Life situation and support during pregnancy among Thai expectant mothers with depressive symptoms and their partners: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background Expectant parents may have positive and negative emotions during pregnancy and receive support from different sources. Studies on life situation and support among couples have rarely been conducted. This study aims to explore life situation and support during pregnancy among expectant mothers with depressive symptoms and their partners. Methods Twenty-seven expectant mothers, in the last trimester of pregnancy with depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score ≥ 7) from seven public antenatal care clinics in Sakonnakhon, a north-eastern province of Thailand, and their partners were interviewed. In total, 54 semi-structured interviews were subjected to content analysis. Results Four categories emerged: (1) Having obstacles in life, (2) Facing life transition, (3) Enhancing confidence, and (4) Dissatisfaction with support. The informants described obstacles regarding economy, fear of health problems, getting an abnormal child and partners’ behaviours. They received support from family members and social networks, but some were dissatisfied with the support from the healthcare. For example, expectant fathers wished to receive more health information and be more involved. Conclusions Healthcare professionals should be aware of the influence of cultural and contextual factors when providing antenatal care to expectant parents. Male involvement in the care must not be neglected.

<p>Prevalence and Associated Factors of Antenatal Depressive Symptoms in Pregnant Women Living in an Urban Area of Thailand</p>

“…They must adapt to their husband’s family culture and be responsible for household work, leading to emotional stress. 43 Having conflict with the parents-in-law has been associated antenatal depression. 28 Support from family members is an important buffer against depression in pregnant women.…”

Knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy program intended to improve public health professionals’ ability to identify and manage perinatal depressive symptoms: A quasi-experimental study

“…Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are responsible for the management of depressive symptoms in primary care centers (PCCs) [16]. Pregnant women seek assistance from them in antenatal care (ANC) clinics [15].…”

Knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy program intended to improve public health professionals’ ability to identify and manage perinatal depressive symptoms: A quasi-experimental study

“…Nonetheless, there is lack of screening, and often women with depressive symptoms have not been well-managed during the perinatal period [4,8]. Improving women's mental health is a part of the third goal of the sustainable development goals, reduction of premature mortality [14], and women need improved identi cation and management of depressive symptoms during the perinatal period [7][8]15].…”