Risk factors in pregnant women with an oncological diagnosis and their impact in the post-partum period.

Abstract

e23166 Background: An oncological diagnosis during pregnancy, or the choice of motherhood following cancer may be accompanied by anxiety, distress and depression. The aim of the study is to explore the possible risk factors in the perinatal period in women who experienced an oncological diagnosis before or during pregnancy. Methods: 32 pregnant women (25 breast, 3 cervix, 1 lung, 1 Hodgkin's lymphoma, 1 perivascular epithelial cell neoplasia, 1 epatic PEComa) were assessed during their 3rd trimester (T1) and three months’ post-partum (T2). At T1 mood states and post-traumatic symptoms were evaluated, at T2 parenting stress and perceived quality of life (QoL). Results: Depression, anger and anxiety correlated with lower physical and psychological QoL in the post-partum. Moreover, mothers who expressed higher levels of fatigue and confusion during pregnancy are associated to lower levels of perceived psychological QoL. Women who manifested hypervigilance and hyperarousal during pregnancy were more likely to perceive lower psychological QoL three months after birth. Finally, post-traumatic symptoms of intrusiveness during pregnancy correlated with higher levels of parenting stress and higher risk of dysfunctional parenting, together with a stronger perception of having a child with a difficult temperament in the post-partum period. Conclusions: Mood states and post-traumatic symptoms can decrease the mother’s quality of life and heighten parental distress. These preliminary results suggest implementing psychological support for women with current or previous oncological diagnosis during pregnancy in order to prevent the onset of dysfunctional parenting and/or problem behaviours in their children. [Table: see text]