Risk Factors In Mothers Research Articles

A model for predicting birth defects of the fetus based on risk factors in mothers with a history of premature birth

Birth defects (BD) are an important cause of neonatal mortality and can be associated with premature birth. The study aimed to develop a prognostic model for congenital malformations in mothers with a history of preterm delivery, using logistic regression analysis. The study included 665 mothers of children with BD, of which 432 (65%) had a history of preterm delivery (main group), and 233 (35%) had term delivery (control group). Variables examined included pregnancy history, genetic factors, and biochemical markers. Statistical analysis found significant associations between BD and preterm delivery, intrauterine malformations, miscarriages, MTHFR polymorphism, and HLA antigens. The logistic model showed good predictive performance. The area under the ROC curve was 0.769 for pregnancy history, 0.699 for miscarriages, and 0.630 for intrauterine malformations, indicating moderate predictive ability. A statistical relationship was found between BD risk and pregnancy history, intrauterine malformations, miscarriages, and genetic factors. The resulting logistic model may help predict BD risk in mothers with a preterm delivery history.

Case Series of Congenital Heart Block: Mothers With anti-Ro Autoantibodies and the Risks to Their Offspring

Introduction: Cardiac manifestation of congenital heart block (CHB) in neonates following maternal anti-Ro and anti-La autoantibodies is a serious complication of neonatal lupus with a prevalence of 1: 22000 live birth and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Disturbance of calcium homeostasis which leads to electrical conduction abnormality and eventually fibrosis of the heart tissue is the well-known pathogenesis of CHB. Most of the babies with CHB ended up with third-degree heart block and need a pacemaker as it is an irreversible injury. Case series: Here, we reported four case series of neonatal lupus with cardiac manifestation in mothers with positive anti-Ro or anti-La which have been detected during pregnancy within 24 to 32 weeks of gestation. All four cases of newborns ended up with third-degree heart block which required a permanent pacemaker by the latest age of two months old. Conclusion: A better understanding of the aetiology of the development of CHB and identifying the risk factors in mothers is crucial for the outcomes of CHB newborns. Early diagnosis through early screening, enhanced diagnostic tools for CHB, and timely treatment of the mother may aid clinicians in better management and improve the survival rate of infants with CHB.

Buprenorphine-naloxone, Buprenorphine, and Methadone Throughout Pregnancy in Maternal Opioid Use Disorder

(Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2023;102:313–322) Maternal opioid use disorder (MOUD) is a global concern. It poses many complications and risk factors for mothers, fetuses, and infants. Mothers are at risk of experiencing negative effects on the nervous system, increased infection risk, and poor nutrition. Children are at risk for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) and other long-term health conditions. It is recommended that mothers obtain opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) to reduce these risks. This study aimed to compare the effects of buprenorphine-naloxone, buprenorphine, and methadone treatment plans on outcomes for pregnant women.

Protocol for a 20-year follow-up after a randomized controlled trial of a Mediterranean diet in pregnancy: maternal and offspring risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

An inadequate maternal diet during pregnancy can impair offspring health and may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. The purpose of the proposed study is to assess the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease in both mothers and their offspring 20 years following their participation in a Mediterranean diet intervention trial during pregnancy. The "Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Diet In Pregnancy" (CARRDIP) study was a randomized controlled trial performed between 1999 and 2001. The participants were randomized to adhere to either a Mediterranean diet or their regular diet during pregnancy. An extensive amount of data such as diet information, ultrasound measurements, anthropometry, and biomarkers from these mothers during pregnancy and their offspring in the neonatal period were collected. The mother-offspring pairs (n = 269) from the CARRDIP study will be invited to participate in a clinical examination and blood sample collection. This follow-up study, conducted 20 years after the original CARRDIP study, will investigate cardiovascular risk factors in mothers and offspring. The primary outcome will be the blood pressure of the offspring. In addition, the study will explore various aspects of cardiovascular health, including metabolic and inflammatory status, clinical history, and body composition of the participants. Previous studies investigating the effects of nutrition during pregnancy on maternal and offspring health have been either observational studies, animal studies, or randomized controlled trials with a follow-up period of less than 5 years. This project aims to study the long-term effects of dietary intervention during pregnancy on maternal and offspring cardiovascular risk markers. Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier (NCT05030922).

Unique Characteristics of Women and Infants Moderate the Association between Depression and Mother-Infant Interaction.

Research has shown mixed results regarding the association between women's postpartum depression and mother-infant interactions, suggesting that a woman's unique experience and context may moderate how depression shapes these interactions. We examined the extent to which a woman's comorbid anxiety, her exposure to adversity, and infant characteristics moderate the relationship between depressive symptoms of women and interactions with their infants at 6 (n = 647) and 12 months (n = 346) postpartum. The methods included standardized coding of mother-infant interactions and structural regression modeling. The results at 6 months of infant age indicated that infant male sex and infant negative affectivity were risk factors for mothers' depression being associated with less optimal interactions. At 12 months of infant age, two moderators appeared to buffer the influence of depression: a woman's history of trauma and infant preterm birth (≤37 weeks gestation). The results reinforce the salience of infant characteristics in the relationship between maternal depression and mother-infant interactions. The findings also suggest that experiences of trauma may offer opportunities for psychological growth that foster constructive management of depression's potential effect on mother-infant interactions. Further research is needed to clarify the underlying processes and mechanisms that explain the influence of these moderators. The ultimate goals are to reduce the risk of suboptimal interactions and reinforce healthy dyadic relations.

Risk factors for severe postpartum hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion after cesarean delivery for twin pregnancy: a nationwide cohort study.

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Twin pregnancy and cesarean delivery are well-known risk factors for PPH. However, few studies have investigated PPH risk factors in mothers who have undergone cesarean delivery for twin pregnancies. Therefore, this study investigated the risk factors associated with severe PPH after cesarean delivery for twin pregnancies. We searched and reviewed the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service's claims data from July 2008 to June 2021 using the code corresponding to cesarean delivery for twin pregnancy. Severe PPH was defined as hemorrhage requiring red blood cell (RBC) transfusion during the peripartum period. The risk factors associated with severe PPH were identified among the procedure and diagnosis code variables and analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regressions. We analyzed 31,074 cesarean deliveries for twin pregnancies, and 4,892 patients who underwent cesarean deliveries for twin pregnancies and received RBC transfusions for severe PPH were included. According to the multivariate analysis, placental disorders (odds ratio, 4.50; 95% confidence interval, 4.09-4.95; P < 0.001), general anesthesia (2.33, 2.18-2.49; P < 0.001), preeclampsia (2.20, 1.99-2.43; P < 0.001), hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets (HELLP) syndrome (2.12, 1.22-3.68; P = 0.008), induction failure (1.37, 1.07-1.76; P = 0.014), and hypertension (1.31, 1.18-1.44; P < 0.001) predicted severe PPH. Placental disorders, hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, and induction failure increased the risk of severe PPH after cesarean delivery for twin pregnancy.

Abstract 18: Impact of Preeclampsia on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Mothers and Newborns

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a multifactorial disease and a cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Women with preeclampsia have increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in later life. The impact on the offspring is, however, still uncertain. Lipid traits in newborns are considered to reflect the child’s own production. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that preeclampsia increases risk of future cardiovascular disease in both mother and offspring. Methods: For this purpose, we used the Copenhagen General Population Study comprising 59,571 women of which 1,365 had a diagnosis of preeclampsia to investigate the association between preeclampsia and risk of cardiovascular diseases. Further, we used the Copenhagen Baby Heart Study comprising more than 13,000 umbilical cord blood samples and assessed the impact of preeclampsia on atherogenic lipid traits in cord blood. Results: Age adjusted hazard ratios for preeclampsia versus no preeclampsia (95% CI) were 1.48 (1.13-1.94) for ischemic heart disease, 1.50 (1.07-2.12) for ischemic cerebrovascular disease, and 1.53 (1.22-1.91) for composite vascular disease. Corresponding multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (95% CI) were 1.31 (1.00-1.72), 1.44 (1.02-2.02), and 1.39 (1.11-1.74). Concentrations of non-HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and triglycerides in cord blood increased stepwise from no preeclampsia (n=11,221) to mild/moderate preeclampsia (n=253) to severe preeclampsia (n=104) (p for trends &lt;0.0001 for non-HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol; p for trend=0.0002 for apolipoprotein B; p for trend=0.003 for triglycerides). Multivariable adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) for preeclampsia versus no preeclampsia (reference) for cord blood concentrations above the 80 th percentile were 2.09 (1.67-2.61) for non-HDL cholesterol, 1.58 (1.25-2.01) for total cholesterol, 1.72 (1.37-2.16) for LDL cholesterol, 1.38 (1.07-1.78) for apolipoprotein B, and 2.64 (2.07-3.35) for triglycerides. Conclusion: Women with preeclampsia had increased risk of future cardiovascular disease and lipid traits in umbilical cord blood of their offspring were elevated. This indicates that preeclampsia affects lipid metabolism during fetal life and potentially contributes to an increased risk of future cardiovascular disease in offspring of mothers with preeclampsia.

Impact of Maternal Factors on Presence of Peanut Allergy in Children

The impact of maternal factors on food allergy development in children remains under investigation. We sought to identify the number and type of potential risk factors in mothers of children with peanut allergy (M-PA) compared to mothers of children without peanut allergy (M-nPA). We hypothesized that M-PA would have a higher number of risk factors present compared to M-nPA.

Neonatal Outcome in High Risk Pregnancies Based on Umbilical Arterial Blood Gas Analysis

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the correlation between umbilical arterial blood gas and short term outcome of the neonates born. This prospective observational cohort study was carried out at Department of Paediatrics, MLB Medical College, Jhansi on 120 term neonates delivered by caesarean sections or normal vaginal delivery of high risk mother based on Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) between July 2017 to July 2018. All neonates were divided into two groups: 1) Group I (52 cases) consists of neonates with umbilical cord pH less than 7.2, whereas Group II (68 cases) consists of neonates with umbilical cord pH more than 7.2. Male babies and LSCS delivery were higher in both groups. The most common risk factors in mother are anemia (26%) and MSL (23%). All the cases were full term babies and have normal birth weight. Mean PO2 level was 11±6 and in group II it was 14±8. Mean PCO2 in group I was 63.7±13.7 while in group II it was 52.1±7.9. Mean bicarbonate was 21.36±3.54 and in group II it was found to be 24.13±3.25. On statistical analysis difference between pH, PCO2, PO2, BE and bicarbonate was significant. In group I, neonates required resuscitation in 57.69% (30 out of 52 cases), but in group II, only (10.29) (7 out of 68) cases required resuscitation. In group I, 48.07% (25 of 52) newborns were admitted to the NICU, whereas 5.88% (4 of 68) neonates in group II were admitted to the NICU. Encephalopathy is observed in 15 instances (28.85%) in Group I, but only 4 cases (5.88%) in Group II. HIE symptoms were frequently seen in the initial hours or days following delivery. Convulsion occurred in 11 instances (21.15.0%) in Group I, but only 3 cases (4.41%) in Group II. Convulsive disorders as sign of moderate encephalopathy had been presented more in neonates who had acidosis in 24 to 48 hours after birth. In group I, 26 cases (50.0%) had delayed in attaining oral feed until an hour, but in group II, only 4 cases (5.88%) cases had delay in attaining oral feed until an hour. The statistical association between delayed attainment of full meal and infant pH is significant. HIE is significantly higher in group 1. The average hospitals stay among academic newborns in Group I was 3.9613.199 days. The length of hospital stray in academic newborns exhibited an inverse connection with umbilical cord pH. In group II, the average length of hospital stay is 2.151.479 days. When compared to group II, group I experienced a considerably longer hospital stay. At 1 and 5 minutes of birth, a new-born with cord blood pH &lt;7.2 had an APGAR score of 5.60±1.963 and 7.88±1.437, whereas a baby with cord blood pH &gt;7.2 had an APGAR score of 8.70±0.964 and 8.70±0.964. According to statistical study, the APGAR score is significantly related to the pH of the cord blood. Umbilical cord blood ABG has been conducted as a definitive factor for fetus evaluation. The pH of umbilical cord blood is the best current criteria for diagnosing foetal hypoxemia during labour and determining appropriate postnatal care decisions.

Impact of preeclampsia on cardiovascular risk factors in mothers and newborns

Background and Aims : The increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality in later life of women with preeclamptic pregnancies is well-known. The impact of preeclampsia on the offspring is, however, still uncertain. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of preeclampsia on both mother and offspring.

Risk Factor of Low-Birth-Weight Baby Prevalence at Fakfak Public Hospital West Papua

Background: The high number of infant mortality rate in Indonesia relate to Low Birth Weight (LBW) babies that be a problem of public health sector. LBW babies are facing several health problems such as various diseases that arise in the first six days of life, and can experience long-term problems such as impaired development and growth. This is inseparable from the mother's risk factors during pregnancy. West Papua Province contributes 23.8% of LBW cases in Indonesia. Fakfak District Hospital as the only referral hospital in West Papua Fakfak district still has many problems related to cases of low birth weight babies. Objective: To know the risk factors of LBW prevalence based on maternal age, gestational age, parity, hemoglobin levels, premature rupture of membranes (PROM), and preeclampsia in Fakfak public hospital, West Papua. Methods : This study is an observational analytic with cross sectional study in Fakfak public hospital during April 2021 till October 2021. Purposive sampling method used to obtain the samples from medical records that fit to inclusion and exclusion criteria (N=418). Data was analyzed with SPSS statistic for Mac used Chi-square test and logistic regression method. The significant level of the test was p &lt; 0,05. Results: A total of 418 newborn were included during study period. There were significant results in gestasional age (p=0,000) (OR 7,23, CI95% 1,13-10,4), premature rupture of membranes (PROM) p=0,000 (p&lt;0,05) OR 14,23 (CI95% 7,7-26,2), hemoglobin levels (p=0,000) (OR 3,47 CI95% 1,99-6,03), preeclampsia (p=0,000) (OR 9,76 CI95% 5,39-17,6). The regression test showed significant result at four variables. Conclusion : Gestational age, PROM, hemoglobin levels, and preeclampsia are risk factors that significant lead to LBW prevalence in Fakfak public hospital, West Papua.

Determinant Factors of Neonatal Mortality in Preeclampsia Mother

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia (PE) is a specific multisystemic disorder in pregnancy and a significant cause of maternal and fetal death. The percentage of infant mortality due to preeclampsia is greater than maternal mortality. Infant mortality occurs due to several risk factors in mothers with preeclampsia. AIM: This study aims to analyze the determinants of infant mortality in mothers with preeclampsia. METHODS: An observational analytic study with a cross-sectional design was undertaken at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Koja Hospital, North Jakarta, from June to September 2021. Three hundred and twenty-eight research subjects met the research criteria. Bivariate analysis using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact test and multivariate analysis using logistic regression test. All data analyzed with SPPS version 22.0 RESULTS: In this study, there was no relationship between maternal age (p = 0.842), body mass index (p = 0.768), education (p = 0.345), occupation (p = 1,000), mode of delivery (p = 0.753), anemia (p = 0.707), leukocytosis (p = 0.772), hypoalbuminemia (p = 0.688), and bacteriuria (p = 0.245) with neonatal mortality in mothers with preeclampsia. In addition, the results showed that the factors that contributed to neonatal mortality in mothers with preeclampsia were parity (PR (CI 95%) =15.279 (2.304–101.301); p = 0.005) and proteinuria (PR (CI 95%) =9.649 (1.123–82.875); p = 0.039). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that parity and proteinuria are determinants of neonatal mortality in mothers with preeclampsia.

Comparsion of Outcomes (Maternal and Foetal) in Obese and Non-Obese Pregnant Women

Objective: The purpose of this research is to compare the risk factors for unfavorable pregnancy outcomes between obese and non-obese women. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial Place and Duration: Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar, during from the period Jan, 2021 To June, 2021. Methods: In all, 130 participants signed up to take part in this research. The ages of the patients ranged from 18 to 42 years. A total of 65 patients who were obese (BMI&gt;25kg/m3) were enrolled in group M, while an equal number of patients who were non-obese (BMI &lt;25kg/m2) were included in group N. We compared the adverse events that occurred in both groups with regard to the outcomes for the mother and the baby. SPSS 21.0 was used to perform an in-depth analysis on all of the data. Results: We found that frequency of pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus and post-partum haemorrhage post-partum hemorrhage was higher in obese group than that of non-obese patients. Frequency of adverse events e.g. Cesarean section, prolong labour, induction of labour and instrumental delivery in mothers were higher in group M as compared to group N with p value &lt;0.005. Frequency of perinatal mortality, low Apgar score and NICU admission was higher in group M but low birth weight in of group N was higher as compared to group M. Conclusion: According to our findings, gestational diabetes, preterm labour labor, and preeclampsia are more common among obese women. Having a baby with an obese woman might be a risk factor for mother and child. Obesity in mothers increases foetal morbidity and death. Keywords: NICU, C-section, Pre-eclampsia, Mortality, Partum haemorrhage, Low birth weight, Apgar score, Gestational diabetes,

Anxiety and depression in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder during the first COVID-19 lockdown: Report from the ELENA cohort

BackgroundThe Covid-19 pandemic had a strong impact on mental health in the general population. This study conducted during the first lockdown in France considered parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) prospectively followed in the ELENA Cohort. ObjectivesWe aimed to (1) compare the Anxiety and Depression (AaD) levels during the lockdown between mothers and fathers, (2) compare the parent's AaD between the lockdown and the last ELENA follow-up visit, and (3) identify risk factors for parental AaD during lockdown among socio-demographic and children's clinical characteristics. MethodsThe Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess AaD in 134 parent's pairs. Parents also completed the Questionnaire about their living conditions during COVID-19, their child's interventions and perceived changes about their child's behaviors and sleep. Child's ASD severity, intellectual and socio-adaptive skills and parent's socio-demographic characteristics were collected from ELENA follow-up. ResultsThe parents' AaD levels were lower during the lockdown compared to the last ELENA visit that coincided in 96% with the child's ASD diagnosis. The AaD levels were more pronounced in mothers and significantly associated with the child's challenging behaviors, parents' teleworking and perceived knowledge about COVID-19. The perception of an insufficient knowledge was the only risk factor for mothers' AaD. ConclusionOur findings highlighted the pertinence for an assessment of the mental health of main caregivers of children with ASD, consideration of their gender characteristics, and the importance of providing relevant information during pandemic. Future studies examining the pandemic long-term effects are needed. Trial registration numberNCT02625116.

Protective Influence of Breastfeeding on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Women With Previous Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Their Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

There is evidence that breastfeeding may provide protection against cardiovascular risk factors in mothers with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus and their children who were exposed in utero. To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies to ascertain the effects of breastfeeding on cardiovascular risk factors in women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus and their children exposed in utero. Studies assessing conventional cardiovascular risk factors in women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus and children exposed in utero stratified by breastfeeding/no breastfeeding or breastfed/not breastfed were included. Gestational diabetes mellitus was defined based on the International Association of Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group definition or previous accepted definitions. Breastfeeding was defined as reported in each study. The literature search yielded 260 titles, of which 17 studies were selected to be in the review. Women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus who did not breastfeed had higher blood glucose (SMD: 0.32, 95% CI [0.12, 0.53]) and a greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes mellitus (RR: 2.08 95% CI [1.44, 3.00]) compared to women with no history. There were not enough studies to conduct a meta-analysis on the effects of breastfeeding on risk factors for cardiovascular disease among children exposed to gestational diabetes mellitus in utero. Breastfeeding appears to be protective against cardiovascular risk factors among women who experience gestational diabetes mellitus.

Mental health monitoring in parents after very preterm birth.

AimTo evaluate parental mental health monitoring during follow‐up care for very preterm (VPT) infants, describe symptoms of anxiety and depression and risk factors for mothers and fathers at 1 and 12 months of corrected age.MethodsParents completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Psychological symptoms and risk factors were analysed within and between mothers and fathers.ResultsIn 4 years, the monitoring reached 1260 (48%) families. Of these, 693 mothers and 340 fathers (300 couples) completed the HADS twice. At 1 month, 22% and 15% of the mothers and 10% and 9% of the fathers, respectively, reported elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression. At 12 months, these rates were significantly reduced to 14% and 9% for mothers and 5% and 4% for fathers respectively. Within couples, anxiety and depression were positively associated. At 12 months, in 20% of the couples, one or both parents reported elevated symptoms. Risk factors were length of hospital stay, migration background, educational level and employment status.ConclusionThe mental health of parents of VPT infants improved, but elevated symptoms were still observed in 17% of included families after one year. Acknowledging and remediating parental mental health remain essential during follow‐up care.

Antenatal and Postnatal Maternal Depressive Symptoms and Trajectories and Child Hospitalization up to 24 Months of Life: Findings From the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study

ObjectiveTo examine the association between antenatal and postnatal maternal depression symptoms, and child hospitalization during the first 2 years of life in the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study.Study designThis is an observational study. Maternal depressive symptoms of 4275 mothers were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Hospitalization of the child for any reason was assessed using maternal report. Bivariate analysis and multivariate Poisson regressions were used to assess the association between maternal depressive symptoms and child hospitalization.ResultsCompared with children of mothers with low depressive symptoms, children whose mothers experienced significant antenatal depressive symptoms were 1.74 (95% CI, 1.16-2.60) times more likely to be hospitalized by 3 months of age, and 2.14 (95% CI, 1.46-3.14) times more likely up to 24 months. For children whose mothers experienced severe postnatal depressive symptoms at 3 months, the risks for hospitalization by age 12 months were 1.84 (95% CI, 1.39-2.45) higher than children whose mothers had low depressive symptoms. There was an increased risk of hospitalization for children according to the severity of depressive trajectories across time.ConclusionsMaternal depressive symptoms are a risk factor for hospitalization in children up to 2 years of age, and this risk increases with increased severity of depression. These results have public health relevance for decreasing the risk factors in mothers that can lead to hospitalization in children.

The Predictive Value of the Mother's Risk Factors in Formation of Fetal Developmental Delay.

The research aimed at studying the mother’s social-hygienic and medical biological risk factors and determining their predictive value. The retrospective case-control study was conducted with 142 pregnant women participating in it. In the case group there were involved 92 mothers whose pregnancy was completed by the birth of a newborn baby suffering from the intrauterine growth restriction. The control group was made of 50 pregnant women, whose pregnancy was completed by the birth of a healthy neonate. The research resulted in specifying the risk factors of high priority: the low standards of living (OR 3.61), chronic stress (OR-3.06), sleeping disorder (OR-3.33) and poor nutrition (OR-3.81). As regards the coexisting pathology the following was revealed: endocrine pathology (OR-3.27), ischemic heart disease (OR-4.35), arterial hypertension (OR-6.47), iron deficiency anemia (OR-4.11), pathology of respiratory system (OR-3.42), chronic genital inflammatory and infectious processes. The preeclampsia (92%) and low amniotic fluid (89%) were detected to have the high predictive value. The awareness of risk factors allows us to employ the timely measures for the reduction of negative impact on the fetus and neonate.

Γονεϊκές πρακτικές και παράγοντες επικινδυνότητας κατά την εφηβεία: Η σημασία του διαζυγίου, των γονεϊκών συγκρούσεων και των αρνητικών γεγονότων ζωής

The purpose of this study was to examine whether divorce is a risk factor for parenting adolescents over and above parental conflicts and negative life events. 2083 adolescents, aged 15-17 years, males and females studying in 14 high schools of Attica participated in the study. 12% of these adolescents live with divorced/separated parents. Divorce, parental conflicts and negative life events were examined as risk factors for parenting. Four parenting dimensions were examined: the parent-adolescent bond, the psychological control, the behavioral control and the autonomy granting. Self-reported questionnaires were used, well-known in research, and they were translated to greek language. Results indicated that when divorce was examined as the only risk factor, it put at risk parenting. Over and above the parental conflicts and negative life events, divorce was not a risk factor for mothers’ parenting but it was a risk factor for fathers’ parenting. Also, parental conflicts and negative life events were risk factors for both mothers’ and fathers’ parenting, irrespective of family status. Finally, differences in parenting were found in terms of adolescents’ gender and parental socio-economic status. These results are discussed in terms of their significance in family counselling.

How does adolescent motherhood affect mother–infant/toddler relationship and emotional availability

Background The present study examined the different aspects of infant–mother relationships in adolescent mothers and compared them in adult mothers. Methods Children aged 18–40 months who were referred to our outpatient Infant Mental Health Department were analysed retrospectively. Sociodemographic data, Parent–Infant Relationship Global Assessment Scale (PIR-GAS) scores, and Emotional Availability (EA) Scales scores were analysed. Twenty-nine adolescent mothers being younger than 20 years at the beginning of pregnancy and thirty mothers who were aged at least 25 years were enrolled the same data as adult mother group. Results In the adolescent mothers group, the education years of the mothers, the ratio of mothers having professions were significantly lower (p < 0.001); the spousal age gap was significantly higher than among the adult mothers (p < 0.001). It was also found that an underinvolved relationship pattern was seen more frequently among the mother–infant dyads in the adolescent mothers’ group than in the adult mothers group (p = 0.002). Conclusions Although there were not found many problems in terms of the relationship of adolescent mothers with their infants/toddlers in the current study this may have been due to a small sample, we would like to emphasise that the problems should be detected and appropriate interventions should be made for adolescent mothers. Key points Our main aim for this study was assesment of the effect of adolescent motherhood in terms of infant\ oddler–mother relationship Our findings showed that lower education level and being unemployed were higher in adolescent mothers group. Higher age gap between spouses was found to be associated with adolescent motherhood. Underinvolved relationship was highly prevalent among adolescent mothers Our findings suggest that early motherhood is a risk factor for mother–infant\ oddler–relationship and parenthood. Intervention and education programs during and after pregnancy for adolescent girls may help them to prepare for motherhood more consciously and form established relationships with their infants.