High-risk pregnancy: Effects on postpartum depression and anxiety

Abstract

In order to examine the prevalence and risk factors of postpartum depression and anxiety subsequent to high-risk pregnancies, 400 postpartum women aged 16–43 years were recruited into two study groups: a high-risk pregnancy group (i.e. with medical problems in the mother or fetus), and a normal term pregnancy group. Symptoms of depression were measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The Spielberger Standard Test was used to assess symptoms of anxiety. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 11.5. Results showed that the prevalence of moderate-to-severe symptoms of depression and anxiety was higher among women who had a high-risk pregnancy; however, anxiety was more prevalent than depression in both groups. The high-risk pregnancy group suffered more problematic pregnancies with more frequent nausea, vomiting, dysuria and headache compared to the normal term pregnancy group. Physical health of mothers was shown to affect the health of newborns. Weight problems, ICU hospitalization and meconium aspiration rates were higher in babies born by mothers with high-risk pregnancy. The high-risk pregnancy was shown to be an important risk factor for postpartum psychological problems in mothers and newborns' health.