Postpartum progression of anxiety and depression levels in mothers of premature newborns

• Published in: Atención primaria Vol. 57; no. 3; p. 103085
• Main Authors: Giménez, Yolanda, Fatjó, Francesc, Mallorquí, Aida, Sanvicente, Alba, Figueras, Francesc, Arranz, Angela
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Spain 01.03.2025
• Subjects: Adult; Anxiety - epidemiology; Depression, Postpartum - epidemiology; Disease Progression; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Young Adult; Prematuridad; Atención primaria; Prematurity; Salud mental materna; Depresión; Depression; Anxiety; Ansiedad; Maternal mental health; Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales; Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Primary care
• ISSN: 1578-1275; 1578-1275
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aprim.2024.103085

The postpartum period represents a vulnerable time for women's mental health, especially for those with complications and prematurity. This study aims to explore the evolution of depression and anxiety levels during the 12 weeks postpartum in mothers of premature babies. Prospective study of two parallel cohorts. Hospital Clínic of Barcelona. Women with obstetric complications [premature rupture of membranes or preeclampsia] requiring hospitalization and preterm delivery (< 37 weeks of gestation); 2) Women without complications with term delivery. Validated questionnaires were administered to measure anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI) and depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, EPDS) during the first week, and at 6 and 12 weeks postpartum. 182 women were analyzed: 90 with uncomplicated pregnancies and term deliveries, and 92 with complications requiring preterm delivery. During the follow-up, women with premature newborns showed a significantly unfavorable progression in depression (p <0.001) and anxiety (p <0.001) scores, as well as a higher proportion of abnormal scores on both scales (p <0.001 and p=0.004, respectively) CONCLUSIONS: Women with preterm delivery show higher anxiety and depression levels than those with term delivery during the 12 weeks postpartum. It is essential to ensure a seamless transition between care levels to effectively address postpartum mental health.