Burden and Determinants of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression Among Antenatal Females in an Urban Area of North India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: High prevalence of depression among pregnant women has been observed in low and middle-income countries including Pakistan.Pregnancy is an important stressor for depression and depressed women tend to have poor dietary intake.The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of prenatal depression and its risk factors, and explored the relationship of prenatal depression with dietary intake in a representative sample of women living in a rural setting of Pakistan. Methods: This study was conducted at the baseline of a large cluster randomised controlled trial. Five hundred pregnant women in the second and third trimester of pregnancy, living a in a rural area of district Rawalpindi Pakistan, were recruited for the baseline of the trial. Depression was assessed using “Patient Health Questionnaire” (PHQ9), with a cut-off score of 10, and the dietary intake assessment was carried out by“Food Frequency Questionnaire” and “24 Hour Dietary Recall”.Data on stressful life-events and perceived social support were captured through “Life Events Checklist” and “Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support”.All pregnant women who had PHQ-9 scores of 10 or more were invited to participate. Those women whose PHQ 9 was less than 10 were selected through simple random sampling and invited for baseline measurements after obtaining informed consent. Response rate was around 98%.Appropriate tests of significance were used for bivariate analysis. Final Generalized Linear Model with logit link function was obtained. Results: The prevalence of prenatal depression was found to be 27%.Depressed pregnant women belonged to 23-30 years age group, were less educated had,lived in joint family and had less perceived support from family and friends.Depressed women suffered from at least 3-4 stressful life events .Food variety scores were generated and dichotomized at median for dietary inadequacy. Mean intake of all the energy, macronutrients and micronutrients was significantly less among depressed (p<0.001).Prenatal depression was significantly associated with dietary inadequacy (P<0.05). In addition factors like life satisfaction, husband away from home in last six months (P<0.05), physical IPV (P<0.05) and stressful life events (P<0.01) were also independently associated with dietary inadequacy. Conclusion: The current study to the best of my knowledge is the first study to investigate in a large rural community based sample of women the link between prenatal depression and dietary intake. Most of the depressed women did not eat sufficient items from various food groups to meet the recommended dietary allowance. Prenatal depression was independently associated with inadequate dietary intake. Risk factors for prenatal depression as well as dietary inadequacy were psychosocial in nature. There is a need to screen women at antenatal visit and provide nutritional counselling to improve dietary behaviors for better pregnancy outcomes.

There is good evidence to suggest that high prevalence of depression and anxiety in the postpartum period. However, very few studies have focused on antenatal depression and anxiety disorders and their associated risk factors. Further, there are only a handful of studies from India on common antenatal mental health disorders. With this background, we reviewed the existing evidence on antenatal depression and anxiety from the studies conducted in Indian pregnant women during the antenatal period and to explore the associated risk factors. All the major databases were searched systematically for English language studies on prevalence and risk factors for antenatal depression and anxiety in Indian pregnant females, published during the period January 2000 to May 2022. Quality assessment of studies was done with the modified version of Newcastle Ottawa Scale for cross-sectional studies. We found the overall prevalence of antenatal depression was ranged from 3.8% to 65% and antenatal anxiety from 13 to 55%. The most relevant risk factors associated with antenatal depression and anxiety during pregnancy were preference to have a male child, intimate partner violence, history of abortions, marital conflict, poor relationship with the husband/in-laws and lack of social support. To conclude, the systematic review suggests that depressive and anxiety disorders are quite common in Indian pregnant women in antepartum period with varying prevalence depending on various settings and scales used. Steps should be taken to promote obstetricians for regular mental health screening during the antenatal visits and prompt referral to mental health professionals when suspected.

Maternal depression negatively impacts the health of both mothers and their children. Although several studies have reported on the prevalence of antenatal depression (AND) and postnatal depression (PND) in Bangladesh, reliable estimates based on meta-analysis have yet to be established. This study aims to determine the prevalence of "AND" and "PND" among Bangladeshi mothers, as well as the prevalence of "PND" during various phases of a child's development, while also identifying the associated factors for both "AND" and "PND". We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and a national database called Bangla Jol for studies published from the year 2000 until December 31, 2020. From 163 screened studies, eighteen eligible studies on the prevalence of "AND" and "PND" were included for meta-analysis. A random-effects model was used for this analysis. We also performed subgroup analyses considering "PND" at different stages, study quality, and prevalence based on the decade of publication. The pooled prevalence rates were found to be 19.5% for "AND" (95% CI: 7.7%-31.28%, I2: 98.09%) and 27.75% for "PND" (95% CI: 22.38%-33.16%, I2: 97.67%). In the 2000s, the pooled prevalence was 22.78% (95% CI: 17.82%-27.73%, I2: 96.65%). However, there was a significant increase in the prevalence of "PND" in the 2010s, which reached 36.00% (95% CI: 23.94%-48.06%, I2: 95.76%). The pooled prevalence at an early stage of the child's development was 17.12%; during exclusive breastfeeding, it was 25.73%, and during complementary feeding, it peaked at 48.11%. Factors associated with maternal depression included unplanned pregnancies, various forms of intimate partner violence (including physical, emotional, and sexual violence), a preference for male children, and strained relationships with husbands and mothers-in-law. A rising trend in the prevalence of maternal depression has been observed in Bangladesh. Health policymakers need to prioritize addressing maternal depression. The data indicates that the prevalence of postpartum depression was higher in the 2010s compared to the previous decade. It is crucial to raise awareness among mothers about the importance of screening for depression during the perinatal period, and to integrate such screenings into family planning and mental health services.

Background:Antenatal depression is associated with several adverse maternal outcomes, perinatal outcomes, lower academic achievements in adolescence, and future mental health problems for the mothers. Early identification and effective treatment of depression in antenatal women can also improve perinatal outcomes.Aim:This study aims to understand the prevalence of antenatal depression and anxiety disorder, along with associated factors, among antenatal women attending the outpatient clinic of the obstetrics department in a tertiary care hospital.Methods:A cross-sectional design was employed for determining the prevalence, while a case-control framework was used for analysis of the associated factors. Semi-structured sociodemographic pro forma, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) Tamil version, and Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) Tamil version were administered to antenatal women after obtaining informed consent. Those who scored above 10 points on the PHQ-9 or above 9 points on the GAD-7 were interviewed using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) diagnostic interview schedule, by a psychiatrist, for confirming the diagnosis.Results:In our sample, 22% of the participants were diagnosed with depression, and 23% with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Twenty-eight participants (13.4%) had both depression and GAD. Antenatal depression was associated with alcohol use in the spouse (P < 0.015), physical violence (P < 0.026), low perceived social support from the in-laws (P < 0.039), and pressure to have a male child (0.001). Antenatal GAD was associated with low perceived social support from the in-laws (P < 0.039) and pressure to have a male child (P < 0.041).Conclusion:The occurrence of depression and generalized anxiety disorder is high in antenatal women. Our study identified relevant psychosocial factors that may be potential targets to develop effective interventions.

ObjectiveMaternal antenatal depression and anxiety are associated with increased risk of childhood behavioural and emotional problems in offspring; it remains unclear to what extent this is due to a maternal biological impact on foetal development. Here, we compare associations between maternal and paternal antenatal depression and anxiety with offspring anxiety disorders, thus controlling for some genetic and shared environmental factors. MethodsWe used data from the ALSPAC population cohort including measures of antenatal parental depression and anxiety. At 18 years, offspring completed the CIS-R interview, yielding diagnoses for anxiety disorders. Results were adjusted for confounding variables including parental postnatal depression and anxiety. ResultsChildren of women with antenatal depression (18 weeks gestation), had an increased risk of anxiety disorders at 18 years of age (11.1% vs. 6.2%; adj. OR 1.75 (1.19, 2.58); p=0.01). Children of women with antenatal anxiety had increased risk of co-morbid anxiety and depression (adj. OR 1.39 (1.06, 1.82); p=0.02). No such associations were found with paternal antenatal depression or anxiety. LimitationsThere was a high attrition rate from the original cohort to the CIS-R completion at 18 years postpartum. Parental mood was only assessed together at one time point during the antenatal period. ConclusionsThe differences in the association between maternal and paternal mood during pregnancy and child outcomes supports the hypothesis that foetal programming may account, at least in part, for this association. We highlight the potential opportunity for preventative intervention by optimising antenatal mental health.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression among women attending antenatal care and to identify associated psychosocial factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a Department of Psyciatry, Shahida Islam Medical College, Lodhran, from January to August 2023. A total of 200 pregnant women in their second and third trimesters were selected through convenience sampling. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), respectively. Psychosocial factors including marital status, education level, employment, income, social support, and history of mental illness were evaluated. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: The prevalence of antenatal depression was 23% (n=46), and anxiety was 30% (n=60). Significant correlates of depression included low education (p&lt;0.05), low income (p&lt;0.01), and lack of social support (p&lt;0.05). Anxiety was significantly associated with low income (p&lt;0.01), lack of social support (p&lt;0.05), and history of mental illness (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Antenatal depression and anxiety are prevalent among pregnant women attending antenatal care. Socioeconomic factors and lack of social support are significant contributors. Addressing these factors may help in the development of targeted interventions to improve maternal mental health. Keywords: Antenatal depression, anxiety, psychosocial factors, prevalence, maternal mental health

The relative lack of research in mental health in low and middle income countries is symptomatic of the 10/90 gap in general health research where only 10% of the world’s expenditure on health research is dedicated to the poorest 90% of the world’s population. Globally there has been modest declines in both maternal and child deaths but there are still wide disparities between developed and developing countries; as the total number of under 5 deaths has declined, from 11.6 million in 1990 to 7.2 million in 2011, the proportion of deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa has increased from 33% in 1990 to 49% in 2011, and the region also bears the biggest burden (>50%) of maternal deaths. Innovations to reducing this burden are urgently needed in parallel with intensified efforts to increase coverage of proven effective maternal and child health interventions. One such innovation might be to include a focus on eliciting contextual determinants, and preventing and/or treating perinatal depression that is depression occurring during pregnancy or after birth, since there is some evidence suggesting that this is associated with adverse effects on infant health and development, and maternal health. This thesis is designed to add to this sparse evidence base by providing data on the burden of antenatal and postnatal depression in rural Ghana, examining determinants of this burden, investigating the links between perinatal depression and maternal and child health outcomes, and evaluating whether a home-visits intervention had reduced this burden. The research was undertaken within seven contiguous districts of the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana between January 2008 and July 2009. All women of reproductive age in these districts were part of a surveillance system supporting two randomised controlled trials that involved 4-weekly visits by resident fieldworkers who collected data on socio-demographics, obstetric histories, pregnancies, births, deaths and infant and maternal health. The research for this PhD involved training the surveillance field workers to also administer the depression module of the Patient Health Questionnaire screening tool (PHQ-9) to pregnant women and recently delivered mothers between 4-12 weeks after birth. 21135 pregnant women and 18356 recently delivered women were screened for depression, 13929 of whom were screened at both time points. The prevalence of postnatal depression (PND) was 3.8% (95% CI 3.5%, 4.1%), comprising 0.1% (95% CI: 0.08%-0.1%) who met criteria for major depression and 3.7% (95% CI: 3.4%-3.9%) for minor depression. The prevalence of antenatal depression (AND) was much higher 9.9% (95% CI: 9.5%-10.3%); 12.5% of these cases persisted into the postnatal period and accounted for 34.4% of postnatal cases. The following determinants were identified for antenatal depression: maternal age 30 years or older, never married, lower wealth status, non-Catholic religion, non-indigenous ethnicity, unplanned pregnancy, and previous pregnancy loss. And the following were identified for postnatal depression: never married, non-indigenous ethnicity, AND, season of delivery, peripartum/postpartum complications, newborn ill-health, still birth or neonatal death. Determinants were similar for ‘new’ cases of postnatal depression and for cases where depression was also detected antenatally. AND was found to be associated with the following consequences: prolonged labour, postpartum complications, peripartum complications, CS/instrumental delivery, severe newborn illness, and bed net non-use during pregnancy. PND was associated with increased risk of infant mortality up to six months (rate ratio [RR], 2·83 (1·56-5·16) and 12 months (RR, 1·79 (1·04-3·09) of age. Postnatal depression was also associated with increased risk of infant morbidity. Home-visits by community volunteers aimed at preventing neonatal deaths had no impact on attenuating prevalence of postnatal depression (relative risk [RR] 0.99 (95% CI 0.65, 1.50; p=0.96). This is the first large cohort study in SSA to provide evidence of determinants and consequences of perinatal depression, rather than studying the more general common mental disorder which include depression. The conclusions reached in this PhD are:1) Most risk factors of postnatal depression relate to adverse birth outcomes of the mother and/or baby, whereas those of antenatal depression are sociodemographic and pregnancy-specific, 2) Both antenatal and postnatal depression may have deleterious effects on the health of the mother and/or on child health and survival, 3) A case for clinical interventions for depression is established both during pregnancy and after birth, 4) Though often self-limiting, tackling antenatal depression could prevent up to a third of the burden of postnatal depression, 5) The timely implementation of such interventions using existing primary care structures may provide an important adjunct to improving maternal health and child health and survival efforts.

Antenatal anxiety disorder as a predictor of postnatal depression: A longitudinal study

BackgroundAntenatal depression has become a common and serious problem, significantly affecting maternal and fetal health. However, evaluation and intervention methods for pregnant women in obstetric clinics are inadequate. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for depression among all pregnant women at their first attending antenatal care in the obstetrics clinic, a comprehensive teaching hospital, southwest of China.MethodsFrom June to December 2019, 5780 pregnant women completed online psychological assessments, and data from 5728 of the women were analyzed. The women were categorized into two groups according to the presence or absence of depression. Depression was assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), with a cutoff point of 10 for depression. Anxiety and somatic symptoms were measured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), respectively. Univariate analysis and binary logistic regression analysis were used to determine the association among antenatal depression, anxiety, somatic symptoms and participants’ characteristics.ResultsThe prevalence of antenatal depression among all the pregnant women at their first attending antenatal care was 16.3%, higher in the first trimester (18.1%). Anxiety symptoms (Mild anxiety AOR = 2.937; 95% CI: 2.448–3.524) and somatic symptoms (Mild somatic symptoms AOR = 3.938; 95% CI: 2.888–3.368) were major risk factors for antenatal depression among women and the risk increased more with the anxiety level or somatic symptoms level. Gestational weeks (second trimester AOR = 0.611; 95% CI: 0.483–0.773; third trimester AOR = 0.337; 95% CI: 0.228–0.498) and urban residence (AOR = 0.786; 95% CI: 0.652–0.947) were protective factors for antenatal depression among women.ConclusionsAbout one in six pregnant women would experience depression, and special attention should be paid to some risk factors (i.e., early pregnancy, anxiety symptoms, somatic symptoms, rural residence). Online psychological assessments might be a time-saving and convenient screening method for pregnant women in obstetric clinics.

Perinatal anxiety and depression can significantly impact maternal well-being, infant development, and mother-child bonding. There is a relative lack of research on the overall burden of and risk factors for perinatal and postpartum depression and anxiety in the Middle Eastern region. We aimed to investigate genetic, epidemiological, and clinical risk factors for anxiety and depression in antenatal and postnatal mothers. This study is a 2-point, cross-sectional, observational study of pregnant women at a tertiary care hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. We will evaluate the point prevalence of depression and anxiety with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 scale, and the Holmes-Rahe Stress Inventory and analyze the risk factors in affected and unaffected women. The women will be evaluated with structured interviews, initially in the antenatal period (between 20 to 26 weeks) and again in the postnatal period (between 6 weeks to 6 months after delivery). Whole-genome sequencing will be conducted to comprehensively map genomes and detect variants associated with depression and anxiety after the initial interview. Social factors such as family characteristics and partner support, as well as lifestyle factors such as exercise, vitamin D intake, and obstetric factors, along with intrapartum and neonatal events affecting maternal mental health, will also be assessed. We will assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, and risk factors in the antenatal and postnatal period between July 2025 and June 2026 at Dubai Hospital. The association of genetic, social, and demographic risk factors with depression and anxiety will be compared in women who screen positive for depression and anxiety and those who screen negative. This research aims to identify genetic variants associated with perinatal anxiety and depression in Middle Eastern women and to develop a comprehensive risk assessment tool for identifying women at high risk for perinatal anxiety and depression. PRR1-10.2196/68346.

Objective: The prevalence of prenatal depression in pregnant women has found to be high, which may adversely affect the intimacy of a mother to her fetus. Few studies have investigated the relationship between prenatal depression and maternal-fetal attachment in pregnant Chinese women. This study is thus designed to evaluate the prevalence rate, predictive factors of prenatal depression in Chinese pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy, and the effect of prenatal depression on maternal-fetal attachment.Methods: A total of 340 pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy were recruited from a hospital in Anhui Province. The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) was rated to assess the prenatal depression; the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) were used to assess sleep quality and anxiety level for all participants. The Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS) was used to assess maternal-fetal attachment.Results: The prevalence of prenatal depression in the participants was high (19.1%) in our study. The scores of prenatal anxiety and sleep disorders were higher with prenatal depression than in those without prenatal depression (47.6 ± 9.5 vs. 38.9 ± 6.9; 8.3 ± 3.3 vs. 6.1 ± 2.7, all p < 0.01). MAAS quality was lower in prenatal depression women than those in non-prenatal depression women (43.8 ± 5.6 vs. 46.4 ± 4.5, p < 0.01). Correlation analysis showed that prenatal depression was associated with parity, prenatal education, education level, marital satisfaction, anxiety and sleep disorders (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, binary logistic regression results showed that anxiety and sleep disorders were risk factors for prenatal depression. Prenatal education, higher marriage satisfaction were protective factors for prenatal depression. In addition, correlation analysis also showed that prenatal depression was positively correlated with MAAS intensity, but negatively correlated with MAAS quality.Conclusions: Our results indicated a high prevalence of prenatal depression in women in the third trimester. Prenatal education and higher marital satisfaction were protective factors for prenatal depression; antenatal anxiety and sleep disorders during pregnancy were risk factors for prenatal depression. Prenatal depression was negatively correlated with MAAS quality, but positively correlated with MAAS intensity.

To estimate the prevalence and risk factors for antenatal anxiety (AA) and antenatal depression (AD). We performed a cross sectional study of 432 women attending a private clinic in the city of Osasco, São Paulo, from 5/27/1998 to 5/13/2002. The following instruments were used: Spielberger state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI), Beck depression inventory (BDI), and a questionnaire for socio-demographic and obstetric data. Inclusion criteria were: pregnant women with no past or present history of depression, psychiatric treatment, alcohol or drug abuse and no clinical and obstetric complications. The prevalence of AA, according to STAI, and AD, according to Beck Inventory, were estimated with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Odds ratios and 95% CI were used to examine the association between AA and AD and exposures variables. The prevalence of AA, state and trait were 59.5 (95 CI%: 54.8:64.1%) and 45.3% (95% CI: 40.6:50.0), respectively. The prevalence of AD was 19.6 (95% CI:15.9:23.4). In the multivariate analysis, AA-trait (OR: 5.26; 95% CI 2.17:12.5, p < 0.001), AA-state (OR: 2.27; 95% CI 1.08:4.76, p = 0.02) and AD (OR: 2.43; 95% CI 1.40:4.34, p = 0.002) were associated with lower women's educational level. AA-trait (OR: 3.43; 95% CI 1.68:7.00, p = 0.001), AA-state (OR: 2.22; CI 95% 1.09:4.53, p = 0.02) and AD (OR: 2.82; CI 95% 1.35:5.97, p = 0.005) were also associated with not being married. AA-trait was associated with lower women's income (OR: 2.22; 95% CI 0.98:5.26, p = 0.05) and not being white (OR: 1.7; 95% CI 1.00:2.91, p = 0.04), while AD was associated with lower couple's income (OR: 2.43; 95% CI 1.40:4.34, p = 0.001) and greater number of previous abortions (OR: 2.21; 95% CI 1.23:3.97, p = 0.009). Prevalence of AA and AD were high in this sample of women attending a private care setting, particularly AA state and trace. AA and AD were associated with similar socio-demographic and socio-economic risk factors, suggesting some common environmental stressors may be involved.

Prior studies have reported inconsistent findings regarding the association of antenatal depression with pregnancy-related diabetes. This study examined the association of diabetes and antenatal depression. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a prospective cohort study of pregnant women receiving prenatal care at a single University of Washington Medical Center clinic between January 2004 and January 2009. The primary exposure was diabetes in pregnancy (no diabetes, preexisting diabetes, or gestational diabetes [GDM]). Antenatal depression was defined by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score or current use of antidepressants. Antenatal depression was coded as (1) any depression (probable major or minor depression by PHQ-9 or current antidepressant use) and (2) major depression (probable major depression by PHQ-9 or current antidepressant use). Logistic regression was used to quantify the association between diabetes in pregnancy and antenatal depression. The prevalences of preexisting diabetes, GDM, any antenatal depression, and major antenatal depression were 9%, 18%, 13.6%, and 9.8%, respectively. In the unadjusted analysis, women with preexisting diabetes had 54% higher odds of any antenatal depression compared to those without diabetes (odds ratio [OR] 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-2.21). After adjusting for important covariates the association was attenuated (OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.79-1.71). Results were similar for antenatal major depression. GDM was not associated with increased odds for any antenatal depression or antenatal major depression. Neither preexisting diabetes nor GDM was independently associated with increased risk of antenatal depression.

BackgroundGiven that the prevalence of antenatal and postnatal depression is high, with estimates around 13%, and the consequences serious, efforts have been made to identify risk factors to assist in prevention, identification and treatment. Most risk factors associated with postnatal depression have been well researched, whereas predictors of antenatal depression have been less researched. Risk factors associated with early parenting stress have not been widely researched, despite the strong link with depression. The aim of this study was to further elucidate which of some previously identified risk factors are most predictive of three outcome measures: antenatal depression, postnatal depression and parenting stress and to examine the relationship between them.MethodsPrimipara and multiparae women were recruited antenatally from two major hoitals as part of the beyondblue National Postnatal Depression Program [1]. In this subsidiary study, 367 women completed an additional large battery of validated questionnaires to identify risk factors in the antenatal period at 26–32 weeks gestation. A subsample of these women (N = 161) also completed questionnaires at 10–12 weeks postnatally. Depression level was measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).ResultsRegression analyses identified significant risk factors for the three outcome measures. (1). Significant predictors for antenatal depression: low self-esteem, antenatal anxiety, low social support, negative cognitive style, major life events, low income and history of abuse. (2). Significant predictors for postnatal depression: antenatal depression and a history of depression while also controlling for concurrent parenting stress, which was a significant variable. Antenatal depression was identified as a mediator between seven of the risk factors and postnatal depression. (3). Postnatal depression was the only significant predictor for parenting stress and also acted as a mediator for other risk factors.ConclusionRisk factor profiles for antenatal depression, postnatal depression and parenting stress differ but are interrelated. Antenatal depression was the strongest predictor of postnatal depression, and in turn postnatal depression was the strongest predictor for parenting stress. These results provide clinical direction suggesting that early identification and treatment of perinatal depression is important.

BackgroundAntenatal depression and anxiety symptoms may have negative consequences for both mothers and offspring, and upward trends in the prevalence of these symptoms were especially apparent during the COVID-19 epidemic. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of and relevant factors influencing depressive and anxiety symptoms in Chinese pregnant women in the post-COVID-19 era.MethodsWe conducted an online survey of 1,963 pregnant women in Jiangsu Province, using a cross-sectional design, and collected their general demographic data. The nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) was used to evaluate depression symptoms, and the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) was used to measure anxiety symptoms.ResultsThe prevalence of reported antenatal depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and depression combined with anxiety symptoms was 25.2%, 27.9%, and 18.6%, respectively. Of the respondents, the prevalence of moderate to severe depression, and anxiety was 7.9% and 7.7%, respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age, low level of education, rural area, unemployment, pregnancy complications, poor marital relationship, and fair household income were positively association with both depressive and anxiety symptoms (all P < 0.05). The proportion of women reporting anxiety symptoms in the third trimester was 1.91-fold higher than in first trimester. Parity was a relevant factor for depression and anxiety symptoms (all P < 0.05).ConclusionsIn the post-COVID-19 era, the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms in pregnant women was higher than expected, and it is vital to establish hospital, community, and family psychological health screening systems based on relevant factors and enhance early preventive measures.