Abstract
As maternal mental health is related to postpartum depression; it is essential to reduce anxiety in pregnant women. However, little information is available on the health care effect provided by health professionals on maternal mental health. This study aimed to investigate the health care provided by health professionals during check-ups and its influence on maternal mental health in Japan. This was a cross-sectional study. Participants were 105 first-time mothers with a gestational age of 20 to 27 weeks. Data on participants' demographics, healthcare services received, participants' understanding of health care were collected, and mental health was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Form JYZ, and Prenatal Attachment Inventory. Results reveal that women who understood their physical condition and fetal conditions were less likely to experience state anxiety than those who did not (p<.01 and p<.05, respectively). An understanding of fetal condition and growth were also associated with a significantly increased fetal attachment (p<.01 and p<.001, respectively). The understanding of
Highlights
Infant and maternal mortality rates in Japan are the lowest in the world
It has been reported that 9.8% of women experience postpartum depression [1], which contributes to increased prevalence of child abuse and suicide in mothers [2], and disorders in the formation of mother-infant attachment [3]
Adequate healthcare-related information from health professionals, such as midwives and obstetricians during pregnancy may provide a better understanding of the physical condition of pregnant women, thereby reducing anxiety and preventing the antepartum depressive state
Summary
Infant and maternal mortality rates in Japan are the lowest in the world. In contrast, it has been reported that 9.8% of women experience postpartum depression [1], which contributes to increased prevalence of child abuse and suicide in mothers [2], and disorders in the formation of mother-infant attachment [3]. Health professionals who care for pregnant women should pay significant attention to their mental health during pregnancy. Pregnancy checkups may provide opportunities for women to consult with health professionals and discuss their concerns, such as their physical and mental condition, the condition of the fetus, the cost of pregnancy and childbirth, and life after childbirth. Adequate healthcare-related information from health professionals, such as midwives and obstetricians during pregnancy may provide a better understanding of the physical condition of pregnant women, thereby reducing anxiety and preventing the antepartum depressive state. Sufficient information from health professionals on health care during pregnancy may provide a better understanding of pregnant women’s physical and mental health conditions, resulting in the reduction of anxiety and prevention of antepartum depression state
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