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What If Pregnancy Is Not Seventh Heaven? The Influence of Specific Life Events during Pregnancy and Delivery on the Transition of Antenatal into Postpartum Anxiety and Depression

Author

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  • Judith Aris-Meijer

    (Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands)

  • Claudi Bockting

    (Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Groningen, 3584 CS Groningen, The Netherlands
    Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Utrecht University, 3512 JE Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Ronald Stolk

    (Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands)

  • Tjitte Verbeek

    (Department of General Practice, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands)

  • Chantal Beijers

    (Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands)

  • Mariëlle van Pampus

    (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, OLVG, 1011 BM Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Huibert Burger

    (Department of General Practice, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
    Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands)

Abstract

Introduction: Postpartum symptoms of anxiety and depression are known to have a negative impact on mother and child, and major life events constitute a major risk factor for these symptoms. We aimed to investigate to what extent specific life events during pregnancy, delivery complications, unfavorable obstetric outcomes, and antenatal levels of anxiety or depression symptoms were independently associated with postpartum levels of anxiety and depression symptoms. Methods: Within a prospective population-based cohort study ( n = 3842) in The Netherlands, antenatal symptoms of anxiety or depression were measured at the end of the first trimester and at five months postpartum. Antenatal life events were assessed during the third trimester, and information on delivery and obstetric outcomes was obtained from midwives and gynecologists. Linear regression analyses were performed to quantify the associations. Results: Antenatal levels of both anxiety and depression symptoms were associated with postpartum levels of anxiety and depression symptoms. Life events related to health and sickness of self or loved ones, to the relation with the partner or conflicts with loved ones, or to work, finance, or housing problems were significantly associated with higher postpartum levels of anxiety symptoms ( p < 0.001) and depression symptoms ( p < 0.001) adjusted for antenatal levels. No statistically significant results were observed for pregnancy-related events, delivery complications, or unfavorable obstetric outcomes. Conclusions: Women with increased antenatal levels of anxiety or depression symptoms are at increased risk of elevated levels of both postpartum depression and anxiety symptoms. Experiencing life events during pregnancy that were not related to the pregnancy was associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression in the postpartum period, as opposed to pregnancy-related events, delivery complications, or unfavorable obstetric outcomes. These results suggest that events during pregnancy but not related to the pregnancy and birth are a highly important predictor for postpartum mental health.

Suggested Citation

  • Judith Aris-Meijer & Claudi Bockting & Ronald Stolk & Tjitte Verbeek & Chantal Beijers & Mariëlle van Pampus & Huibert Burger, 2019. "What If Pregnancy Is Not Seventh Heaven? The Influence of Specific Life Events during Pregnancy and Delivery on the Transition of Antenatal into Postpartum Anxiety and Depression," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-11, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:16:p:2851-:d:256304
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lobel, Marci & DeLuca, Robyn Stein, 2007. "Psychosocial sequelae of cesarean delivery: Review and analysis of their causes and implications," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 64(11), pages 2272-2284, June.
    2. Houle, Jason N., 2014. "Mental health in the foreclosure crisis," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 118(C), pages 1-8.
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    Cited by:

    1. Laura S. Bleker & Susanne R. de Rooij & Tessa J. Roseboom, 2019. "Prenatal Psychological Stress Exposure and Neurodevelopment and Health of Children," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-5, September.

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