Postpartum Month Research Articles

An intensive longitudinal investigation of maternal and infant touching patterns across context and throughout the first 9-months of life.

Touch is a central component of mothers' and infants' everyday interactions and the formation of a healthy mother-infant relationship. Twelve mothers and their full-term infants from the Midwest, USA participated in the present study, which examined the quality and quantity of their touching behaviors longitudinally at 1-, 3-, 5-, 7-, and 9-months postpartum and within two normative interaction contexts (face-to-face, floor play). Findings revealed that mothers' and infants' individual touch patterns, varied according to context, infant age (time), and the specific type of touch examined. At 1-month postpartum, dyads coordinated their touch via behavioral matching and were especially reliant on rudimentary types of touch with soothing and regulatory properties (static/motionless touch, stroking). As infants aged to 9-months, dyads transitioned to a more complex form of tactile synchrony characterized by the parallel use of complementary types of touch (grasp, poke, pull). This evolution of tactile synchrony may reflect infants' growing behavioral repertoire and increased capacity to use more refined forms of touch. To our knowledge, this study was the first of its kind, uniquely contributing to the scant knowledge about the development of mother-infant touch and synchrony and offering direct implications for early care practices and infant health and well-being.

Persistent symptoms of maternal post-traumatic stress following childbirth across the first months postpartum: Associations with perturbations in maternal behavior and infant avoidance of social gaze toward mother.

Recent literature identifies childbirth as a potentially traumatic event, following which mothers may develop symptoms of Post-Traumatic-Stress-Following-Childbirth (PTS-FC). The current study examines whether stable symptoms of PTS-FC during the early postpartum period may impose risk for perturbations in maternal behavior and infant social-engagement with mother, controlling for comorbid postpartum internalizing symptoms. Mother-infant dyads (N=192) were recruited from the general population, during the third trimester of pregnancy. 49.5% of the mothers were primipara, and 48.4% of the infants were girls. Maternal PTS-FC was assessed at 3-day, 1-month and 4-month postpartum, via self-report and clinician-administered interview. Latent Profile Analysis generated two profiles of symptomology: "Stable-High-PTS-FC" (17.0%), and "Stable-Low-PTS-FC" (83%). Membership in the "Stable-High-PTS-FC" profile associated with perturbed maternal sensitivity, which was in turn significantly associated with infant avoidance of social gaze toward mother (Indirect effect β=-0.15). Results suggest the need for early screening and inform the planning of early preventive interventions.

Identifying Core Items of the Japanese Version of the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale for Diagnosing Postpartum Bonding Disorder.

The Japanese version of the mother-to-infant bonding scale (MIBS-J), a self-report of postpartum bonding disorder, is used in clinical settings for screening postpartum bonding disorder at various time points. However, its psychometric properties, particularly measurement invariance, have rarely been reported, and the validity of comparing scores across time points and sex is unclear. We aimed to select and validate the MIBS-J items suitable for parents at three time points. Postpartum mothers (n = 543) and fathers (n = 350) were surveyed at 5 days, 1 month, and 4 months postpartum. All participants were randomly divided into two subgroups, one for exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) and another for confirmatory factor analyses. Measurement invariance of the best model was tested using the entire sample, between fathers and mothers, and across the three observation periods. A three-item structure (items 1, 6, and 8) extracted through EFAs showed acceptable configural invariance. This model was accepted for scalar invariance between fathers and mothers and for metric invariance across the three time points. Our findings suggest that the three-item MIBS-J is sufficient for diagnosis of postpartum parental bonding disorder through continuous observation for at least 4 postpartum months, in order to detect the priority of parents who need support.

The effect of an interactive weekly text-messaging intervention on retention in prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV care: a randomised controlled trial (WelTel PMTCT)

Retention in prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) care is critical to prevent vertical HIV transmission and reduce morbidity and mortality of mother-infant pairs. We investigated whether weekly, interactive text-messaging improved 18-month postpartum retention in PMTCT care. This randomised, two-armed, parallel trial was conducted at six PMTCT clinics in western Kenya. Pregnant women with HIV at least 18 years of age with access to a mobile phone, able to text-message, or had somebody who could text on their behalf, were eligible. Participants were randomly assigned at a 1:1 ratio in block sizes of four to the intervention or control group. The intervention group received weekly text messages asking “How are you?” (“Mambo?” in Swahili) and were requested to respond within 48 h. Healthcare workers called women who indicated a problem or did not respond. The intervention was administered up to 24 months after delivery. Both groups received standard care. The primary outcome was retention in care at 18 months postpartum (i.e., clinic attendance 16–24 months after delivery based on data from patient files, patient registers and Kenya’s National AIDS and STI Control Programme database), which was analysed by intention-to-treat. Researchers and data collectors were masked to group assignment, while healthcare workers were not. Between June 25th, 2015, and July 5th, 2016, we randomly assigned 299 women to the intervention and 301 to standard care only. Follow-up concluded on July 26th, 2019. The proportion of women retained in PMTCT care at 18 months postpartum was not significantly different between the intervention (n = 210/299) and control groups (n = 207/301) (risk ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval 0.92–1.14, p = 0.697). No adverse events related to the mobile phone intervention were reported. Weekly, interactive text-messaging was not associated with improved retention in PMTCT care at 18 months postpartum or linkage to care up to 30 months postpartum in this setting. (ISRCTN No. 98818734).

From Pregnancy to Lactation: When the Pathway is Complicated by Cancer.

Women with a cancer history report high distress during pregnancy and infant feeding. Despite the clear advantages of breastfeeding, little is known about factors influencing infant feeding behavior in women with cancer history. This three-time point longitudinal study aimed to explore the centrality of pregnancy and infant feeding experiences in 17 pregnant women with a cancer history (cases) compared to 17 pregnant women without cancer history (controls). During pregnancy, participants filled out the Centrality of Events Scale and an ad hoc questionnaire about specific emotions, concerns, and expectations about infant feeding (T1), and their childbirth and infant feeding experiences during hospitalization (T2), and at 3-months postpartum (T3). Results at T1 demonstrated that participants with a history of cancer reported a higher perception of negative judgment and moral choice about breastfeeding than participants without a history of cancer. At T2 they reported a more positive childbirth experience than controls. From T2 to T3 participants with a history of cancer breastfed at a higher percentage than controls, and at T3 they reported higher levels of emotional and physical pleasure about the infant feeding experiences. Women with cancer history may experience a higher emotional and physical pleasure with infant feeding. Despite initial difficulties, a greater prevalence of breastfeeding was present for women with a history of cancer. Although this is a small sample, this research suggests that support and promotion of breastfeeding might be very effective after a serious medical diagnosis.

GESTATIONAL HYPERTENSION AND PERIPARTUM CARDIOMYOPATHY: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL, CLINICAL AND EVOLUTIONARY PROFILE IN THE REFERENCE HOSPITALS OF YAOUNDE

Objective: peripartum objective (CMPP) is a primary dilated cardiomyopathy responsible for congestive heart failure that occurs during the last two months of pregnancy or during the first five months of postpartum. However, little is known about the data in Cameroon, justifying our descriptive study. Our main objective was therefore to describe the epidemiological, clinical and progressive symptoms of women with peripartum cardiomyopathy and the influence of gestational hypertension. Design and method: We conducted a prospective descriptive study over a six-month period. It was conducted in six referral hospitals in Yaoundé. The study population consisted of pregnant women with dyspnoea and women who had given birth with dyspnoea. All pregnant or postpartum women (from month 32 GA to month 5 postpartum) who had LVEF <45% and/or FS <30% with or without left ventricle dilatation were included. They were placed on treatment with a follow-up over 3 months, where they had a second cardiac ultrasound to highlight the evolutionary profile. Results: We recruited 10 patients from 26 women. The mean age was 25.9 years ± 4.9 years. The average parity was 1.6 ± 1.17 (extreme 0-3). Multiparas were the most represented. History of gestational hypertension was the main predisposing factor (50%); followed by multiparity (30%), twin pregnancy and advanced maternal age (20%). Heart failure was the clinical expression in 60% of cases. The echocardiographic regimen described hypokinetic dilated cardiomyopathy (mean LVEDD 61.2 ± 8.6 mm) with mean systolic function of 27.1 ± 10.6%. The main complications were acute pulmonary oedema (60%), thromboembolic events including pulmonary embolism (10%), ischemic stroke (10%) and death (10%). Treatment is mainly based on the use of diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, Aldactone (1/3 of patients) without forgetting anticoagulation performed with Rivaroxaban (n = 4) for some and aspirin (n = 6); and bromocriptine (initiated in 3 patients). Conclusions: MPPC is a serious disease because of its (significant morbidity and mortality rate) and its complications, both hemodynamic and thromboembolic.

0625 Sleep when the baby sleeps? The effect of daytime nap behaviors on postpartum depression severity: a stress buffering hypothesis

Abstract Introduction The early postpartum is a time of expected maternal sleep loss, normalized as part of infant care. While short duration and disrupted nocturnal sleep are posited risk factors for postpartum depression (PPD), the role of daytime sleep remains less understood, despite the widespread recommendation that mothers sleep when their baby is sleeping. This study examined associations between napping, stress, and longitudinal PPD in a sample of in a sample of healthy first-time mothers, using a prospective ambulatory field study design. Methods Fifty primiparous women (62% non-White; mean age=32 years) without a history of sleep disorders or psychopathology completed 10-days (9-nights) of actigraphy and sleep diaries at postpartum week 6. Sleep variables included nighttime duration and efficiency, and daytime nap frequency, timing and duration. Participants completed 3-days of superimposed ecological momentary assessment (EMA) rating naturalistic infant-related stressors (task demand; effort-reward-imbalance) at four daily intervals. Hierarchical mixed models tested whether daytime sleep characteristics predicted lower depression levels (via Edinburgh Postnatal-Depression Scale - EPDS) at 6-weeks, 8-weeks, and 3-months postpartum. Time-varying within-person covariates included time-of-day, baseline depression and anxiety (via Generalized-Anxiety-Disorder-7 scores), and previous night sleep. To test the putative stress-protective role of napping, we examined pre-post nap differences in EMA ratings. Results Sixty percent (n = 30/47) of women napped regularly (>3x/1 week, between 1-5 PM, < 90 min by both diary and actigraphy), rating 80% of these naps “intentional.” Women with greater nap regularity at 6-weeks had lower depression levels at all timepoints (Betas = -2.4(1.6); -1.4(.5), -.5(.01) ps<.001, respectively), and less of an increase in depression symptoms at 3-months postpartum, compared to non-nappers [Beta(SE)=-1.2 (.5); R^2=.21; p<.001]. At 6-weeks, regular nappers reported lower stress post-nap (effort-reward-imbalance; demand) [Beta(SE)=-6.3(1.4); 1.2(.12,), R^2=.27, .32, respectively; ps<.01]. Conclusion This study demonstrates a contemporaneous mood-protective role of daytime sleep in a perinatal sample, using 24-hr objective sleep assessment coupled with daily assessments of naturalistic stressors. Moreover, these results provide support for the protective role of regular daytime sleep on development of PPD over time. Among new mothers who regularly nap, lowered post-nap stress may be one pathway through which daytime sleep buffers against PPD severity. Support (if any) NIMH-1R36MH118000-01, CTSI89431, T32-HL007713

Cross-sector Collaboration Between Public Health, Healthcare and Social Services Improves Retention: Findings from a Nurse Home Visiting Program.

The study aimed to examine the association between cross-sector collaboration in Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP), a model home visiting program, and participant retention. We used the 2018 NFP Collaboration Survey that measured agency-level collaboration, operationalized as relational coordination and structural integration, among nine community provider types (including obstetrics care, substance use treatment, child welfare). This dataset was linked to 2014-2018 NFP program implementation data (n = 36,900). We used random-intercept models with nurse-level random effects to examine the associations between provider-specific collaborations and participant retention adjusting for client, nurse, and agency characteristics. The adjusted models suggest that stronger relational coordination between nurses and substance use treatment providers (OR:1.177, 95% CI: 1.09-1.26) and greater structural integration with child welfare (OR: 1.062, CI: 1.04-1.09) were positively associated with participant retention at birth. Stronger structural integration between other home visiting programs and supplemental nutrition for women, infants, and children was negatively associated with participant retention at birth (OR: 0.985, CI: 0.97-0.99). Structural integration with child welfare remained significantly associated with participant retention at 12-month postpartum (OR: 1.032, CI: 1.01-1.05). In terms of client-level characteristics, clients who were unmarried, African-American, or visited by nurses who ceased NFP employment prior to their infant's birth were more likely to drop out of the NFP program. Older clients and high school graduates were more likely to remain in NFP. Visits by a nurse with a master's degree, agency rurality, and healthcare systems that implement the program were associated with participant retention. Cross-sector collaboration in a home visiting setting that bridges healthcare and addresses social determinants of health has potential to improve participant retention. This study sets the groundwork for future research to explore the implications of collaborative activities between preventive services and community providers.

0098 Prenatal Maternal Sleep Quality Predicts Neonatal White Matter Microstructure and Infant Negative Emotionality

Abstract Introduction Poor prenatal sleep health is a pervasive reproductive health concern that informs the health of the mother and fetal development. Despite the almost ubiquitous nature of sleep disturbances across pregnancy, sleep health within pregnant populations, and its effects on the next generation, remain poorly studied. We recently showed that prenatal maternal sleep quality predicts newborn hippocampal volume. However, the relation between prenatal sleep quality and neonatal neural circuit development remains unknown. Changes in neonatal white matter microstructure presage compromised socioemotional and cognitive health, including the development of psychopathology and neurocognitive disorders, making it a plausible neurobiological pathway linking prenatal maternal sleep and offspring socioemotional health. This study first examined the relations between trajectories of prenatal maternal sleep quality and subsequent neonatal white matter integrity. We next evaluated whether neonatal white matter integrity partially mediates associations between prenatal sleep and infant negative emotionality. Methods Pregnant participants (n = 116) provided prospective and longitudinal data of prenatal maternal sleep quality at 16, 29, and 35 gestational weeks using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Neonatal (53% female) white matter integrity was assessed via diffusion weighed images using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Infant negative emotionality was collected at 6 postpartum months using the Infant Behavior Questionnaire. Results Trajectories of prenatal maternal sleep quality predicted higher bilateral neonatal fractional anisotropy (FA) in the uncinate fasciculus (e.g., right: b = 0.15, p = .023). Further, higher uncinate FA predicted more infant negative emotionality (e.g., right: b = 0.25, p = .011) and uncinate FA partially mediated the association between prenatal maternal sleep and infant negative emotionality (right: indirect effect = 0.014, CI = [.0001, .0323], p < .05). Associations remained after covarying for infant postconceptional age at MRI, motion in MRI scan, sex, and income-to-needs ratio. Conclusion These findings highlight prenatal maternal sleep health as a prenatal signal with intergenerational connections to offspring neurobiology and negative emotionality, both of which have been previously implicated in the development of psychopathology. Pregnancy is a sensitive period in which interventions may inform the health of two generations. Support (if any) NIMH R01MH109662, NHLBI R01HL155744, and diversity training supplement for 1st author; F32MH125572 for 2nd author.

Meeting the Needs of Postpartum Women: Provider Perspectives on Maternal Contraceptive Care in Pediatric Settings.

Closely spaced, mistimed, and unwanted pregnancies are common among postpartum women and can lead to adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Women inconsistently attend postpartum obstetric visits, though they reliably interface with pediatric providers during the postpartum months, presenting novel opportunities to identify and address unmet family planning needs. We conducted a qualitative study to explore pediatric provider perspectives on addressing maternal family planning in three settings: a neonatal intensive care unit, a primary care clinic, and a high-risk infant follow-up clinic. Pediatric providers were generally open to incorporating postpartum family planning screening and counseling into a pediatric encounter, if given appropriate training and implementation support. Providers largely agreed that contraceptive provision to women was not feasible in their practices, and they shared ideas for utilizing the pediatric encounter to connect women with comprehensive contraceptive care. Pediatric providers perceived postpartum family planning screening and counseling, and not contraceptive provision, as potentially acceptable and feasible in their practice settings. These exploratory findings justify further investigation to assess their generalizability and to develop postpartum family planning interventions for pediatrics.

Postpartum Insurance Discontinuity and Use of Prescription Contraceptive Methods [ID: 1377734

INTRODUCTION: Medicaid eligibility income thresholds increase during pregnancy and historically ended 60 days postpartum. Thus, this postpartum period is especially vulnerable to insurance discontinuity, which may decrease access to contraception. METHODS: We used Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System survey data (2012–2020) in 42 states. Exposure, assessed 2 or more months after childbirth, was categorized as continuous insurance, insurance loss, discontinuous Medicaid-to-private, and discontinuous private-to-Medicaid. We used modified Poisson regression to estimate risk ratios (RRs) with 95% CIs for using contraception methods requiring prescriptions compared to nonprescription methods/none, adjusted for race and ethnicity, language, education, age, marital status, federal poverty level, and year. We then stratified by Medicaid expansion status at time of delivery. RESULTS: Of 246,088 respondents, 76.4% held continuous insurance from childbirth to 2 or more months postpartum, 11.9% lost insurance, 7.6% experienced discontinuity from Medicaid-to-private insurance, and 4.1% from private-to-Medicaid. Compared to continuous insurance, the adjusted RR for prescription postpartum contraception was 0.88 (CI 0.86–0.89) for loss of insurance, 0.99 (0.97–1.01) for discontinuous Medicaid-to-private, and 0.96 (0.93–0.98) for discontinuous private-to-Medicaid. Stratification by Medicaid expansion status yielded similar results. Of respondents in states or time periods without Medicaid expansion, 16.2% experienced insurance loss compared to 7.9% of those with Medicaid expansion. CONCLUSION: Insurance loss 2 or more months after childbirth was associated with decreased likelihood of prescription postpartum contraception, with a higher proportion of respondents without Medicaid expansion vulnerable to such insurance loss. Increased state adoption of the federal 12-month postpartum Medicaid extension option could improve access to prescription postpartum contraception.

Delivering a Postpartum Weight Loss Intervention via Facebook or In-Person Groups: Results From a Randomized Pilot Feasibility Trial.

Postpartum weight retention contributes to weight gain and obesity. Remotely delivered lifestyle interventions may be able to overcome barriers to attending in-person programs during this life phase. This study aimed to conduct a randomized feasibility pilot trial of a 6-month postpartum weight loss intervention delivered via Facebook or in-person groups. Feasibility outcomes were recruitment, sustained participation, contamination, retention, and feasibility of study procedures. Percent weight loss at 6 and 12 months were exploratory outcomes. Women with overweight or obesity who were 8 weeks to 12 months post partum were randomized to receive a 6-month behavioral weight loss intervention based on the Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle intervention via Facebook or in-person groups. Participants completed assessments at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Sustained participation was defined by intervention meeting attendance or visible engagement in the Facebook group. We calculated percent weight change for participants who provided weight at each follow-up. Among individuals not interested in the study, 68.6% (72/105) were not interested in or could not attend in-person meetings and 2.9% (3/105) were not interested in the Facebook condition. Among individuals excluded at screening, 18.5% (36/195) were ineligible owing to reasons related to the in-person condition, 12.3% (24/195) related to the Facebook condition, and 2.6% (5/195) were unwilling to be randomized. Randomized participants (n=62) were a median of 6.1 (IQR 3.1-8.3) months post partum, with a median BMI of 31.7 (IQR 28.2-37.4) kg/m2. Retention was 92% (57/62) at 6 months and 94% (58/62) at 12 months. The majority (21/30, 70%) of Facebook and 31% (10/32) of in-person participants participated in the last intervention module. Half (13/26, 50%) of Facebook and 58% (15/26) of in-person participants would be likely or very likely to participate again if they had another baby, and 54% (14/26) and 70% (19/27), respectively, would be likely or very likely to recommend the program to a friend. In total, 96% (25/26) of Facebook participants reported that it was convenient or very convenient to log into the Facebook group daily compared with 7% (2/27) of in-person participants who said it was convenient or very convenient to attend group meetings each week. Average weight loss was 3.0% (SD 7.2%) in the Facebook condition and 5.4% (SD 6.8%) in the in-person condition at 6 months, and 2.8% (SD 7.4%) in the Facebook condition and 4.8% (SD 7.6%) in the in-person condition at 12 months. Barriers to attending in-person meetings hampered recruitment efforts and intervention participation. Although women found the Facebook group convenient and stayed engaged in the group, weight loss appeared lower. Research is needed to further develop care models for postpartum weight loss that balance accessibility with efficacy. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03700736; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03700736.

Written exposure therapy for treatment of perinatal PTSD among women with comorbid PTSD and SUD: A pilot study examining feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness

ObjectiveThis pilot open trial examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of Written Exposure Therapy (WET), a 5-session evidence-based intervention for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during pregnancy. Participants were pregnant women with comorbid PTSD and substance use disorder (SUD) receiving prenatal care in a high risk obstetrics-addictions clinic. MethodsA total of 18 participants with probable PTSD engaged in the intervention, and 10 completed the intervention and were included in outcome analyses. Wilcoxon's Signed-Rank analyses were used to evaluate PTSD and depression symptoms and craving at pre-intervention to post-intervention and pre-intervention to the 6-month postpartum follow-up. Engagement and retention in WET and therapist fidelity to the intervention manual were used to assess feasibility. Quantitative and qualitative measures of patient satisfaction were used to assess acceptability. ResultsPTSD symptoms significantly decreased from pre-intervention to post-intervention (S = 26.6, p = 0.006), which sustained at the 6-month postpartum follow-up (S = 10.5, p = 0.031). Participant satisfaction at post-intervention was high. Therapists demonstrated high adherence to the intervention and excellent competence. ConclusionsWET was a feasible and acceptable treatment for PTSD in this sample. Randomized clinical trial studies with a general group of pregnant women are needed to expand upon these findings and perform a full-scale test of effectiveness of this intervention.

Preschool Behavioral Problems: Links with Maternal Oxytocin and Caregiving Sensitivity in the Postnatal Period, and Concurrent Maternal Psychopathology and Attachment State-of-Mind

This study investigated maternal oxytocin, caregiving sensitivity and mother-to-infant bonding at 3-months postpartum as predictors of child behavior and psychological outcomes in the preschool years, when controlling for concurrent maternal negative emotional symptoms and adult attachment state-of-mind. Forty-five mother–child dyads were assessed at 3-months and 3.5 years postpartum using mix of questionnaires, observational, interview and biological methods. Results showed that lower levels of maternal baseline oxytocin at 3-months postpartum significantly predicted emotional reactivity in the child at 3.5 years. When maternal adult attachment state-of-mind and negative emotional symptoms were included, lower levels of maternal baseline oxytocin at 3-months postpartum significantly predicted withdrawn child behavior. In addition, unresolved adult attachment and maternal negative emotional symptoms were significantly associated child behavioral disturbance in a range of areas. Findings highlight maternal postnatal oxytocin as a potential indicator of children who may be more likely to show emotional reactivity and withdrawn behavior in the preschool years.

Association between breastfeeding and perinatal depressive symptoms: A 13-months cross-lagged analysis in China.

Breastfeeding is associated with perinatal depressive symptoms, the directionality of this relationship, however, remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the longitudinal relationship between breastfeeding and perinatal depressive symptoms. A longitudinal study was conducted from September 2018 to August 2020 in two cities of China. Depressive symptoms and breastfeeding behaviors were investigated during the third trimester and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum. A total of 856 women participated in the present study. The cross-lagged model revealed that after adjustments were made for covariates, depressive symptoms at 3 and 6 months postpartum predicted breastfeeding at 6 and 12 months postpartum, respectively. Additionally, prenatal and 1-month postpartum depressive symptoms were not found to predict breastfeeding. Nor was found that breastfeeding, in turn, predicted depressive symptoms. These results indicated that women who experienced depressive symptoms at 3 months postpartum were more likely to discontinue breastfeeding. The first 3-months postpartum period seems to be the optimal time to identify and treat depressive symptoms to maintain and increase breastfeeding rates. Early intervention of perinatal depressive symptoms is warranted.

Indirect associations between infant sleep, parental sleep, and sexual well-being in new parent couples.

New parents' sexual frequency and desire fluctuate throughout the transition to parenthood (i.e., the first year after childbirth). Poorer infant sleep and parental sleep are each associated with lower sexual frequency and desire in cross-sectional research. According to the theory, infant sleep might shape new parents' sexual frequency and desire in so far as it disrupts parental sleep, though this pathway has yet to be examined. We examined the role of parental sleep in the indirect pathway between infant sleep and sexual frequency and sexual desire in couples, both within and between-person, during the first-year postpartum. In a dyadic longitudinal study, 203 first-time mothers and their partners reported on infant sleep quality, parental sleep, sexual frequency, and sexual desire at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-months postpartum. Poorer infant sleep was associated with mothers' (within-couple) and partners' (between-couple) poorer sleep and, in turn, lower sexual frequency for the couple. For both mothers (within-person) and partners (between-person), poorer infant sleep was associated with their own lower sexual desire through poorer parental sleep via the indirect pathway. Ongoing assessment of infant sleep and parental sleep may reveal opportunities to mitigate the negative effects of poor sleep on new parents' sexual relationships. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Measurement of Health-Related Quality of Life from Conception to Postpartum Using the EQ-5D-5LAmong a National Sample of US Pregnant and Postpartum Adults.

During pregnancy, physiological changes occur from conception to birth. We assessed the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) throughout pregnancy and postpartum using the EQ-5D-5L. Between May and July 2021 (wave 1) and December 2021 and April 2022 (wave 2), we conducted a series of cross-sectional, national online surveys of 5250 pregnant and postpartum United States (US) adults. The survey included the EQ-5D-5L, EQ visual analog scale (EQ VAS), items measuring respondents' sociodemographic and health information, last menstrual period, estimated date of delivery, and date of pregnancy end (if postpartum). We examined monthly EQ-5D-5L items, utility values, and EQ VAS scores during pregnancy and postpartum. We used quantile regression adjusted for calendar month of last menstrual period to estimate changes in HRQoL at different time points of pregnancy and postpartum. There was a steady increase in the frequency of respondents reporting health-related problems and a decline in EQ-5D-5L utility values from early pregnancy until the ninth month of pregnancy (β = -0.21; standard error [SE] 0.02; P < 0.001), followed by a 0.10 (SE 0.02; P < 0.001) unit increase in values during the first postpartum month and a stabilization during the remainder of the postpartum period (β = 0.02; SE 0.02; P = 0.214). The median EQ-5D-5L utility value was lowest during the ninth month of pregnancy (median 0.78 [interquartile range 0.30]). HRQoL as measured by EQ-5D-5L varies across pregnancy, indicating progressive declines throughout pregnancy and a return to first trimester values during the first month postpartum. Studies involving HRQoL measurement in pregnant people should account for the stage of pregnancy in their estimates.

A pragmatic lifestyle intervention for overweight and obese women with gestational diabetes mellitus (PAIGE2): A parallel arm, multicenter randomized controlled trial study protocol.

The global epidemic of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity has been translated into pregnancy, with approximately 18% of women being diagnosed worldwide with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). Whilst preventive strategies have proven effective in the non-pregnant context, attrition rates are high and there is an urgent need to develop a customized, pragmatic lifestyle intervention for women both during and after pregnancy. Diet and exercise modification, behavioral support, and Commercial Weight Management Organizations have been strongly recommended to aid postpartum weight reduction for mothers with previous GDM, subsequently reducing their risk of developing obesity and T2D. This study, informed by a previous pilot study, aims to determine the effectiveness of a pragmatic pregnancy and postpartum lifestyle modification program for overweight women with previous GDM (PAIGE2) to reduce body weight at 12 months postpartum. This paper summarizes the protocol for the PAIGE2 study, which has been developed based on results from a pilot study (PAIGE). A six center, two parallel arm, 12-month, randomized controlled trial will be conducted across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (3 centers each), involving 340 women with GDM and body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 recruited during pregnancy. The lifestyle intervention involves a one-hour virtual educational program (to take place at 32-36 weeks gestation). Postpartum, the intervention will include monthly phone calls, weekly motivational text messages, weekly step counts, and referral for three months to a Commercial Weight Management Organization (Slimming World). The control arm will receive usual care as offered by the local maternity hospital. The primary outcome is weight loss at 12 months postpartum. Study visits for anthropometric and clinical measurements, fasting blood samples, questionnaires pertaining to health, wellbeing and physical activity will take place at 6 weeks, 6- and 12-months postpartum. Focus groups will be conducted with intervention mothers' post-intervention to determine the acceptability of the study design including utility of a Commercial Weight Management Organization, feasibility of remote patient contact, family involvement and patient satisfaction. The PAIGE2 study will address the gaps in previously conducted research and, if positive, has the potential to have major public health implications for the prevention of future GDM and subsequent T2D. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04579016?term=NCT04579016&draw=2&rank=1, identifier NCT04579016.

Early vs Interval Postpartum Intrauterine Device Placement

The early postpartum period, 2 to 4 weeks after birth, may be a convenient time for intrauterine device (IUD) placement; the placement could then coincide with early postpartum or well-baby visits. To determine expulsion rates for IUDs placed early postpartum compared with those placed at the standard interval 6-week visit. In this randomized noninferiority trial, people who had a vaginal or cesarean birth were randomly assigned to undergo early (14-28 days) or interval (42-56 days) postpartum IUD placement. Clinicians blinded to participant study group used transvaginal ultrasonography to confirm IUD presence and position at the 6-month postpartum follow-up. The study assessed 642 postpartum people from 4 US medical centers, enrolled a consecutive sample of 404 participants from March 2018 to July 2021, and followed up each participant for 6 months postpartum. Early postpartum IUD placement, at 2 to 4 weeks postpartum, vs standard interval placement 6 to 8 weeks postpartum. The primary outcome was complete IUD expulsion by 6 months postpartum; the prespecified noninferiority margin was 6%. Secondary outcomes were partial IUD expulsion, IUD removal, pelvic infection, patient satisfaction, uterine perforation, pregnancy, and IUD use at 6 months postpartum. IUD malposition was an exploratory outcome. Among 404 enrolled participants, 203 participants were randomly assigned to undergo early IUD placement and 201 to undergo interval IUD placement (mean [SD] age, 29.9 [5.4] years; 46 [11.4%] were Black, 228 [56.4%] were White, and 175 [43.3%] were Hispanic). By 6 months postpartum, 53 participants (13%) never had an IUD placed and 57 (14%) were lost to follow-up. Among the 294 participants (73%) who received an IUD and completed 6-month follow-up, complete expulsion rates were 3 of 149 (2.0% [95% CI, 0.4%-5.8%]) in the early placement group and 0 of 145 (0% [95% CI, 0.0%-2.5%]) in the interval placement group (between-group difference, 2.0 [95% CI, -0.5 to 5.7] percentage points). Partial expulsion occurred in 14 (9.4% [95% CI, 5.2%-15.3%]) participants in the early placement group and 11 (7.6% [95% CI, 3.9%-13.2%]) participants in the interval placement group (between-group difference, 1.8 [95% CI, -4.8 to 8.6] percentage points). IUD use at 6 months was similar between the groups: 141 (69.5% [95% CI, 62.6%-75.7%]) participants in the early group vs 139 (67.2% [95% CI, 60.2%-73.6%]) in the interval group. Early IUD placement at 2 to 4 weeks postpartum compared with 6 to 8 weeks postpartum was noninferior for complete expulsion, but not partial expulsion. Understanding the risk of expulsion at these time points may help patients and clinicians make informed choices about the timing of IUD placement. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03462758.

Depression, anxiety, and stress in pregnancy and postpartum: A longitudinal study during the COVID-19 pandemic

IntroductionSymptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in pregnant women are generally highest in the first trimester and then decrease throughout pregnancy, reaching their lowest point in the postpartum period. Pregnant women are a high-risk population for mortality and mental health symptoms due to COVID-19. However, the extent to which the chronic stress of the COVID-19 pandemic alters the trajectory of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms in pregnant/postpartum women is unknown. MethodsWomen (N=127) who were pregnant or who had given birth less than one month prior were recruited via online advertising during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were assessed up to three times during the pregnancy and at 1-month postpartum for depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), anxiety, and stress (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21). Random intercepts models examined symptom change over time as well as predictors of elevated postpartum psychopathology. ResultsOn average, women completed their surveys at 8.5 weeks (first trimester), 21 weeks (second trimester), 32 weeks (third trimester) and 7-weeks postpartum. Women reported mild-moderate levels of depression, anxiety, and stress throughout pregnancy. There was a significant change in symptoms of depression and anxiety over time which was best represented by a quadratic rather than linear trajectory: symptoms increased until week 23–25 and then decreased. Stress levels remained consistently elevated over time. Higher symptom levels at 1-month postpartum were predicted by younger age, lower social support, and worry about going to a healthcare facility. Change in routine due to COVID-19 was not predictive of symptom trajectory from pregnancy to postpartum. ConclusionsDuring COVID-19, symptoms of depression and anxiety increased from early to mid-pregnancy but then declined slightly while stress levels remained elevated. Observed reductions in symptoms were small. Given the substantial persistent impact of perinatal distress and poor mental health on maternal and fetal health, providers should be aware of heightened levels of these symptoms in pregnant women during large-scale external health stressors such as COVID-19, and should implement screening procedures to identify and appropriately intervene with at-risk women.