Maternal Anxiety Research Articles (Page 1)

BackgroundDespite the high rates and detrimental consequences of co-occurring intimate partner violence (IPV) and offspring child maltreatment (CM), research regarding their potential spillover mechanisms is scarce. This study aims to examine the relation between IPV and CM and the potential mediating roles of maternal depression, anxiety and stress symptoms as well as children´s externalizing behavior problems. Within this model, the potential moderating effect of mothers' own history of CM in the link between IPV and maternal depression, anxiety and stress symptoms is investigated.MethodsIn this cross-section and longitudinal study, an Eastern European sample of 701 mothers (Mage = 35.5; range 21 – 52) with children aged 2–9 years completed a battery of self-report questionnaires at three timepoints (baseline, after 7 and 11 months). Mothers reported on IPV victimization (Conflict Tactics Scale), offspring CM (ISPCAN Child Abuse Screening Tool), maternal mental health symptoms (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales), and children’s externalizing behavior problems (Child Behavior Checklist). Path models were used to test indirect and moderated indirect effects.ResultsCross-sectionally, maternal mental health and child externalizing behavior partially mediated the effect of IPV on CM. Results could not be replicated when using longitudinal data. Maternal history of CM did not moderate the strength of the association between IPV and maternal mental health problems.ConclusionsCross-sectional findings implicate that maternal and child mental health problems, as well as the mother’s own history of CM, seem to be key players in the cycle of violence. Findings may encourage practitioners to target more than one outcome when implementing early interventions for preventing mental health problems or reducing family violence.Trial registrationNCT03865485 registered in ClinicalTrials.gov on March 5, 2019.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-025-24955-8.

Neural processes of emotional reactivity are putative mechanisms of risk for psychopathology in children and adults. Individual differences in neural processes of emotion in adults are linked to poor adult mental health and to developing emotion in offspring. At the level of observed and self-reported behavior, both state and trait-level variations in emotional reactivity are associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, whether state and trait-level variations are visible at the level of neural activity remains unknown. Pregnancy is a time of heightened state-level variability in maternal emotion and a sensitive period of risk for psychopathology in mothers and infants. As such, pregnancy may be a particularly useful period for understanding independent links between state and trait-level processing and mother and infant outcomes. Using a longitudinal design, we measured the late positive potential (LPP), a neural marker of emotional reactivity, and symptoms of anxiety and depression in 92 (Mage = 30.49) women between 2015 and 2017 during laboratory visits in the second trimester of pregnancy and at 4-month postpartum. Infant temperamental negativity was observed at 4-month postpartum. Lower trait-level LPP predicted greater maternal depressive symptoms, while higher state-level LPP predicted both maternal anxiety and depressive symptoms. Neither trait nor state-level LPP predicted infant negative emotional reactivity. Findings suggest that trait and state level of maternal emotion reactivity may be differentially related to specific maternal health outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Effectiveness of aromatherapy on physiological and psychological symptoms during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The impact of watching an educational video on possible obstetric emergencies before labor: a randomized controlled trial.

Maternal perinatal cannabis use disorder and the risk of anxiety disorders in offspring: Insights from a longitudinal data-linkage cohort study.

The effect of mother-baby yoga on mother's depression-anxiety-stress levels, perception of fragile baby, and maternal bonding: A randomized controlled trial.

Pregnancy and the postpartum period are times of significant transition for women, with changes in maternal physical and mental health. The relationship between a mother and her infant has been recognised as laying the foundation for later child development. There is considerable evidence that this early relationship is influenced by a woman’s wellbeing during pregnancy and in the early post-partum period. Mindfulness has been found to have positive health outcomes, primarily in reducing maternal stress, anxiety, and depression. However, there remains a need for considering the influence of mindfulness on the mother-infant relationship during pregnancy and the first trimester post-partum. Given the limited research on interoception in pregnancy, this maternal variable was included to acknowledge the importance of embodiment in maternal mindfulness, mental health, and mother-infant relationship. Its relevance was assessed through the associations with all the other measures. This study was the first to explore associations between maternal mindfulness, mental health (depression, anxiety, and stress), interoception, and mother-infant relationship during pregnancy and post-partum across three time points in a non-clinical community sample. This can provide possible avenues for assessment and support strategies by pre and perinatal healthcare practitioners. Women were assessed at 20+ weeks gestation (110), approximately 36-week gestation (72) and 10-12 weeks postpartum (67). Their age ranged from 18 to 47 (M = 33.22). The majority were from Australia and the rest from New Zealand, UK, USA, and Canada. They were from middle to upper class socioeconomic background and from high school/equivalent to doctoral degree educational level, with the majority holding a bachelor’s degree. The maternal variables were assessed with self-report questionnaires. Changes in the maternal variables during pregnancy and postpartum across three timepoints were analysed using ANOVA. Correlations were investigated using Pearson correlational analyses. Maternal depression and anxiety significantly decreased from pregnancy to postpartum with p = 0.035 for the difference in depressive scores (EPDS) and p = 0.012 for the difference in anxiety scores (DASS-21 subscale). Mother-infant relationship during pregnancy increased from the second to the third trimester of gestation, with p = 0.004 for the difference in maternal-foetal attachment scores. Significant correlations were found between all maternal variables across the three timepoints. Mindfulness and interoception positively correlated with mother-infant relationship during pregnancy and postpartum and negatively correlated with maternal depression, anxiety, and stress. A power analysis was conducted using G*Power calculation by Tabachnick & Fidell. The sample size required to estimate a medium effect was 100 participants, with power set at 0.95 and an alpha at 0.05. The current sample size (N 110) satisfied this to get meaningful results. The decrease in depression and anxiety post childbirth may confirm untested speculation in the literature that pregnancy, childbirth, and the transition to motherhood may not necessarily represent a risk factor for mental health but enrichment of identity and mitigation of mild/moderate depression in a non-clinical sample. Maternal mindfulness, mental health, and interoception may have an important impact on the quality of mother-infant relationship during pregnancy and post-partum, with potential consequences on infant development and wellbeing. The findings of this study have significant implication for prenatal support programs aiming to reduce the risk for postnatal psychological disorders and mother-infant relationship difficulties by promoting mother-infant relationship and maternal embodiment through interoception and wellbeing during pregnancy. Pre and perinatal practitioners and therapists working in a range of healthcare and clinical settings may support pregnant women through mindfulness relationship-based programs to promote mindfulness, interoception, and their relationship with their developing infant in utero and post-partum, thus impacting infant healthy development. Future research with larger sample sizes is needed to increase the statistical power to detect smaller effect sizes. Furthermore, the use of objective or observational measures should be considered for future studies to represent a stronger study design.

BackgroundNeonatal jaundice is one of the most common conditions in the early postnatal period, and timely identification is essential to prevent complications such as bilirubin encephalopathy and long-term neurodevelopmental impairment. With early hospital discharge becoming more common, effective home-based monitoring strategies are urgently needed. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a structured obstetric nursing intervention in improving early detection of jaundice, reducing the incidence of severe hyperbilirubinemia and hospital readmission, and enhancing parental confidence and satisfaction through home-based monitoring.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 295 full-term neonates born at Xingtai People’s Hospital between January 2022 and December 2024. Infants were divided into two groups based on postnatal care: the intervention group (n = 125) received structured obstetric nursing interventions, including parental training on jaundice recognition, use of transcutaneous bilirubin meters, scheduled virtual follow-ups, and remote video assessments; the control group (n = 170) received standard discharge instructions without structured follow-up. Primary outcomes were timely jaundice recognition, incidence of severe hyperbilirubinemia (≥20 mg/dL), and hospital readmission within 7 days. Secondary outcomes included maternal anxiety scores and parental satisfaction.ResultsThe intervention group had a significantly higher rate of timely jaundice detection (91.2% vs 75.3%, P < 0.001), and a lower incidence of severe hyperbilirubinemia (2.4% vs 10.0%, P = 0.011). Readmission within 7 days was also reduced in the intervention group (5.6% vs 14.1%, P = 0.009). Additionally, maternal anxiety on postpartum day 7 was lower (mean STAI score: 32.1 ± 5.0 vs 40.8 ± 6.2, P < 0.001), and parental satisfaction was significantly higher in the intervention group (P < 0.001).ConclusionA structured obstetric nursing program for home monitoring of neonatal jaundice can significantly enhance early recognition, reduce the severity and complications of hyperbilirubinemia, and improve parental experience. These findings highlight the value of integrating nursing-led telehealth strategies into routine postnatal care.

Parental anxiety is recognized as an increasingly important influence on adolescent mental health outcomes. While the mechanisms underlying this relationship exist, there is a lack of a comprehensive systemic overview of the link between parental anxiety and adolescent distress via psychological control, a parenting practice that may mediate this relationship. Thus, this meta-analysis (k=22 studies, N=12,919 parent-child dyads) is conducted to assess (1) whether there is scientific support that parental anxiety may confer a greater risk of distress for their adolescents, (2) whether this relationship is mediated by psychological control, and (3) the risk of moderation by parent and adolescent gender or family region. Random-effects models were used to compute pooled effect sizes for meta-regression; analysis of the effect of mediator, moderator, and subgroup was also conducted. Results show that parental anxiety was moderately associated with adolescent distress in both direct and mediated pathways (direct: r=0.12, indirect: r=0.07). Moderator analyses indicated stronger effects for maternal anxiety, female adolescents, and studies conducted in Asian regions, but were only statistically significant for female adolescents (z=0.125, p=0.044, t=2.078). While these results support potential targeting in the prevention of general disorders, substantial heterogeneity, limited support for the extent of this association, and the effect of other preliminary factors need further research.

BackgroundThe importance of family support in addressing maternal anxiety and depression during pregnancy is widely recognized. However, cultural nuances and healthcare system dynamics in China call for tailored interventions for perinatal mental health. Family-based companion video sharing via mobile health (mHealth) emerges as a potentially effective and scalable approach, delivering cost-effective emotional support and information dissemination. It is imperative to conduct rigorous evaluations through randomized controlled trials to assess its impact on maternal mental health. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of family support-based mobile companion video sharing, providing data support for advancing perinatal mental health interventions in China.MethodsThe study involves 40 pregnant women with mild to moderate depression symptoms and conducts an eight-month randomized controlled trial. Participants are randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. The intervention group receives a mHealth intervention involving six weeks of themed video sharing with their caregivers, based on mindfulness theory. Participants are required to record and share videos with their caregivers via WeChat according to weekly themes, in collaboration with the research team. The research team also regularly sends healthcare messages, creating a bidirectional intervention. The control group only receives healthcare messages. All participants are required to complete five follow-up visits, with depression levels assessed using the 5-item short form of the EPDS (EPDS-Dep-5).DiscussionThis study innovatively explores mHealth interventions, specifically family-based companion video sharing to improve maternal mental health during pregnancy. In contrast to traditional interventions, this study emphasizes two-way communication between the mother and her companion, facilitating mutual support. If successful, this approach could inform perinatal mental health interventions globally.Trial registrationThis study registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ChiCTR2400084685) on May 22, 2024.

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) babies are among the most vulnerable new-borns, facing high risks of hypothermia, sepsis, feeding difficulties, and delayed growth. In low-resource countries like India, where incubator access is limited, Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) provides a simple, cost-effective alternative. It promotes thermoregulation, breastfeeding, emotional bonding, and maternal confidence while reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality. Recognizing its importance, this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of KMC on the health parameters of LBW babies and its impact on maternal–infant bonding and maternal stress among mothers admitted to the NICU at NMCH, Jamuhar. Methods: A quasi-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design was adopted. Sixty postnatal mothers with LBW babies were selected using purposive sampling. A structured questionnaire and observation checklist were used to assess maternal knowledge and practice. After the pre-test, mothers received a 45-minute structured teaching programme including demonstrations and visual aids. Post-test data were collected three days later. Statistical analysis used descriptive statistics for frequency, mean, and percentage, and inferential statistics (t-test and chi-square) to test the hypotheses and associations. Results: Before the intervention, 80% of mothers had average knowledge and 20% had poor knowledge regarding Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC). After the educational programme, 95% of mothers achieved good knowledge, and only 5% remained average. The mean pre-test knowledge score was 21.38 (SD = 3.39), while the post-test mean rose to 29.46 (SD = 2.00), showing a statistically significant improvement (t = 22.75, p &lt; 0.001). Educational qualification and occupation were significantly associated with post-test scores, whereas age and family type were not. In addition to knowledge improvement, observational findings indicated notable behavioral and clinical changes among both mothers and infants. There was a marked improvement in maternal handling confidence, increased frequency and duration of skin-to-skin contact, enhanced breastfeeding initiation, and better feeding responses in infants. Post-intervention observations also showed visible emotional bonding between mother and baby, with mothers reporting reduced anxiety and greater satisfaction in new-born care. Babies receiving KMC demonstrated stable body temperature, consistent weight gain, deeper sleep patterns, and calmer behavior compared to pre-intervention observations. Conclusion: The study concluded that KMC is an effective and feasible method to improve neonatal outcomes and strengthen maternal–infant relationships. Structured education substantially increased maternal knowledge, confidence, and adherence to KMC practices. It contributed to better infant thermoregulation, weight gain, and reduced maternal anxiety and stress. KMC should be promoted as a standard practice for all mothers of LBW babies, especially in resource-limited neonatal units. The findings highlight the nurse’s pivotal role in initiating, teaching, and supporting mothers to maintain KMC both in hospital and at home. Implications: The study underscores the need for regular, comprehensive food safety education reinforced by policy mandates. Institutional kitchens should implement supervision, periodic evaluations, and infrastructural support to maintain compliance. Adapting teaching methods to the language and literacy of workers and using visual, participatory materials enhances reach and efficacy. These interventions have broad potential to reduce foodborne disease risks and improve public health outcomes across diverse institutional settings..

To compare the incidence of postpartum depression, mother-infant bonding, and anxiety among women with diabetes mellitus. This prospective cohort study included women who had singleton pregnancies and delivered a live neonate (either vaginal delivery or cesarean delivery) in a tertiary care center in South India. Group A consisted of women with gestational diabetes mellitus who received medical management. Group B included age-, gestational age-, and parity-matched women with no medical comorbidities. Both groups were administered locally validated versions of three questionnaires (Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9], the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire [GAD-7], and Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire [PBQ]) at two points (1-3 days postnatal/postoperative (T1) and 6 weeks postpartum). The variables were assessed using χ2 or Fisher exact tests. Binomial logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for depression in the diabetic group. A total of 520 women (260 in each arm) were recruited and analyzed; their demographic variables were comparable. Diabetic women had a significantly higher incidence of depression (assessed using PHQ-9 score) in the immediate postpartum period (11.9% versus 5.8%; odds ratio [OR] 2.21, P = 0.013) and 6 weeks postpartum (4.6% versus 1.2%; P = 0.018). However, the levels of maternal anxiety (17 [6.5%] versus 14 [5.4%]; P = 0.578) and mother-child bonding (0 [0%] versus 0 [0%]; P = 1) at time point 1 were comparable. No significant differences were observed in maternal anxiety and bonding at time point 2. Multiple logistic regression revealed neonatal intensive care unit admission (adjusted OR 11.83, 95% confidence interval 3.7-37.78; P = 0.000) as significant predictors for early postpartum depression. Postpartum depression was significantly higher in women having antenatal diabetes. However, maternal anxiety and mother-child bonding were comparable.

Dysmenorrhea, a common gynaecological complaint, is often underdiagnosed, particularly in adolescents. The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis suggests that maternal cardiometabolic conditions during pregnancy may influence offspring reproductive health. We investigated whether cardiometabolic risk (CCMR) is associated with dysmenorrhea risk in offspring and whether early-puberty BMI and menarcheal age mediate these associations. Data was from the Amsterdam Born Children and their Development cohort. A total of 982 mother-daughter pairs were included. Maternal CCMR included pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, glucose, triglycerides and Apolipoprotein A1. Dysmenorrhea was defined as menstrual abdominal/back pain requiring analgesics. Inverse probability weighted multivariable logistic regression examined associations between maternal CCMR or its components and dysmenorrhea in offspring. Multiple imputation was used to handle missing data in the sensitivity analysis. Serial multiple mediation analysis tested the mediating role of offspring's BMI and menarcheal age. Dysmenorrhea was reported in 49.2% of daughters. In the model adjusted for maternal age, socioeconomic status, smoking, alcohol use, anxiety and depressive symptoms, CCMR was not significantly associated with dysmenorrhea (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: .72-1.48). However, higher maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was associated with increased dysmenorrhea risk in offspring (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.02-1.42). A partial mediation via BMI and menarcheal age was observed (indirect effect: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.03). No evidence was found of maternal CCMR and dysmenorrhea in offspring. However, higher maternal pre-pregnancy BMI increased dysmenorrhea risk, partly mediated by heavier BMI and earlier pubertal timing in offspring. These findings align with the hypothesis of a possible intrauterine origin of menstrual disorders and highlight the importance of early life factors in dysmenorrhea research.

BackgroundAnxiety is common prior to elective caesarean sections and may negatively affect anesthesia outcomes, postoperative pain management, and maternal mental health. Pharmacological premedication remains controversial, prompting growing interest in non-pharmacological alternatives. Hypnosis-based therapeutic communication, which is founded on empathy and the use of positive verbal and non-verbal language, as well as the conscious avoidance of negative or anxiety-inducing suggestions, has shown promise in other surgical settings. However, its effectiveness in obstetrics has yet to be explored.MethodsThis is a single-centre, prospective, before-and-after study. The study aims to assess whether implementing an on-line (asynchronous) training program on hypnosis-based therapeutic communication for obstetric care teams can reduce maternal anxiety following elective caesarean sections. The study will include two cohorts of 130 patients each: one enrolled before the intervention and one after; both blinded of the intervention phase. Anxiety levels will be assessed using the French version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score, and the primary outcome will be the difference in scores after caesarean section between the two groups. Secondary outcomes include the proportion of patients with high anxiety levels (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score > 45), as well as staff satisfaction, and indicators of the feasibility of implementing the training.The intervention consists of a brief (<1 hour) training module using podcasts and flashcards, combined with distributing a wordbook that promotes HBTC. Staff participation and satisfaction will be assessed using structured questionnaires based on the Likert scale.Linear and logistic regression analyses will be used to adjust for confounding variables, including baseline anxiety, psychiatric history, and intraoperative complications.DiscussionThis is the first study to evaluate the impact of a dedicated hypnosis-based therapeutic communication training program on patient anxiety and staff experience in an obstetric surgical setting. By integrating this approach into routine cesarean section care, our aim is to improve the patient experience and enhance communication practices within clinical teams. The results could inform clinical practices on non-pharmacological strategies in obstetric care.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, TRN: NCT07137377, Registration date: 22 August 2025.

IntroductionPulmonary aspiration under general anaesthesia is a rare but serious risk in obstetric populations, leading to conservative fasting protocols prior to elective caesarean delivery (CD). However, prolonged fasting may negatively impact maternal comfort and metabolic status. ‘Sip til Send’ (STS), a liberal fasting protocol permitting clear fluids until theatre admission, has been shown to improve the perioperative patient experience. Pre-operative carbohydrate loading (CHO), as part of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways, may offer additional benefits, yet its role in obstetrics is underexplored. This study aimed to compare CHO with STS in women undergoing elective CD, focusing on patient-reported comfort measures.MethodsIn this single-blinded, randomised controlled trial, 100 eligible women scheduled for elective CD under spinal anaesthesia were randomised to either STS or CHO groups. Women in the CHO group consumed two 200 ml carbohydrate drinks (Nutricia preOp™) pre-operatively. Primary outcomes included self-reported pre-operative thirst, hunger, nausea, dizziness, anxiety, and comfort using a 0–10 visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes included ketonuria, blood glucose, lactate levels, intra-operative nausea, post-operative temperature, and recovery scores at 24 h.ResultsMean [SD] anxiety scores were significantly lower in the CHO group compared with STS (CHO 4.1 [2.9] vs STS 5.5 [2.6], p = 0.01. No other primary patient-reported outcomes differed significantly. Ketonuria was less prevalent in the CHO group (CHO 2/50 [4%] vs. STS 10/50 [20%], p = 0.002), and mean [SD] blood glucose was higher (CHO 5.0 [1.5] mmol.L-1 vs. STS 4.5 [0.6] mmol.L-1, p = 0.046). Intra-operative nausea was more common in the CHO group (CHO 22/50 [44%] vs. STS 8/50 [16%], p = 0.002). No differences were observed in lactate, post-operative temperature, or quality of recovery scores (OBS QOR-11, global health score) at 24 h.ConclusionsPre-operative carbohydrate loading before elective CD significantly reduces maternal anxiety and ketonuria compared to a liberal clear fluid protocol. However, it was associated with increased intra-operative nausea and no improvement in other patient-centred outcomes or recovery quality. These findings suggest limited additional benefit of CHO over STS in this population. Further multicentre trials are warranted to refine carbohydrate loading protocols and assess their role in obstetric ERAS pathways.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT06505915, 30th June 2024. Retrospectively registered.

This study investigated the impact of maternal psychological factors—specifically anxiety and depression—on breastfeeding outcomes in women with high-risk and low-risk pregnancies. A total of 157 postpartum women were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at multiple time points: 3–4 days, 3 months, and 6 months postpartum. Breastfeeding duration and exclusivity were the primary outcomes. Correlation analyses showed significant negative associations between STAI scores and breastfeeding duration in both groups, with stronger effects in the low-risk group (e.g., r = −0.546, p &lt; 0.001 at 3 months). Similarly, EPDS scores were inversely correlated with breastfeeding duration, particularly at 3 and 6 months postpartum (r = −0.272, p &lt; 0.001 and r = −0.248, p = 0.001, respectively, in the high-risk group). Logistic regression identified EPDS scores at 3 months (p = 0.046, Exp(B) = 0.844) and STAI scores at 3–4 days postpartum (p = 0.006, Exp(B) = 0.861) as significant predictors of early breastfeeding cessation. The model explained 64.9% of the variance in the low-risk group. These findings highlight the significant influence of postpartum anxiety and depressive symptoms on breastfeeding outcomes and suggest that early screening and support for these specific psychological factors may enhance breastfeeding duration and exclusivity, particularly after high-risk pregnancies.

IntroductionThis study evaluates the impact of a home-based infant mental health intervention on maternal mental health symptoms. Prevalence rates of maternal depression, anxiety and trauma symptoms are quite high during the postpartum period and can contribute to ruptures in the parent–child relationship and infant development. While some infant mental health interventions improve depression, less is known about the impact of home-based or attachment-based psychotherapeutic interventions on maternal anxiety or post traumatic stress disorder.MethodUsing a randomized controlled trial design, mothers with infants were recruited and randomized to infant mental health home visiting (IMH-HV; n = 38) or a control group (n = 35). However, five dyads who were assigned to the treatment group but received no treatment were omitted from the analysis, for a per-protocol analysis of 68 mothers. Mothers reported on their depression (Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ-9), anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder, GAD-7), and trauma symptoms (PTSD Checklist, PCL-5) at baseline, and six and 12 months later.ResultsThe mothers in the per-protocol treatment group (n = 33) demonstrated greater decreases in mental health symptoms over the 12 months of the study than those in the control group (n = 35) (slope effects: for depression (−0.19, p = 0.015), anxiety (−0.13, p = 0.058), and trauma (−0.46, p = 0.057)).DiscussionResults suggest that IMH-HV services are effective in reducing mental health symptoms for mothers who actually received treatment.Clinical trial registrationNCT03175796

Alterations in mother-infant bonding (MIB) are often undetected and are more frequent in the presence of perinatal risk factors, affecting the long-term mental health of both mother and offspring. The objective of the study is to compare MIB in Mexican women screened for perinatal depression (PD). This was an analytical cross-sectional design. Prior informed consent and women aged 18-45 years were included. The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Maternal Anxiety and Depression Scale (MAAS), and the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) were applied. Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square, and multiple logistic regression were used. 143 women were included (24.5% with PD according to EPDS); 36.4% presented anxiety symptoms according to HADS. According to the MAAS, the most frequent MIB style was strong and healthy (57.3%), while those with PD (37.2%) presented a negative MIB style. In PBQ, 9.09% presented alterations in MIB style. The presence of alterations in MIB was a risk factor for developing PD (OR = 3.99; 95% CI: 1.130-14.125; p = 0.032). Most women showed strong and healthy MIB, while those with alterations in MIB showed three times more risk for PD. Our findings suggest that risk factors for MIB alterations and/or PD should be identified to offer early treatment opportunities.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of maternal multisensory stimulation on neonatal pain and maternal state anxiety during heel blood collection in neonates. A randomized controlled trial was conducted from July 2019 to January 2020 in neonatal units, with 80 newborns in intervention(n = 40) and control (n = 40) groups. In the intervention group, mothers provided multisensory stimulation (speech, touch, skin odor, breastfeeding, eye contact), while the control group received routine care. Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) and maternal state anxiety inventory were evaluated. NIPS scores and maternal anxiety were significantly lower in the intervention group (p < 0.001). A positive correlation was found between NIPS and maternal anxiety in the intervention group (r = 0.372, p = 0.018). Maternal multisensory stimulation reduces neonatal pain and maternal anxiety. These findings emphasize the importance of pediatric nurses considering neonatal comfort and maternal emotional well-being during medical procedures. The protocol for this randomized controlled experimental trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. The clinical trial registration number is https://clinicaltrials.gov ; NCT05606458.

This review showcases the ways that studying the neural basis of Behavioral Inhibition (BI) and maternal anxiety in infancy has advanced our understanding of the developmental pathophysiology of anxiety. We demonstrate that infants with BI and those who have been exposed to maternal anxiety/stress exhibit differences in neural processes associated with bottom-up attention and top-down control, both when we measure the brain at rest and when we measure the brain during stimulus processing. Differences in infant stimulus processing are particularly robust-not only do they emerge in at-risk infants, but they also shape risk trajectories from infancy through adolescence. Throughout this review, we underscore the value in a focus on infancy and early childhood. We also point to several key future directions for this work, including prioritizing a longitudinal, multi-modal approach for studying neurobehavioral profiles of early-life risk. Together, this work demonstrates that neural processes involved in attention and control are central to BI and early-life risk for anxiety across the lifespan.