Higher Risk Of Postpartum Depression Research Articles

Low Social Support is Associated With Postpartum Depression Symptoms Among Illinois Postpartum Women.

Postpartum depression (PPD) occurs after delivery, with severity and onset varying by individual. Women with low social support may be at higher risk for PPD. This study examined the association between social support and self-reported postpartum depression symptoms (PDS) among Illinois postpartum women. Using 2016-2020 data from the Illinois Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) (n = 5886), instrumental support (physical, hands-on support) and partner emotional support were each categorized as high/low and were combined in a composite measure (high = high on both types, moderate = high on one type, and low = low on both types). PDS were self-reported. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using logistic regression. Overall, 9.6% (95% CI = 8.8-10.4) of Illinois postpartum women experienced PDS. Of Illinois postpartum women, 63.5% (95% CI = 62.1-64.9) had high composite support, 29.3% (95% CI = 28.0-30.6) had moderate composite support, and 7.1% (95% CI = 6.4-7.9) had low composite support. After adjustment for maternal characteristics, instrumental support, partner emotional support, and a composite measure of support were each significantly associated with PDS. Compared to women with high composite support, women with low composite support had six times the odds of PDS (aOR = 6.1, 95% CI = 4.5-8.2), and women with moderate composite support had nearly three times the odds of PDS (aOR = 2.7, 95% CI = 2.2-3.4). PDS was associated with instrumental support, partner emotional support, and a composite measure of support in Illinois postpartum women. This suggests the importance of addressing social support for postpartum individuals.

Anesthesia for cesarean delivery and subsequent depression: A nationwide retrospective cohort study

BackgroundPostpartum depression is a major psychiatric disorder associated with maternal suicide and child developmental disturbances. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether general anesthesia for cesarean delivery is associated with a higher rate of new-onset depression after delivery than neuraxial anesthesia. MethodsThis is a nationwide retrospective cohort study using data retrieved from the National Health Insurance Research Database between 2014 and 2018. Women who had cesarean delivery under general or neuraxial anesthesia were enrolled. After 1:4 propensity score matching, there were 4544 and 18,176 women under the general and neuraxial anesthesia groups, respectively. The primary outcome was new-onset depression diagnosed after delivery in a time-to-event analysis setting. ResultsAfter propensity-score matching, the rate of new-onset depression diagnosed within 1 year was 1.10 % (50/4488) and 0.86 % (157/18176) after cesarean delivery under general and neuraxial anesthesia, respectively. For depression diagnosed within 90 days of delivery, significant difference between the two groups was noted (0.51 % vs. 0.30 %, P = 0.031). In the time-to-event analysis with Cox regression model, women who delivered under general anesthesia were associated with significantly higher risk of postpartum depression within 90 days (Hazard ratio [HR], 1.71; 95 % CI, 1.05–2.79) compared with those under neuraxial anesthesia. LimitationsThe observational design only allows asserting association, rather than establishing causality between exposure and outcomes. ConclusionsWomen who underwent cesarean delivery under general anesthesia had a higher risk of subsequent depression within 90 days than those under neuraxial anesthesia. Early screening for depressive disorders might facilitate timely management.

The effect of a remote physical activity intervention on postpartum depressive symptoms and stress among low income women: The healthy mom III randomized trial

Background and aimsPhysical activity interventions have been shown to prevent postpartum depression. However, few studies have targeted low income women who are at high risk for postpartum depression. MethodsThis study examined the efficacy of a novel remote physical activity intervention designed to prevent perinatal depression (assessed at 36 weeks gestation and 12 week postpartum). Participants (n = 111) who were low income and pregnant (less than 20 weeks) were randomly assigned to either a six month intervention focusing on increasing physical activity and decreasing sedentary behavior (remote counseling sessions based on Self-Determination Theory) or usual care. All participants wore a Fitbit throughout the study to monitor their activity levels. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Perceived Stress Scale were administered at baseline, 36 weeks gestation, and 12 weeks postpartum. ResultsThere was no effect of the intervention on depressive symptoms or perceived stress at either of the timepoints. Secondary analysis indicated that lower levels of sedentary behavior, β = 0.256, p < 0.05, and higher levels of light activity at 8–12 weeks postpartum was related to lower perceived stress at 12 weeks postpartum, β = −0.284, p < 0.05. ConclusionEven though there was no effect of the intervention on preventing depression and stress, it continues to be important for clinicians to discuss the importance of activity during the perinatal phase due to the many health benefits. There is some evidence that sedentary and physical activity behavior may be important for reducing stress levels, however, additional research is needed.

Factors Related to Postpartum Depression in People Living With HIV: A Systematic Review.

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects one in eight women in the United States. Women with HIV may be at higher risk for PPD. This systematic review examined factors related to PPD in those with HIV. Using three databases, articles published between 2017 and 2022 were screened for eligibility, with 19 full texts reviewed and critically appraised. Ten studies from eight countries were ultimately included in the analysis. Using Engel's biopsychosocial model, common themes emerged within the theoretical framework: (a) biological (e.g., HIV diagnosis in pregnancy, impact on HIV adherence); (b) psychological (e.g., pregnancy intention, intimate partner violence, fear of HIV transmission, infant illness, behavior); and (c) social (e.g., socioeconomic status, lack of social support, disclosure, stigma). Living with HIV carries additional stressors for new parents that may impact mental health in the postpartum period. Nurses are in a unique position to screen for PPD early using established screening tools while paying particular attention to associated factors impacting those with HIV. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(xx), xx-xx.].

Antibiotic or gastric acid inhibitor use during pregnancy and postpartum depression: Population-based cohort study.

Postpartum depression is one of the most common non-obstetric postnatal complications. As the microbiome (and gut-brain axis) as well as inflammation may be involved in the mechanism, we aimed to assess if antibiotic or gastric acid inhibition use during pregnancy affects the risk of postpartum depression (clinical diagnosis and/or antidepressant use up to 1 year after childbirth). This population-based cohort study used first singleton pregnancy resulting in a live birth in Sweden from 2006 to 2016. Women with history of depression were excluded. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the impact of antibiotics and gastric acid inhibitors and other risk factors, presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Overall, 29% of all 10 666 women with postpartum depression were exposed to antibiotics and 6.2% to gastric acid inhibitors, compared to, respectively, 21% and 3.2% of 613 205 women without postpartum depression. Antibiotic use during pregnancy was associated with postpartum depression (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.37-1.49), particularly for quinolones and other antibacterials (including nitroimidazole derivatives). Gastric acid inhibition was associated with an even higher risk than antibiotics (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.88-2.21). Both antibiotics and gastric acid inhibitors suggested higher risk with increased dose in a dose-response analysis. The use of antibiotics and gastric acid inhibition drugs during pregnancy appeared to be associated with a higher risk of postpartum depression. However, it is important to consider that other predisposing factors could contribute to this increased risk, even after excluding individuals with a history of depression.

Postpartum depression symptoms: prevalence, risk factors, and childbirth experiences in Palestine

BackgroundWorldwide mothers are suffering from postpartum depression (PPD) which impairs mothers’ well-being, children, and families, and leads to adverse outcomes for mothers and their growing newborns. Low and middle-income countries have a higher prevalence of PPD and limited studies about it. This study assessed the percentage of Palestinian mothers experiencing PPD nationally, identified mothers at a higher risk of PPD, and studied the correlation between PPD and mistreatment during childbirth.MethodsThe study is based on a secondary data analysis from a cross-sectional study in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). A total of 745 telephone-based interviews with mothers were done within 2–4 weeks post-childbirth. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used as a screening tool for PPD. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used for analyzing the data.ResultsIn the context of descriptive epidemiology, we observed that 12.6% of the selected Palestinian mothers experienced PPD, with a higher occurrence of PPD among mothers living in the Gaza Strip, a politically and economically unstable region in Palestine, compared to mothers living in the West Bank (Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOD: 2.2, Confidence Interval (CI): 1.4–3.44). Older mothers were two times more likely to develop PPD compared to young mothers (AOR: 2.03, CI: 1.070–3.84). Mothers who experienced disrespectful behaviors represented by any abuse, negligence, abandonment, ineffective communication, or poor pain management in childbirth settings were more likely to report PPD than those who were not exposed to the disrespect.ConclusionA notable percentage of Palestinian mothers were identified as experiencing PPD, especially among mothers who experienced mistreatment in childbirth settings. It is essential to support healthcare providers to improve their practices and attitudes to eliminate mistreatment and abusive behaviors of mothers during childbirth.

Association between Educational Attainment and Risk of Postnatal Depression: Findings from the Czech Republic

IntroductionPostnatal depression is a common mental health condition that affects women across the globe. Lower education is frequently considered to be linked to an increased likelihood of postpartum depression. Nevertheless, inconsistent epidemiological evidence has been reported concerning the associations between education and postpartum depression risk. This study investigates the correlation between education level and postpartum depression in the Czech Republic.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to examine whether there is an association between educational attainment and the risk of postnatal depression in women who have recently given birth in the Czech Republic.MethodsWomen aged 18-45, who spoke Czech and had an email address, and had given birth in the hospital were eligible to participate in the study. The research was conducted in the maternity unit, where a medical professional presented the opportunity to take part. All participants were screened using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), with the cut-off score of ≥10 showing increased of postpartum depression.Education data was collected via self-reported questionnaires. Binary logistic regression was employed to calculate the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) to assess the relationship between educational attainment and postpartum depression risk, with sociodemographic and health-related characteristics being stepwise adjusted.ResultsOur study consisted of 3,739 postpartum respondents (mean age of 31 years). The prevalence of increased postpartum depression (≥10 EPDS points) was 22.7%. Compared to individuals with higher education (reference category), those with basic education had a higher risk of postpartum depression (OR 1.67; 95% CI 1.26–2.23; p&lt;0.001), even after adjusting for all covariates (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.08–2.22; p=0.017). Basic education was found to have the strongest association with an increased risk of postpartum depression, even when adjusted for covariates. The association between education and postpartum depression was explained by the covariates.ConclusionsHaving only basic education is a significant risk factor for postpartum depression. Interventions to reduce the burden of postpartum depression ought to focus on individuals with low levels of education.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Sleep and Mood Among Women With Histories of Depression When They Used a Responsive Infant Bassinet During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ObjectiveTo describe the experiences of women with histories of depression who used a responsive infant bassinet during the first 6 months after birth during the COVID-19 pandemic. DesignSecondary qualitative descriptive study with analytic expansion. SettingUnited States. ParticipantsWomen (N = 139) who gave birth up to 6 months previously and had histories of depression. MethodsWe used Kyngäs’s method of inductive content analysis to analyze 109 open-ended responses that were collected between August 2020 to November 2021 as part of a previously conducted longitudinal study of women who used a responsive bassinet. ResultsMost participants indicated that the responsive bassinet improved their infants’ sleep, which, in turn, subjectively improved their sleep and mood. External stressors and challenges presented barriers to good sleep for the participants and their infants, and participants described how these challenges contributed to their symptoms related to mood. When participants reported that they used the responsive bassinet, they shared that their infants were swaddled in the supine sleep position. Participants who did not use the bassinet commonly reported unsafe sleep practices. We identified seven themes from the data: Improved Maternal Sleep Quality, Barriers to Good Maternal Sleep, Mood and Sleep Go Hand and Hand, External Stressors Impair Mood, Improved Infant Sleep Quality, Barriers to Good Infant Sleep, and Safe Sleep Positioning. ConclusionThese findings can be used to inform clinicians on how a responsive bassinet may offer women at high risk for postpartum depression improved sleep and instrumental support. Future researchers should use validated measures to objectively evaluate rates of postpartum depression and sleep quality in high-risk women when using a responsive bassinet.

Association between postpartum depression and postpartum hemorrhage: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a growing mental health concern worldwide and has detrimental effects on the social and cognitive health of both mothers and infants. This review was performed to assess the risk of PPD in women with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and to identify potential moderators. The review protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database on June 17, 2023 (registration number: CRD42023432955). Two researchers independently performed a literature search of the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for articles published before May 25, 2023, with no filters and no language or location restrictions. Study quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The primary outcome was the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of PPD in women with vs. without PPH. We performed sensitivity analyses and meta-regression analyses to resolve heterogeneity. Meta-regression analyses included the effects of age, maternal smoking, marital status, preterm labor, maternal education level, preeclampsia, anemia during pregnancy, and cesarean section. In total, seven studies involving 540 558 participants met the eligibility criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Women with PPH were at increased risk of PPD compared with women without PPH (OR 1.10; 95% CI 1.03-1.16), and heterogeneity was low (I2 = 23%; τ2 = 0.0007; p = 0.25). Moreover, the results of the sensitivity analyses showed that the I2 value decreased from 23% to 0% after excluding one particular study, which may have been a source of heterogeneity. In the meta-regression analyses, the OR of PPD was greatly affected by maternal smoking (OR -0.26; 95% CI -0.30 to -0.22; p < 0.001). However, we did not observe any effects for maternal age, marital status, preterm labor, maternal education level, preeclampsia, anemia during pregnancy, or cesarean section. Women with PPH must be closely monitored because they have a higher risk of PPD than women without PPH. Early recognition and management of these patients will improve treatment outcomes, maternal health, and newborn development.

Examination of risk factors for high Edinburgh postnatal depression scale scores: a retrospective study at a single university hospital in Japan

BackgroundPerinatal mental health, such as postpartum depression, is an important issue that can threaten the lives of women and children. It is essential to understand the risk factors in advance and intervene before they can lead to postnatal depression. The risk factors of postpartum depression are reported to vary considerably in Japan. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for women with high Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores and to find women who may need our intervention to prevent postpartum depression.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study conducted at a single center. At the one-month check-up after birth, the EPDS test was performed in 1625 women who gave birth at our hospital from 2008 to 2016. We evaluated maternal, birth, neonatal and social factors and the breastfeeding status from medical records. Thereafter, we examined the factors that contributed to a high EPDS score.ResultsThere were 284 women in the high-score group with an EPDS of ≥ 9, and 1341 women in the low-score group with an EPDS score ≤ of 8. Maternal mental disorders and neonatal transport were significantly associated with high EPDS scores. Conversely, exclusive breastfeeding was significantly associated with the low-score EPDS group.ConclusionsThe principal factor for high EPDS scores was a mental disease. Based on this result, we suggest that early intervention in women at high risk for postpartum depression could prevent serious consequences such as abuse and suicide.

Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression Among Korean Women: An Analysis Based on the Korean Pregnancy Outcome Study (KPOS).

Postpartum depression (PPD) can negatively affect infant well-being and child development. Although the frequency and risk factors of PPD symptoms might vary depending on the country and culture, there is limited research on these risk factors among Korean women. This study aimed to elucidate the potential risk factors of PPD throughout pregnancy to help improve PPD screening and prevention in Korean women. The pregnant women at 12 gestational weeks (GW) were enrolled from two obstetric specialized hospitals from March 2013 to November 2017. A questionnaire survey was administered at 12 GW, 24 GW, 36 GW, and 4 weeks postpartum. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and PPD was defined as a score of ≥ 10. PPD was prevalent in 16.3% (410/2,512) of the participants. Depressive feeling at 12 GW and postpartum factors of stress, relationship with children, depressive feeling, fear, sadness, and neonatal intensive care unit admission of baby were significantly associated with a higher risk of PPD. Meanwhile, high postpartum quality of life and marital satisfaction at postpartum period were significantly associated with a lower risk of PPD. We developed a model for predicting PPD using factors as mentioned above and it had an area under the curve of 0.871. Depressive feeling at 12 GW and postpartum stress, fear, sadness, relationship with children, low quality of life, and low marital satisfaction increased the risk of PPD. A risk model that comprises significant factors can effectively predict PPD and can be helpful for its prevention and appropriate treatment.

Increasing postpartum depression screening and resources in pediatric primary care: A quality improvement project to enhance provider confidence

BackgroundUnidentified and untreated postpartum depression (PPD) can have a negative impact on children. This Quality Improvement (QI) project aimed to increase PPD screening through provider education and enhancing pediatric primary care provider (PCP) confidence in using the Edinburg Postnatal Depression Screening (EPDS) tool, discussing PPD with mothers, and providing resources. Design and methodsPCPs and staff were educated on the project. Providers were surveyed prior to and after implementation to assess confidence with screening for and addressing PPD. Mothers of infants 0–6 months were screened using the EPDS at well-care visits. Discussion of PPD and resource support was provided if needed. ResultsA total of 273 mothers met criteria for screening, and of those 65% (n = 178) had a documented score. 12.4% of mothers had a score of 10 or greater, indicating high risk for PPD. Results from PCPs were compared both pre- and post-project. Screening for PPD increased from 3 to 4.5, using the EPDS tool from 2.25 to 4.75, discussing PPD with mothers from 2.75 to 4.25, and providing resources from 2.25 to 4.25. ConclusionsPPD screening increased, and provider confidence with using the EPDS, discussing PPD with mothers, and providing resources in pediatric primary care increased.Practice Implications: Educating PCPs on the importance of PPD screening and providing resources for at-risk mothers can increase identification of PPD in the primary care setting. Enhancing the confidence of providers to discuss PPD with mothers and offer resources to those in need can lead to better outcomes for pediatric patients and their families.

Improving the Management of Maternal Mental Health with Digital Health Care.

Digital health solutions have the potential to improve maternal mental health care. The objective of this study is to determine if utilization of a digital health platform, Maven, is associated with improved management of mental health among peripartum people with a history of mental health disorders and determine which components of utilization associate with maternal mental health outcomes. Participants in this retrospective cohort analysis (n=1561) accessed Maven as an employer-sponsored health benefit and enrolled during their pregnancy and delivered from January 2020 through September 2022. Participants completed health surveys at enrollment, including history of a mood disorder, and post-delivery. Maven includes online articles, asynchronous and synchronous virtual classes, app-based mental health screenings, access to allied health professional and maternity care providers via messaging and telehealth appointments. Quantile g-computation was used to estimate the effects of multi-utilization exposures on reports of postpartum depression (PPD) and management of mental health. Multi-utilization exposure mixture models demonstrated that increasing use of digital resources by one quartile is associated with an increased odds of reporting that Maven helped users manage their mental health (aOR: 12.58 [95% CI: 6.74, 23.48]) and was not associated with self-reported incidence of PPD (aOR: 1.30 [95% CI: 0.52, 3.27]). Care advocate appointments, provider messages, and article reads were positively associated with improved mental health management. Digital health platforms, such as Maven, may play an important role in managing maternal mental health conditions among pregnant and postpartum people at high risk for PPD.

For Whom and for How Long Does the “Be a Mom” Intervention Work? A Secondary Analysis of Data From a Randomized Controlled Trial Exploring the Mid-Term Efficacy and Moderators of Treatment Response

This study explored clinical and sociodemographic moderators of treatment response to “Be a Mom”, an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) intervention, from baseline to postintervention, in women at high risk for postpartum depression (PPD). The study also assessed the stability of women’s treatment gains from baseline to 4-months postintervention (follow-up). This open-label randomized controlled trial (RCT) involved a sample of 1,053 postpartum Portuguese women identified as being at high risk for PPD (i.e., having a score of 5.5 or higher on the Postpartum Depression Predictors Inventory-Revised); participants were allocated to “Be a Mom” intervention group or a waiting-list control group, and completed self-report measures at baseline, postintervention, and a 4-month follow-up (554 women completed follow-up assessments). Depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and flourishing/positive mental health was assessed with the Mental Health Continuum. Regression models and linear mixed models were used to examine moderators of treatment and the mid-term efficacy of the “Be a Mom” intervention, respectively. The results revealed that treatment completion, higher depression scores at baseline, and higher income levels were linked to greater symptom reduction and positive mental health enhancement. Moreover, the efficacy of the “Be a Mom” intervention was supported at the 4-month follow-up. The “Be a Mom” intervention appears to be an effective iCBT tool for reducing psychological distress and enhancing positive mental health in women at risk for PPD, with therapeutic improvements maintained over a 4-month period.

Association of Antepartum and Postpartum Air Pollution Exposure With Postpartum Depression in Southern California

Women are especially vulnerable to mental health matters post partum because of biological, emotional, and social changes during this period. However, epidemiologic evidence of an association between air pollution exposure and postpartum depression (PPD) is limited. To examine the associations between antepartum and postpartum maternal air pollution exposure and PPD. This retrospective cohort study used data from Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) electronic health records and included women who had singleton live births at KPSC facilities between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2016. Data were analyzed between January 1 and May 10, 2023. Ambient air pollution exposures were assessed based on maternal residential addresses using monthly averages of particulate matter less than or equal to 2.5 μm (PM2.5), particulate matter less than or equal to 10 μm (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3) from spatial interpolation of monitoring station measurements. Constituents of PM2.5 (sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, organic matter, and black carbon) were obtained from fine-resolution geoscience-derived models based on satellite, ground-based monitor, and chemical transport modeling data. Participants with an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score of 10 or higher during the 6 months after giving birth were referred to a clinical interview for further assessment and diagnosis. Ascertainment of PPD was defined using a combination of diagnostic codes and prescription medications. The study included 340 679 participants (mean [SD] age, 30.05 [5.81] years), with 25 674 having PPD (7.54%). Increased risks for PPD were observed to be associated with per-IQR increases in antepartum and postpartum exposures to O3 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.09; 95% CI, 1.06-1.12), PM10 (AOR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.04), and PM2.5 (AOR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1. 00-1.03) but not with NO2; PPD risks were mainly associated with PM2.5 organic matter and black carbon. Overall, a higher risk of PPD was associated with O3 during the entire pregnancy and postpartum periods and with PM exposure during the late pregnancy and postpartum periods. The study findings suggest that long-term exposure to antepartum and postpartum air pollution was associated with higher PPD risks. Identifying the modifiable environmental risk factors and developing interventions are important public health issues to improve maternal mental health and alleviate the disease burden of PPD.

Incidence of postpartum depression after treatment of postpartum anaemia with intravenous ferric carboxymaltose, intravenous ferric derisomaltose or oral ferrous sulphate: A randomized clinical trial

ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore whether the type of iron preparation used to treat postpartum anaemia affects the incidence of postpartum depression and whether the risk of postpartum depression is higher in postpartum patients with anaemia who were adequately treated compared to the general postpartum population. Study designSingle-center, open-label, randomized trial. Women were allocated to receive intravenous ferric carboxymaltose, intravenous ferric derisomaltose or oral ferrous sulphate. Intravenous iron was given in one or two doses, while ferrous sulphate as two 80 mg tablets once daily. Primary outcome was postpartum depression measured by Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) six weeks postpartum. Haematological parameters were analyzed as secondary outcomes. Kruskal-Wallis test was used for group comparison (p < 0.05 significant). The chi-square test was applied to compare categorical variables as well as the group of all subjects treated for anaemia in the study with the historical data for the Slovenian postpartum population. ResultsThree-hundred women with postpartum anemia (hemoglobin < 100 g/L within 48-hours postpartum) were included between September 2020 and March 2022 in tertiary perinatal center. Most characteristics were similar across groups. EPDS score at six weeks postpartum did not differ between groups. The treatment modality of postpartum anaemia did not have a statistically significant effect on the EPDS score six weeks after treatment (p = 0.10), nor did it have a statistically significant effect on the difference in EPDS scores before and after treatment (p = 0.68). The proportions of participants who scored 10 or more points on the EPDS scores at six weeks postpartum were not statistically different between the groups (p = 0.79). The proportion of participants with an EPDS score of 10 or more at six weeks postpartum in the total study population did not differ significantly from previously reported proportion of postpartum women with EPDS score of 10 or more in the general population (12 % vs. 21 %; p < 0.001). ConclusionsMaternal depression at 6 weeks postpartum did not differ in women treated for postpartum anemia with intravenous ferric carboxymaltose, intravenous ferric derisomaltose or oral ferrous sulphate. Participants with postpartum anaemia who are adequately treated with either oral or intravenous iron preparations are not at a higher risk of postpartum depression than the general population at six weeks postpartum.

Depression, anxiety, insomnia and interleukins in the early postpartum period.

Some new mothers have been shown to suffer from anxiety and depression associated with insomnia during the postpartum period. Our study assessed the impact of demographic, psychopathological, and biochemical factors on the incidence of depression in women during the early postpartum period. A total of 119 women were evaluated at 24-48 h postpartum with the following psychometric scales: Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) and Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS). In addition, blood was drawn to assay interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 10 (IL-10). The factors that had the greatest impact on the risk of postpartum depression detected with the HDRS were high HARS scores and evidence of insomnia in the AIS. There were no significant differences in IL-6 or IL-10 levels in women with and without depression (based on either HDRS or EPDS scores) and insomnia (based on AIS) after childbirth. Considering demographic factors, divorced and single women were shown to be at higher risk of postpartum depression (based on EPDS scores). Small sample size and short observation span. This study highlights the relationship between postpartum depression and both anxiety and insomnia and emphasises the importance to assess symptoms of anxiety and sleep quality as part of screening in women at risk of postpartum depression.

A Mixed Methods Evaluation of Virtually Delivered Group-based Mothers and Babies for Latina Immigrant Mothers.

Immigrant Latinas are at higher risk for postpartum depression (PPD) than the general perinatal population, yet face numerous barriers to accessing mental health services. The goal of this study was to pilot an enhanced, virtual group delivery of a PPD prevention program, Mothers and Babies (MB), among immigrant Latinas engaged in early childhood programming. Forty-nine Spanish-speaking mothers participated in one of four MB virtual groups, facilitated by trained bilingual staff at affiliated early learning centers. MB was enhanced to also target social determinants of health. A mixed-methods design was used to evaluate MB using participant interviews and pre-post surveys measuring depressive symptoms, parenting distress, and self-efficacy to manage emotions. On average, participants attended 69% of MB virtual sessions and rated group cohesiveness at a 4.6 on a 5-point scale. Paired-samples t tests showed significant reductions in depressive symptoms (Cohen's d=0.29; p=.03) and parenting distress (Cohen's d=0.31; p=.02), and improved self-efficacy to manage emotions (Cohen's d=-0.58; p<.001). Participants reported both benefits and drawbacks of the virtual format and provided largely favorable feedback on program enhancements. Results provide initial evidence for the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of an enhanced virtual group PPD prevention program for immigrant Latinas, delivered in partnership with local early learning centers. These findings have important implications for extending the reach of preventive interventions among a population that faces many structural and linguistic barriers to traditional forms of mental health service delivery.

Women’s Experiences of Pregnancy, Birth, and the Postpartum Period During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

BACKGROUND:The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is linked with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, the effects of lockdown measures on pregnant women’s mental health are still largely unknown.AIM:To explore women’s experiences of pregnancy, labor/birth, and the postpartum period during the COVID-19 pandemic.METHOD:An online cross-sectional survey was conducted between July 2020 and May 2021. Two questionnaires were used: one focused on demographic information and women’s experiences of pregnancy and perinatal period, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Data were analyzed via statistical and content analysis.RESULTS:Two-hundred and 78 women answered the questionnaire. Stress and anxiety were the predominant challenges for many women; 36.3% reported being moderately and 17.3% highly stressed and anxious during pregnancy; 23.9% reported being moderately and 26.8% highly stressed and anxious during labor/birth. On the EPDS, 40.2% of women scored ≥11 points, indicating that they were at high risk for postpartum depression. The level of stress and anxiety during pregnancy and labor/birth was significantly higher in women with depressive symptoms compared with the other women (p&lt; .001 for both comparisons). In addition, the proportion of women with depressive symptoms who were supported by friends during pregnancy was significantly lower compared with the other women (51.8% vs. 68.3%,p= .006). Women with depressive symptoms also reported a significantly lower presence of their partner during birth (95.5% vs. 99.4%,p= .040) and significantly lower perceived support from the midwife during labor and birth (p= .042). Content analysis revealed that sources of social and emotional stress and anxiety included women’s inability to meet with friends and extended families, lack of support, loneliness, the need to protect the baby, and concerns about hygiene.CONCLUSION:Partners, friends, and family members play a significant role in the social support systems of pregnant women, and their support was hindered by the lockdown measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. In our study, the prevalence of women at high risk for postpartum depression was higher when compared with previous literature, suggesting that the pandemic contributed to an increase in stress and anxiety. This should be taken into consideration in planning maternity services after the pandemic.

Association between maternity care practitioner type and postpartum depression screening.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is increasingly common in the United States and poses a significant threat to maternal and neonatal health. Universal screening for postpartum depression is recommended by numerous organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, but is not achieved in practice. A cross-sectional, weighted, state-representative study of California residents who gave birth in 2016 using the Listening to Mothers in California 2018 data set. Primary exposure was type of maternity care professional providing care during pregnancy, and the primary outcome was PPD screening. The secondary exposure was self-reported depression or anxiety during pregnancy, and the secondary outcome was attending a postpartum office visit. Bivariate analyses were conducted using Rao-Scott chi-square tests, and multivariate analyses were conducted using logistic regression. Compared to participants cared for by obstetricians, participants cared for by midwives had 2.6 times the odds of reporting being screened for PPD after controlling for covariates (95% CI = 1.5, 4.4). Receiving care from any other practitioner type compared with an obstetrician was not associated with a different rate of postpartum depression screening. Reporting depression or anxiety during pregnancy was associated with 0.7 times the odds (95% CI = 0.5, 1.0) of returning for postpartum care after controlling for covariates. Being cared for by a midwife during pregnancy increases the likelihood of being screened for postpartum depression. In addition, even perfectly implemented universal screening will miss a vulnerable sector of the population that is at high risk for postpartum depression and is less likely to return for postpartum care.