Depression During Pregnancy Among Young Couples: The Effect of Personal and Partner Experiences of Stressors and the Buffering Effects of Social Relationships

Abstract

Study Objective To assess the relationship between personal and romantic partner’s experiences of stressful life events and depression during pregnancy, and the social moderators of this relationship among 296 young couples with low incomes from urban areas. Participants and Setting We recruited couples who were expecting a baby from four OB/GYN and ultrasound clinics in lower CT; women were ages 14-21 and male partners were 14+. Design and Outcome Measures We analyzed self-reports of stressful events in the previous six months, depression in the past week and current interpersonal social supports. To determine the influence of personal and partner experiences of stressful events on depression, we used multilevel dyadic models and incorporated interaction terms. We also used this model to determine whether social support, family functioning and relationship satisfaction moderated the association between stressful events and depression. Results Experiences of stressful life events were common; 91.2% of couples had at least one member report an event. Money, employment problems and moving were the most common events. Personal experiences of stressful life events had the strongest association with depression among men and women; although partner experiences of stressful life events were also significantly associated with depression among women. Social support, family functioning and romantic relationship satisfaction significantly buffered the association between personal and partner stressful events and depression. Conclusion Interventions that improve relationships, support systems, and family functioning may reduce the negative impact of stressors, experienced both personally and by a romantic partner, on the emotional well-being of young expectant parents.

The Relationship Between the Social Determinants of Health and Preterm Birth in Iran Based on the WHO Model: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

“…Three studies had examined anxiety (33)(34)(35), 2 depression (33,36), and seven violence (27,28,32,36,41), and their results revealed the high incidence of preterm birth in those with anxiety, depression, and violence compared to those without these determinants. Some of the studies discussed the adverse effects of psychosocial factors such as stress during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding on pregnancy outcomes such as miscarriage, nausea and vomiting, preeclampsia, weight loss, preterm birth, low birth weight, immunosuppression, and the subsequent increase in episiotomy and neonatal infections and some degree of postpartum mental disorder (21,47). In one study, Rondo et al found a direct relationship between maternal psychosocial stress or distress and low birth weight, preterm birth, and intrauterine growth retardation (48).…”

“…The findings of some studies show that psychological problems during pregnancy are important predictors of gestational age at birth (20). Stress during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding can be associated with poor pregnancy outcomes and complications such as miscarriage, nausea and vomiting, preeclampsia, weight loss, preterm birth, low birth weight, immunosuppression, and as a result increased episiotomy and neonatal infections and also some degree of postpartum mental disorders (21). Determining the factors affecting birth outcomes help health policymakers develop strategies for planning and implementing appropriate interventions for promoting health and thus contribute to the promotion of maternal and infant health as well.…”

The Effect of Group Counseling Based on Cognitive-Behavioral Approach on Pregnancy-Specific Stress and Anxiety

“…Studies have reported the prevalence of stress and anxiety during pregnancy as 6% to 78%; that is, 6% of the population is reportedly exposed to high levels of stress and 78% is exposed to low or moderate levels (7)(8)(9). Stress during pregnancy can be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as miscarriage, fetal weight loss, increased stress hormone levels, chronic hypertension, premature birth, infant mortality, changes in endocrine secretion, changes in hypothalamic-pituitary function, suppressed immune system, changes in the number of lymphocytes and reduced CD4/CD8 ratio, nausea, vomiting, preeclampsia, and some degree of mental disorder (10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16). The complications associated with pregnancy-induced stress are a leading cause of maternal perinatal mortality (17).…”

Effect of Physiologic Delivery Education on Mental Health of Pregnant Women

“…In addition, depression could be associated with maternal mental health disorders, preventing full care of themselves and their fetus. All the mentioned factors can disrupt the ability of women to perform their daily activities, significantly affecting their quality of life and mental health (2). On the other hand, it seems that in addition to significant changes in maternal physical and mental health, pregnancy can adversely affect social performance and vitality of women.…”