Prevalence of antenatal and postnatal anxiety: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Maternal anxiety negatively influences child outcomes. Reliable estimates have not been established because of varying published prevalence rates.To establish summary estimates for the prevalence of maternal anxiety in the antenatal and postnatal periods.We searched multiple databases including MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO to identify studies published up to January 2016 with data on the prevalence of antenatal or postnatal anxiety. Data were extracted from published reports and any missing information was requested from investigators. Estimates were pooled using random-effects meta-analyses.We reviewed 23 468 abstracts, retrieved 783 articles and included 102 studies incorporating 221 974 women from 34 countries. The prevalence for self-reported anxiety symptoms was 18.2% (95% CI 13.6-22.8) in the first trimester, 19.1% (95% CI 15.9-22.4) in the second trimester and 24.6% (95% CI 21.2-28.0) in the third trimester. The overall prevalence for a clinical diagnosis of any anxiety disorder was 15.2% (95% CI 9.0-21.4) and 4.1% (95% CI 1.9-6.2) for a generalised anxiety disorder. Postnatally, the prevalence for anxiety symptoms overall at 1-24 weeks was 15.0% (95% CI 13.7-16.4). The prevalence for any anxiety disorder over the same period was 9.9% (95% CI 6.1-13.8), and 5.7% (95% CI 2.3-9.2) for a generalised anxiety disorder. Rates were higher in low- to middle-income countries.Results suggest perinatal anxiety is highly prevalent and merits clinical attention. Research is warranted to develop evidence-based interventions.

The prevalence of anxiety symptoms in infertile women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…In their systematic review, Sawyer et al [43] reported a 14.8% prevalence of anxiety in infertile women [95% CI: 12.3, 17.4%] and a 14% prevalence among women in pre-and post-natal periods [95% CI: 12.9, 15.2%]. In a meta-analysis conducted by Dennis et al [44], the prevalence of selfreported anxiety symptoms was 18.2% (95% CI: 13.6-22.8) in the first trimester of pregnancy, 19.1% (95% CI: 15.9-22.4) in the second trimester of pregnancy, 24.6% (95% CI: 21.2-28.0) in the third trimester of pregnancy, and 15.0% (95% CI: 13.7-16.4) in the first to 14th weeks of the post-natal period.…”

Caring for the carers: Ensuring the provision of quality maternity care during a global pandemic

“…Women continue to give birth which is usually a time of joy but can also be associated with increased anxiety as well as increased risk of wellbeing disturbances, both during pregnancy and after birth [6]. Maternity service providers (including doctors, midwives, nurses and allied health staff) must continue their core business in caring and supporting women, newborns and their families, whilst also adapting to a rapidly changing health system environment due to COVID-19.…”

Repetitive Negative Thinking and Its Role in Perinatal Mental Health

“…Indeed, some recent evidence suggests that anxiety disorders are more prevalent than depression in the post-partum period [6]. Reports of the prevalence of postnatal anxiety [7] have prompted calls for “a broader definition of post-partum distress” [4, p. 329] that includes anxiety as well as depression. The significant comorbidity of depression and anxiety is well established, adding further weight to the argument for focusing on a range of psychological conditions in new mothers.…”