Biopsychosocial correlates of emotional problems in women during pregnancy and postpartum period.

BACKGROUND

Transition to motherhood is associated with several emotional problems that can have long-term consequences on the mother and baby.

AIM

To examine the association of various biomedical and cultural factors with the new onset of emotional problems during pregnancy and postpartum period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective longitudinal study included 300 pregnant women interviewed in the third trimester.

RESULTS

The prevalence of emotional problems in the study group was 31.58%. The prevalence of anxiety disorder NOS and mixed anxiety and depressive disorder in the last trimester of pregnancy in our study was 4% and 1.33%, respectively, and 0.67% and 1.33%, respectively, at 4 days postpartum. At 6 weeks postpartum, the prevalence of anxiety disorder NOS was 1.33%, generalized anxiety disorder was 0.67%, and major depression was 1.33. The prevalence of postpartum blues in our study was 25.33%.

CONCLUSION

There was a significant association between psychiatric disorders during and postpartum period and the following factors: higher parity, increased maternal age, low hemoglobin levels, cesarean section, planned pregnancy, and extended family. Postpartum blues was associated with higher parity and low blood pressure.