-
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 -
Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and... Dec 2023This study aimed to examine the association between social support, postpartum depression (PPD), anxiety and perceived stress among women within 12 months of childbirth...
PURPOSE
This study aimed to examine the association between social support, postpartum depression (PPD), anxiety and perceived stress among women within 12 months of childbirth in South Korea.
METHODS
A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted from 21 to 30 September 2022 and included women within 12 months of childbirth in Chungnam Province, South Korea. A total of 1486 participants were included. Multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between social support and mental health.
RESULTS
In total, 40.0% of the participants had mild to moderate PPD; 12.0%, anxiety symptoms; and 8.2%, perceived severe stress. Social support (from family and significant others) is significantly associated with PPD, anxiety and perceived severe stress. Current maternal health problems, unplanned pregnancy and low household income were risk factors for PPD, anxiety and perceived stress. The increase in the time elapsed after childbirth showed a positive association with PPD and perceived severe stress.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings provide insights to identify at-risk mothers and emphasize the importance of social support in families, early screening and continuous monitoring for postpartum women to prevent PPD, anxiety and stress.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Depression, Postpartum; Cross-Sectional Studies; Postpartum Period; Mothers; Anxiety; Risk Factors; Social Support; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 37428880
DOI: 10.1080/0167482X.2023.2231629 -
Nutrients Aug 2023The post-delivery period could be characterized by psychological distress (e.g., anxiety, sadness, and irritability), leading to postpartum depression (PPD). : The... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
The post-delivery period could be characterized by psychological distress (e.g., anxiety, sadness, and irritability), leading to postpartum depression (PPD). : The present clinical study assesses the effect of probiotic supplementation containing PBS072 and BB077 (4 × 10 CFU/day) on the mother's mood and breastfeeding quality during the first trimester after delivery. : A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled (RDBPC) trial was carried out on 200 healthy new mothers divided into an active group taking a supplement containing PBS072 and BB077 (4 × 10 CFU/day) plus multivitamins and a control group (multivitamin complex only) for 90 days. Symptoms related to maternal depression and breastfeeding quality were evaluated at days 45 and 90 using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF). : At days 45 and 90, the probiotic treatment significantly ameliorated the mothers' mood compared to the control treatment ( < 0.001). Likewise, the breastfeeding quality and the baby's cries significantly improved in the probiotic group ( < 0.001). : Microbiota alterations could influence a post-delivery woman's mental state. According to our results, PBS072 and BB077 are potential candidates that are able to improve stress resilience in the postpartum period.
Topics: Infant; Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Limosilactobacillus reuteri; Bifidobacterium breve; Pregnancy Trimester, First; Breast Feeding; Postpartum Period; Mothers
PubMed: 37630704
DOI: 10.3390/nu15163513 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Sep 2023Women with pre-pregnancy obesity have an increased risk of retaining or gaining weight postpartum and may benefit from weight loss treatment. However, evidence is... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Women with pre-pregnancy obesity have an increased risk of retaining or gaining weight postpartum and may benefit from weight loss treatment. However, evidence is lacking for weight loss strategies in women with BMIs in the higher obesity classes. A dietary treatment for postpartum weight loss resulted in a 10% weight reduction in lactating women with a mean BMI of 30 kg/m. We aimed to examine the effects of this dietary treatment on changes in weight, markers of lipid and glucose metabolism, waist and hip circumference and postpartum weight retention (PPWR) in postpartum women with higher BMIs than tested previously.
METHODS
At baseline, approximately 8 weeks postpartum, 29 women with a mean (SD) BMI = 40.0 (5.2) kg/m were randomised to a 12-week dietary treatment (n 14) or to a control treatment (n 15). Measurements were made at baseline and after 3 and 12 months. Data was analysed using mixed model.
RESULTS
The mean weight change in the diet group was -2.3 (3.1) kg compared to 1.7 (3.1) kg in the control group after 3 months (P = 0.003) and -4.2 (5.6) kg compared to 4.8 (11.8) kg in the control group after 12 months (P = 0.02). The dietary treatment led to reduced waist circumference (P < 0.04) and PPWR (P < 0.01) compared to the control treatment at both time points. The treatment lowered fasting blood glucose at 12 months (P = 0.007) as the only effect on markers of lipid and glucose metabolism.
CONCLUSION
The dietary treatment postpartum reduced weight and prevented weight retention or weight gain in women with obesity.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The trial was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03579667) 06/07/2018. In a randomised, controlled trial, 29 postpartum women with obesity were allocated to a dietary treatment or a control treatment. The dietary treatment reduced weight and prevented postpartum weight retention or weight gain after 12 months. Reference: Adapted from "Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Study Design (2 Arms, Graphical)", by BioRender.com (2022). Retrieved from https://app.biorender.com/biorender-templates .
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Gestational Weight Gain; Lactation; Obesity; Weight Gain; Diet; Postpartum Period; Weight Loss; Glucose; Lipids
PubMed: 37752466
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05976-w -
Birth (Berkeley, Calif.) Dec 2023It has yet to be fully elucidated how differing populations of obstetric patients adapted to the disruptions in perinatal care and postpartum support from the COVID-19...
BACKGROUND
It has yet to be fully elucidated how differing populations of obstetric patients adapted to the disruptions in perinatal care and postpartum support from the COVID-19 pandemic. We surveyed an enriched sample of socioeconomically advantaged patients to understand the influence of COVID-19 on their perinatal care experience, well-being, and coping.
METHODS
We surveyed pregnant and postpartum patients (n = 6140) at a large academic medical center in the Midwest of the United States using the Coronavirus and Perinatal Experiences instrument in Spring 2021.
RESULTS
The survey was sent to 6141 pregnant and postpartum patients; 1180 (17.8%) respondents completed the survey, including 256 who were pregnant and 834 postpartum. Most pregnant patients experienced no changes in their prenatal care with 16.5% indicating somewhat worsened care. In the postpartum cohort, 37.5% stated their care had somewhat worsened. In describing influences on stress and mental health, 58.1% of postpartum respondents stated it was moderately, and 17.4% significantly, worse. The pandemic had a somewhat or moderately negative influence for 72.7% of respondents, with 11.0% stating these effects were extremely negative. Both cohorts characterized a range of coping strategies, most commonly, talking with friends and family (76.3%).
CONCLUSION(S)
Even among this sample of socioeconomically advantaged patients, respondents indicated that the pandemic disrupted many facets of their medical care and daily life, especially social activities and postpartum support. Our findings suggest that counseling on coping and adaptation strategies for stressors and increased health systems support be part of perinatal care during public health emergencies for all demographic groups.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; United States; COVID-19; Pandemics; Postpartum Period; Parturition; Patient Outcome Assessment
PubMed: 37555375
DOI: 10.1111/birt.12760 -
British Journal of Sports Medicine Apr 2024
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Postpartum Period; Sports; Sports Medicine
PubMed: 38442952
DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-107778 -
Journal of Holistic Nursing : Official... Sep 2023Undiagnosed and untreated postpartum mental health disorders represent a silent health crisis. The aim of this paper was to develop a lexicon of metaphors women use to...
Undiagnosed and untreated postpartum mental health disorders represent a silent health crisis. The aim of this paper was to develop a lexicon of metaphors women use to describe their postpartum mood and anxiety disorders to assist holistic nurses in recognizing as early as possible these struggling mothers. Mothers may not know the medical terminology to articulate their mental health problems and may turn to using metaphors. The metaphors included in this lexicon were obtained from the author's earlier qualitative studies of metaphors women used to describe their experiences of postpartum depression, postpartum panic disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder due to traumatic childbirth. In this lexicon these metaphors are organized by these three mental health disorders and includes a table of definitions of each metaphor along with examples of the context of the metaphors represented by quotes from the mothers. Metaphors can be keys that open and unlock doors that stand between holistic nurses and their patients. Being attentive to metaphorical language women use to describe how they are feeling after giving birth can be an innovative approach holistic nurses can use to identify these vulnerable women and provide an opportunity to nurture and empower new mothers.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Anxiety Disorders; Metaphor; Postpartum Period; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Affect
PubMed: 35570579
DOI: 10.1177/08980101221097212 -
Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of... Sep 2023Patients experience many new and concerning symptoms during pregnancy and it is the role of the obstetric clinician to provide appropriate guidance, recommendations, and... (Review)
Review
Patients experience many new and concerning symptoms during pregnancy and it is the role of the obstetric clinician to provide appropriate guidance, recommendations, and treatment options. Often times, these symptoms are related to hormonal and physiologic changes that occur and will resolve in the postpartum period. However, clinicians must be able to recognize more concerning pathologic symptoms that require further evaluation and treatment. This review provides updates on the evaluation and management of some of the common symptoms during pregnancy.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Nausea; Postpartum Period
PubMed: 37500215
DOI: 10.1016/j.ogc.2023.03.016 -
PloS One 2024Guidelines and other strategic documents were collated to understand the extent of the global use of terms postpartum and postnatal along with the duration and schedule... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Guidelines and other strategic documents were collated to understand the extent of the global use of terms postpartum and postnatal along with the duration and schedule of maternal care after delivery.
METHODS
Postpartum care guidelines and strategies published in English, by international organisations including the World Health Organization, and countries in either the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development or Group of 20 were included in this scoping review. All documents available online with unrestricted access and published before May 31, 2023, were included. The evolution of the World Health Organization's definition of the period after delivery for mothers and the changes in the schedule of routine maternal care following delivery over time were displayed pictorially. A summary table was then developed to present the level of similarities and differences in the latest available documents from the international organisations and countries belonging to either the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development or the Group of 20.
RESULTS
Ten documents from the World Health Organization, one from the European Board, and 15 country-level guidelines from six countries met the inclusion criteria. The interchangeable use of 'postpartum' and 'postnatal' is common. While the World Health Organization mentions the definitive length (six weeks) of the postpartum/ postnatal period, it is not stated in documents from other organisations and countries. Additionally, the length and schedule of routine maternal care after delivery vary substantially between organisations/countries, spanning from six weeks to one year with two to six healthcare contacts, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Through this review, we make a case for a universal harmonisation of the term postpartum when referring to mothers after delivery; add clarity to the documents on the rationale for and duration of the postpartum period; and extend the routine maternal care schedule after delivery to support women in this vulnerable period.
Topics: Humans; Postpartum Period; Female; World Health Organization; Postnatal Care; Pregnancy; Terminology as Topic; Time Factors; Practice Guidelines as Topic
PubMed: 38669219
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300118 -
Journal of Psychiatric Research Dec 2023Postpartum anxiety has negative consequences for both mother and infant, so effective identification and measurement is vital to enable intervention. Despite NICE...
Postpartum anxiety has negative consequences for both mother and infant, so effective identification and measurement is vital to enable intervention. Despite NICE recommendations to prioritise the measurement of postpartum anxiety in mothers, current clinical measurement in England remains both fragmented and flawed. The Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale [PSAS] offers an alternative, as it measures maternal-focused anxieties which can enable specifically targeted interventions. However, it is only currently used as a research tool and may require modification for clinical use. To inform modification of the PSAS, nineteen stakeholders from a variety of organisations participated in a two-round Delphi consensus survey to measure its clinical relevance and potential for effective identification of clinical anxiety. Descriptive analyses revealed all subscales of the PSAS scored highly across all domains, excluding Practical Infant Care Anxieties. Analyses also indicated good consensus between stakeholders across specific items, suggesting that the some items on the PSAS are relevant and effective at identifying clinical postpartum anxiety. Participants also expressed a need for a shorter version of the PSAS for clinical use, and that additional items may need including. Future research must now adapt the existing PSAS based on the results of this study and pilot the adapted measure in a clinical population.
Topics: Infant; Female; Humans; Anxiety; Postpartum Period; Anxiety Disorders; Mothers; England
PubMed: 37976556
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.10.041