The COVID-19 outbreak increases maternal stress during pregnancy, but not the risk for postpartum depression

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic affects society and may especially have an impact on mental health of vulnerable groups, such as perinatal women. This prospective cohort study of 669 participating women in the Netherlands compared perinatal symptoms of depression and stress during and before the pandemic. After a pilot in 2018, recruitment started on 7 January 2019. Up until 1 March 2020 (before the pandemic), 401 women completed questionnaires during pregnancy, of whom 250 also completed postpartum assessment. During the pandemic, 268 women filled out at least one questionnaire during pregnancy and 59 postpartum (1 March–14 May 2020). Pregnancy-specific stress increased significantly in women during the pandemic. We found no increase in depressive symptoms during pregnancy nor an increase in incidence of high levels of postpartum depressive symptoms during the pandemic. Clinicians should be aware of the potential for increased stress in pregnant women during the pandemic.

Prevalence of postpartum depression in women amid the COVID‐19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Additionally, the pregnancy and postpartum periods are vulnerable periods that can increase the level of distress in many women. 45 According to other studies, factors such as economic and social factors, history of childbirth, lifestyle and history of mental illness, level of education, gestational diseases, family dissatisfaction and limited communication and interaction with others are important predictors of PPD. 46 , 47 Studies show that several factors play a role in the occurrence of PPD, for example, COVID‐19 as a stressor can accelerate the occurrence of PPD, so mothers should be under close monitoring during pregnancy and after childbirth by families and health care workers.…”

“…The COVID‐19 outbreak has had significant effects on vulnerable groups, especially pregnant women. Additionally, the pregnancy and postpartum periods are vulnerable periods that can increase the level of distress in many women 45 . According to other studies, factors such as economic and social factors, history of childbirth, lifestyle and history of mental illness, level of education, gestational diseases, family dissatisfaction and limited communication and interaction with others are important predictors of PPD 46,47 .…”

Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Literature Review

“…One study 34 found that there is a statistically significant decrease, while in contrary 5 studies 14,24,29,34,39,46 described a decrease but did not calculate statistical significance. In 5 studies, 18,23,26,32,38,42 the mean level of depression decreased to below the cutoff value for depression defined in each study.…”

Pregnant Women Who Smoke May Be at Greater Risk of Adverse Effects from Bushfires

“…The level of stress increases when the number of stressors increase [16]. The 2019-2020 bushfires in Australia overlapped with the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020 and might have influenced smoking behaviours of pregnant women due to increased stress [17]. Therefore, a significant evidence gap exists, and bushfire events may warrant exploration about their impact on smoking behaviours during pregnancy.…”