028). Despite the high prevalence of psychosocial vulnerability, only 9.5% of affected women sought professional help. Conclusions: While our findings point to important unmet needs in antenatal mental health, further research is required before national screening policies can be implemented. Pilot programs, cultural validation of tools, and system-level readiness assessments should precede broad adoption. Full article

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

Accurately screening fathers for perinatal mental health problems requires well-validated screening instruments that assess the expression of paternal perinatal mental distress. This study aimed to identify and describe the psychometric properties of perinatal mental health screening instruments administered to paternal cohorts within the past two decades. A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework and is reported in line with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A systematic search of Embase, PsycINFO, Medline, and ProQuest databases identified peer-reviewed literature published within the past 20 years that implemented a screening instrument for fathers’ perinatal mental health within the first 12 months of their child’s birth. Twenty-eight instruments used to screen fathers’ perinatal mental health were identified across 36 studies. The instruments most frequently assessed symptoms of depression. Only five were explicitly developed for fathers and while these instruments produced promising results, further evaluation is necessary before they can be considered a superior screening method compared to existing instruments. Full article

Background: Perinatal depression refers to a major depressive episode that begins during pregnancy or within four weeks after childbirth and persists through the first year postpartum. Perinatal depression is one of the most common complications of pregnancy, with significant adverse maternal and infant outcomes. Numerous reviews and policy guidelines have emerged from Canada; however, a bibliometric analysis that focuses not only on the international sources for perinatal depression research, but also on Canadian sources, has not been undertaken. Purpose: To provide insight on perinatal depression publications conducted by researchers affiliated with Canadian institutions, within an international context. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was performed using performance analysis and science mapping techniques, with data retrieved from Scopus until 31 December 2022. The analysis focused on original peer-reviewed publications, applying no language restrictions and ensuring at least one author was affiliated with a Canadian institution. VOSviewer version 1.6.20 was used to generate visual networks for analysis. Results: In total, there were 763 publications identified in 160 different journals. Among these publications, there were 123 institutions represented. At least one author was associated with a Canadian institution per publication. The University of Toronto had the highest frequency of affiliations (n = 313). Most publications (79.55%) occurred between 2011 and 2022, with 2021 as the year with the most publications (n = 80). The journal with the most publications was Archives of Women’s Mental Health (n = 57, 35.65%). Canadian institution-affiliated authors with the largest number of publications were Dennis (n = 57), Oberlander (n = 39), Meaney (n = 38), and Letourneau (n = 37). Conclusion: This is the first study mapping publications on perinatal depression research within a Canadian context. This bibliometric analysis provides a valuable reference for future research by identifying key authors, institutions, journals, and research areas that prioritize perinatal mental health. Full article

Background/Objectives: Postpartum depression (PPD) affects approximately 10–20% of women during and after pregnancy, posing significant risks to maternal health, infant development, and family dynamics. Identifying modifiable risk factors is essential for prevention. Emerging evidence suggests that vitamin D, a neuroactive steroid hormone involved in neurotransmitter synthesis, neuroinflammation regulation, and calcium homeostasis, may play a protective role against mood disorders, including PPD. Methods: The search was conducted through a comprehensive search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using a combination of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and free-text terms including “vitamin D”, “25-hydroxyvitamin D”, “deficiency”, “pregnancy”, “postpartum”, “depression”, “antenatal depression”, “maternal mental health”, and “perinatal mood disorders”. Results: Numerous observational studies and systematic review reports around the world reinforce the potential global relevance of vitamin D insufficiency. This study advances personalized and precision medicine approaches by emphasizing the importance of individualized screening for vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy and postpartum, enabling tailored interventions that could mitigate the risk of postpartum depression. Conclusions: In conclusion, while a definitive causal relationship between vitamin D deficiency and perinatal depression remains unproven, screening for vitamin D levels during pregnancy could serve as a low-risk intervention to support maternal mental health. Future research should focus on well designed, large-scale randomized trials and standardization of diagnostic criteria to clarify vitamin D’s role in preventing perinatal depression. Recognizing vitamin D status as a modifiable biomarker allows for targeted nutritional and pharmacological strategies to optimize maternal mental health. Full article

Perinatal depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in women. The aim of this study was to assess the association of life stressors, perceived stress, obstetric and neonatal complications, and depressive symptoms in the early postpartum period and to compare these variables in two groups of women (preterm and term deliveries). Methods: A case–control study was conducted among 300 women who gave birth in 2019 at the University of Szeged. Cases included women with preterm deliveries (<37 weeks, n = 100), and the controls included women with term deliveries (≥37 weeks, n = 200). Data were collected during postpartum hospital stays through a self-administered questionnaire (containing validated questionnaires: the Holmes–Rahe Life Stress Inventory, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14), and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)) and the medical records of women and newborns. A descriptive statistical analysis and logistic regression were used to identify predictors of high EPDS scores (≥10). Results: Perceived stress levels were significantly higher among cases than controls (p < 0.001). Higher perceived stress was associated with a higher risk of depression in cases (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.17–1.48, p < 0.001) and controls (OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.21–1.45, p < 0.001), too. Newborn complications were associated with an increased perinatal depression risk in the controls (OR: 2.48, 95% CI: 1.05–5.91; p = 0.039) but not in the cases (OR: 2.79, 95% CI: 0.79–9.85; p = 0.111). It is supposed that premature birth was stressful itself, and women with preterm babies were less sensitive to any complications occurring in their newborns compared to women with term newborns. Neither maternal age, education, nor obstetric complications predicted depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the impact of maternal perceived stress and newborns’ health status on the risk of developing depression during the early postpartum period. These results emphasize the need for ongoing screening and follow-up measures, especially for women with higher EPDS scores. 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

Youth exposed to early-life adversity (ELA) are at greater risk for poorer physical and mental health outcomes in adolescence and adulthood. Although the biological mechanisms underlying these associations remain elusive, DNA methylation (DNAm) has emerged as a potential pathway. DNAm-based measures of epigenetic age have been associated with ELA, indicating accelerated aging. According to the stress sensitization hypothesis, prenatal adversity may further heighten sensitivity to subsequent stressors in childhood and adolescence. This study examined the associations between ELA and six epigenetic aging measures, considering both the timing of adversity and the participant’s sex. Data were drawn from the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development, with two cumulative indices of ELA derived from prospectively collected data: the Perinatal Adversity and the Child and Adolescent Adversity indices. Higher Perinatal Adversity scores were associated with accelerated DunedinPACE scores. No significant associations were found between ELA and the other epigenetic clocks, nor did we find support for the stress sensitization hypothesis—though a sex-specific trend emerged among girls. The findings suggest that DunedinPACE may be more sensitive to variations in ELA than other clocks. Future research should systematically investigate sex-dimorphic associations between ELA and epigenetic aging, with particular attention to the impact of perinatal adversity. Full article

Background: The perinatal period is a critical phase in a woman’s life, during which cultural and contextual factors significantly influence her physical and emotional well-being, as well as her transition to motherhood. Understanding cultural differences—such as those between Brazil and Spain—is essential for improving tailored perinatal care. Objective: This study explores and compares the perinatal experiences of women in Spain and Brazil, with a focus on their postpartum support needs and mental health implications. Method: A qualitative design was employed, using in-depth interviews with 22 postpartum women—11 from Spain and 11 from Brazil. Interviews were conducted using a semi-structured guide, and the data were analyzed through thematic analysis. Results: Common themes across both cultural contexts included the importance of preparation for childbirth, the need for emotional and psychological support, challenges related to breastfeeding, and adjustments to physical and psychological changes. Cultural differences were also identified: Brazilian women tended to engage in more detailed planning and valued the support of professionals such as doulas and midwives, whereas Spanish women emphasized the importance of having their choices respected during childbirth. Notably, both groups experienced significant emotional challenges, highlighting crucial considerations for maternal mental health. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the need for culturally sensitive perinatal support programs that address the emotional and psychological needs of postpartum women, aiming to improve mental health outcomes. 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

Background: This study investigated the pathways through which various psychological problems occurring across the perinatal period influence mother–child bonding within the first 18 months postpartum, with a particular focus on the relationship between perinatal and postpartum depression and childbirth-related posttraumatic stress symptomatology. Methods: A multi-stage longitudinal design included three assessment points: recruitment and initial assessment in the third trimester of pregnancy (T1), a second assessment at 8 months postpartum (T2), and a final assessment at 18 months postpartum (T3). A total of N = 51 mothers completed all three waves (total follow-up period per participant: approximately 21 months). Sociodemographic data were collected, and all assessments were completed online. Results: Our findings revealed significant indirect effects, linking higher levels of perinatal depressive symptoms in the third trimester with mother–child bonding difficulties at 18 months postpartum. This association was mediated by both greater childbirth-related posttraumatic stress symptoms and elevated postpartum depressive symptoms at 8 months. Conclusions: These preliminary results highlight how complex perinatal factors at different stages (i.e., during pregnancy and early postpartum) influence mother–child bonding at 18 months postpartum. Understanding these pathways is essential in order to inform targeted interventions and to promote optimal maternal mental health and bonding outcomes. Full article

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

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

(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread upheaval, presenting unique challenges for pregnant and postpartum women, who were already in a particularly vulnerable phase. As the COVID-19 pandemic and its public health response unfolded, it became crucial for clinicians and researchers to explore postpartum depression within the context of a global crisis. (2) Methods: We used data from two cross-sectional surveys of postnatal women conducted in our tertiary academic public hospital during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the post-pandemic period, based on the retrospective assessments of two samples of mothers, each including 860 postpartum women. Our research has been conducted with the scope of evaluating postpartum depression disorder during and after the COVID-19 pandemic by using comparable data across time. (3) Results: The prevalence of postpartum depression was significantly higher among women who gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic (major postpartum depressive disorder: 54.19%, minor depressive disorder: 15.58%), compared to pre-pandemic rates (10% in developed countries and 21–26% in developing countries) and post-pandemic rates (major depressive disorder 10.12%, minor depressive disorder 10.93%). The results of our research indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic had a major negative impact on perinatal mental health and, moreover, might have sped up an existing trend of the increasing prevalence of postpartum depression, despite the fact that the risk factors for postpartum depression disease remained consistent before, during, and after the pandemic. (4) Conclusions: Strengthening support systems during periods of heightened risk, such as during a pandemic, is crucial; therefore, policymakers and health planners should prioritize the mental health of this vulnerable group during global health crises or natural disasters, ensuring the implementation of effective mental health screenings, identification, enhanced support, follow-up, and reassurance measures to better address the challenges faced by susceptible postpartum women in future similar situations. Full article