Mental health of pregnant women: modern realities

Abstract

This review provides data on the impact of the war in Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of Ukrainian women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. It is noted that even in peacetime, the perinatal period is quite vulnerable. The aim of the study is to analyze the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on the course of pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. According to statistics, one in five women may have a perinatal mental disorder. In today's realities, mental health is given considerable attention. Mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety and PTSD, manifested by negative thoughts, loss of interest and/or pleasure, fatigue and/or increased anxiety, are the most common diagnoses. It is clear that pregnancy and the postpartum period, although they can be joyful, are also times of stress and difficulty for mothers as they face physiological and psychosocial changes. Particular attention is paid to the connection of maternal depression and anxiety with an increase in inflammatory biomarkers in the mother during pregnancy, which is associated with an increased risk of neurodevelopment in children. Despite the contradictory results of the hypothesis about fetal programming, it is important to recognize that caring for the mother and the child are interconnected. Pregnant mothers who have PTSD are at increased risk of premature termination of pregnancy and premature birth, the development of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and other obstetric and perinatal losses. A review of the literature confirms the relevance of studying the impact of PTSD on the perinatal period, since timely diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders is a key element of preserving the health of pregnant women and ensuring the stable development of the nation. The authors declare no conflict of interest.