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International Journal of Gynaecology... Dec 2020To evaluate the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), a biomarker of chronic inflammation and an independent...
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), a biomarker of chronic inflammation and an independent predictor for cardiovascular disease overall and in subgroups of women with/without pre-eclampsia and gestational hypertension (GHT).
METHODS
A prospective cohort study was conducted in Nairobi, Kenya. Women with pre-eclampsia or GHT and normotensive women within 12 weeks postpartum underwent physical, anthropometric, fasting lipid profile, plasma glucose, and hsCRP measurements at 6 months postpartum. A generalized linear regression model with Poisson distribution adjusted for body mass index and age was used to estimate the association between elevated hsCRP and MetS overall and stratified by pre-eclampsia or GHT.
RESULTS
In the 171 women included in the study, risk of elevated hsCRP (>3 mg/L) was greater among women with compared to those without MetS (adjusted relative risk [ARR] 1.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-2.73, P=0.03) and was statistically significantly higher in the hypertensive (ARR 2.16 95% CI 1.01-4.62, P=0.04) but not in the normotensive (ARR 1.46, 95% CI 0.93-2.28) group.
CONCLUSION
Increased risk of elevated hsCRP postpartum can guide longitudinal mechanistic and intervention studies to reduce postpartum cardiovascular morbidity in women with MetS, especially after pre-eclampsia or GHT.
Topics: Adult; Biomarkers; C-Reactive Protein; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cohort Studies; Female; Humans; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced; Kenya; Metabolic Syndrome; Postpartum Period; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors
PubMed: 32812650
DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.13352 -
Physiology & Behavior Jan 2024Pregnancy is a transformative phase marked by significant behavioral and physiological changes. Substantial changes in pregnancy-related hormones are thought to induce... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Pregnancy is a transformative phase marked by significant behavioral and physiological changes. Substantial changes in pregnancy-related hormones are thought to induce changes in chemosensory perception, as often observed in non-human animals. However, empirical behavioral research on pregnancy-related olfactory or gustatory changes has not yet reached a consensus. This PROSPERO pre-registered systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated published data of olfactory and gustatory changes in pregnant individuals, across the three pregnancy trimesters and postpartum period. Our comprehensive search strategy identified 20 relevant studies, for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that pregnant individuals, regardless of trimester, performed significantly poorer in terms of odour identification, however, no difference was detected between non-pregnant controls and women postpartum. Additionally, pregnant women in the second and third trimester rated olfactory stimuli to be more intense. A slight decline in odour pleasantness ratings was observed amongst those in the second trimester. No major difference was observed between pregnant and non-pregnant subjects in terms of gustatory functions, except the first trimester appeared to be associated with increased pleasantness for the sweet taste. Post-hoc meta-regression analyses revealed that pregnancy stage was a significant predictor for observed effect size for odour intensity ratings, but not for odour identification scores. These findings provide valuable insights into the interplay between pregnancy and chemosensory perception, highlighting systematic physiological changes due to pregnancy. Healthcare providers can also utilize the knowledge of sensory shifts to better support pregnant women in making appropriate dietary choices, managing sense-related discomfort, and leading to potential sensory interventions. Overall, this research enhances our comprehension of sensory shifts during pregnancy, benefiting maternal health and pregnancy-related care.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Postpartum Period; Smell; Taste Perception; Diet; Odorants
PubMed: 37890603
DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114388 -
Infant Behavior & Development Aug 2023The first 1000 days after conception are considered critical for healthy development and well-being throughout life. Fundamental to health practices during pregnancy and...
The first 1000 days after conception are considered critical for healthy development and well-being throughout life. Fundamental to health practices during pregnancy and positive parenting after birth is the development of maternal-infant bonding. Previous research has demonstrated the importance of having an involved partner during pregnancy and in parenting for optimal maternal-infant bonding. The current study examined maternal-infant bonding and partner support during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and their associations with early child social-emotional development. A total of 227 women completed the Pre- and Postnatal Bonding Scale (PPBS) and Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale (TPDS) during pregnancy (32 weeks of gestation) and at 8 months postpartum, assessing maternal-infant bonding and partner support. Additionally, a questionnaire on social-emotional behavior of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development was administered to mothers to measure child development at 2 years of age. Path analyses revealed an indirect positive effect of prenatal maternal-infant bonding on child social-emotional development through postnatal maternal-infant bonding, as well as mediating effects of pre- and postnatal maternal-infant bonding on the association between pre- and postnatal partner support and child social-emotional development. Our findings support the notion that an emotional connection from mother to child originates in pregnancy and that experiencing positive feelings towards the fetus promotes positive maternal-infant bonding after birth and social-emotional capacities of the child. Additionally, having a supportive partner during pregnancy and postpartum, might be essential for the development of optimal maternal-infant bonding.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Infant; Humans; Child Development; Mother-Child Relations; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Postpartum Period; Emotions; Mothers; Object Attachment; Social Support; Depression, Postpartum
PubMed: 37544195
DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2023.101871 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth May 2024Fear of childbirth (FOC) can influence both maternal and child health. Research on FOC in China is scarce, especially on rural women. This study aimed to assess pre- and...
BACKGROUND
Fear of childbirth (FOC) can influence both maternal and child health. Research on FOC in China is scarce, especially on rural women. This study aimed to assess pre- and postpartum FOC and its predictors among Chinese rural women.
METHODS
This was a prospective correlation study. A total of 569 women completed the prenatal questionnaire in the third trimester, and 477 of them completed the postpartum questionnaire within three days after childbirth. Maternal socio-demographic information, clinical information, childbirth self-efficacy and prenatal and postpartum FOC were investigated. FOC was evaluated using the Wijma Childbirth Expectancy/ Experience Questionnaire (WDEQ). Descriptive, bivariate, multivariate linear regression analysis, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.
RESULTS
The mean pre- and postpartum FOC scores were 64.5 (standard deviation: 25.1) and 64.3 (standard deviation: 23.9), respectively, with 20.8% of women reporting severe fear before childbirth and 18.2% after childbirth. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed predictors for higher levels of prenatal FOC including higher education level, nullipara, higher monthly household income, lower family support, and lower childbirth self-efficacy (p < 0.05) and the predictors for higher levels of postpartum FOC included unemployed status, lower childbirth self-efficacy, and higher prenatal FOC (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression showed that higher childbirth self-efficacy reduced the likelihood of severe prenatal FOC (OR: 0.99, p < 0.001), while severe prenatal FOC increased the likelihood of severe postpartum FOC (OR: 3.57, p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
The rural women have high levels of FOC before and after childbirth, with approximately 20% experiencing severe FOC during both periods. Higher education level, nullipara, higher monthly household income, lower family support, and lower childbirth self-efficacy are predictors of heightened prenatal FOC. Unemployed status, lower childbirth self-efficacy, and higher prenatal FOC are predictors of heightened postpartum FOC. Notably, enhancing childbirth self-efficacy emerges as crucial in mitigating severe prenatal FOC, while severe prenatal FOC significantly increases the likelihood of severe postpartum FOC. The development of targeted intervention strategies for the above factors can help reduce women's FOC level and improve their overall pregnancy and childbirth experience.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Fear; China; Pregnancy; Rural Population; Parturition; Prospective Studies; Postpartum Period; Surveys and Questionnaires; Self Efficacy; Young Adult
PubMed: 38816809
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06585-x -
Health & Social Care in the Community Nov 2014Adolescent girls are more likely than women of other ages to smoke tobacco or drink alcohol during pregnancy. The health impacts of smoking and drinking for girls and... (Review)
Review
Adolescent girls are more likely than women of other ages to smoke tobacco or drink alcohol during pregnancy. The health impacts of smoking and drinking for girls and the interconnections between alcohol and tobacco use with adolescent pregnancy underscore the urgent need for integrated approaches to prevent and reduce alcohol and tobacco use among pregnant girls/young women. This article reports on the results of a scoping review of the literature focused on adolescents' use of tobacco and alcohol during pregnancy and postpartum. A search of CINAHL, Medline, Social Science Index and Web of Science identified 40 articles published in the two decades between 1990 and 2012 that met our inclusion criteria related to this age group, pregnancy/motherhood status, and use of both alcohol and tobacco. The review points to compelling gaps in our knowledge and our responsiveness to adolescents aged 19 and under who use alcohol and tobacco during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Research has been primarily descriptive, with separate, parallel streams of investigation to identify trends and predictors of alcohol and tobacco use, prior to, during and following pregnancy. There is a marked lack of effective interventions described in the literature that are designed to prevent or reduce alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy among adolescent girls; and there are few examples of gender-informed prevention or treatment programmes for this population. Research is needed on interventions that attend to the context of adolescent girls' substance use as well as their preferences and developmental needs for support that encourage sustained behaviour change throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period and that effectively address the influence of partners and friends on use.
Topics: Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Alcohol Drinking; Female; Humans; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Pregnancy in Adolescence; Smoking Prevention; Young Adult
PubMed: 24405036
DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12091 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Jul 2021The birth of a child entails major changes in a woman's life. In the perinatal period, the woman is particularly susceptible to emotional problems. The objective of the...
BACKGROUND
The birth of a child entails major changes in a woman's life. In the perinatal period, the woman is particularly susceptible to emotional problems. The objective of the present paper was to investigate the relationship between global orientation to life and its components on the one hand, and socio-demographic factors on the other, with regard to early postpartum emotional disorders.
METHODS
The study included 643 patients hospitalized in obstetric departments in Lublin, Poland, who had had a spontaneous vaginal delivery. Research instruments included: the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Orientation to Life Questionnaire (SOC-29), and the authors' own survey questionnaire to record participants' characteristics.
RESULTS
The study findings indicate an association between lower levels of postpartum blues and higher levels of global sense of coherence, as well as a stronger sense of meaningfulness, manageability, and comprehensibility. More severe emotional disorders were found in patients who were single. Postpartum blues symptoms were more intense in less educated respondents.
CONCLUSIONS
Postpartum emotional disorders are associated with a global sense of coherence and its components. Higher levels of SOC reduce the risk of postpartum blues.
Topics: Adult; Depression, Postpartum; Female; Humans; Poland; Postpartum Period; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Sense of Coherence; Socioeconomic Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 34284727
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-03983-3 -
Journal of Preventive Medicine and... May 2023Young mothers are vulnerable to postpartum depression due to role transition-related stress. Understanding the causes underlying these stressors is essential for...
OBJECTIVES
Young mothers are vulnerable to postpartum depression due to role transition-related stress. Understanding the causes underlying these stressors is essential for developing effective interventions.
METHODS
This study analyzed the 2018 Indonesian Basic Health Research data. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview was used to assess postpartum depression symptoms in mothers aged 15-24 years with infants aged 0-6 months. In 1285 subjects, the risk factors for postpartum depression were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression.
RESULTS
The overall prevalence of depression in the 6 months postpartum was 4.0%, with a higher prevalence in urban areas (5.7%) than in rural areas (2.9%). Urban and rural young mothers showed distinct postpartum depression risk factors. In urban areas, living without a husband (odds ratio [OR], 3.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24 to 11.76), experiencing preterm birth (OR, 4.67; 95% CI, 1.50 to 14.50), having pregnancy complications (OR, 3.03; 95% CI, 1.20 to 7.66), and having postpartum complications (OR, 5.23; 95% CI, 1.98 to 13.80) were associated with a higher risk of postpartum depression. In rural areas, postpartum depression was significantly associated with a smaller household size (OR, 3.22; 95% CI, 1.00 to 10.38), unwanted pregnancy (OR, 4.40; 95% CI, 1.15 to 16.86), and pregnancy complications (OR, 3.41; 95% CI, 1.31 to 8.88).
CONCLUSIONS
In both urban and rural contexts, postpartum depression relates to the availability of others to accompany young mothers throughout the postpartum period and offer support with reproductive issues. Support from the family and the healthcare system is essential to young mothers' mental health. The healthcare system needs to involve families to support young mothers' mental health from pregnancy until the postpartum period.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Depression, Postpartum; Mothers; Indonesia; Premature Birth; Postpartum Period
PubMed: 37287205
DOI: 10.3961/jpmph.22.534 -
Anais Da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias Aug 2018The objective was to evaluate the influence of calving and postpartum characteristics, measured in different genetic predominance, on the postpartum rebreeding. Were...
The objective was to evaluate the influence of calving and postpartum characteristics, measured in different genetic predominance, on the postpartum rebreeding. Were evaluated 437 partum from cows that received feeding management consisting of a forage base of the native field and the mating season consisted of 90 days. The measurements were used from the data base (age of cow, genetic predominance, body weight, body condition score and date of calving) of the cows in the partum and postpartum period. The variables were submitted to analysis of multiple variances, multiple regression, correlation and cluster. Already the groups formed by cluster analysis were submitted to analysis of variance and F test and the means, compared by Student's t-test, α=0.05 probability. The increase in the mean at 0.14 points in the body condition score at calving and the occurrence of calving 9 days earlier at the calving season gives the Charolais genetically predominant cows repeat calves. The Nellore genetic predominance when they calved with similar body condition score (2.32 points) and showed a negative body weight gain at weaning (-3.0 kg and -2.1 kg) showed different behaviors, where they did not repeat the offspring, when they calved and weaned with smaller body weight.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Female; Postpartum Period; Reproduction; Weight Gain
PubMed: 29947680
DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201820171005 -
New Directions For Child and Adolescent... Sep 2016Although dramatic postnatal changes in maternal behavior have long been noted, we are only now beginning to understand the neurobiological mechanisms that support this... (Review)
Review
Although dramatic postnatal changes in maternal behavior have long been noted, we are only now beginning to understand the neurobiological mechanisms that support this transition. The present paper synthesizes growing insights from both animal and human research to provide an overview of the plasticity of the mother's brain, with a particular emphasis on the oxytocin system. We examine plasticity observed within the oxytocin system and discuss how these changes mediate an array of other adaptations observed within the maternal brain. We outline factors that affect the oxytocin-mediated plasticity of the maternal brain and review evidence linking disruptions in oxytocin functions to challenges in maternal adaptation. We conclude by suggesting a strategy for intervention with mothers who may be at risk for maladjustment during this transition to motherhood, while highlighting areas where further research is needed.
Topics: Adaptation, Physiological; Animals; Brain; Female; Humans; Maternal Behavior; Neuronal Plasticity; Oxytocin; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy
PubMed: 27589498
DOI: 10.1002/cad.20170 -
Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics &... Aug 2015
Topics: Breast Feeding; Female; Humans; Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase; Postpartum Period
PubMed: 26384047
DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2015.05.001