The need for additional mental health support for women in the postpartum period in the times of epidemic crisis

Abstract

Background This retrospective study aimed to identify possible intensification of mental health difficulties among women seeking support in the postpartum period during the epidemic state in Poland. We assumed that the epidemic crisis, social isolation, and restrictions in hospitals which affect pregnant and postpartum women - lack of family labors, lack of the possibility to be with the newborn when he/she is hospitalized, may increase fear and reduce psychosocial resources of women, hinder their normal process of transition to motherhood and thus contribute to the intensified severity of depressive symptoms. Methods The study participants were women seeking support at the on-line platform of the project ‘Next Stop: Mum’, which is a part of the postpartum depression prevention’s program implemented by the Ministry of Health in Poland, and enables remote self-screening for the severity of the postpartum depression symptoms with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale developed by Cox and collaborators. The analyzed data in this study were obtained from 139 women: 61 filled forms from October 1 - November 10, 2019 (non-epidemic period), and 78 filled forms from February 20–March 30 (beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic), 2020. Results A statistically significant difference in the severity of postpartum depression symptoms were observed among women making a self-assessment with EPDS scale at the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic in Poland (M = 15.71; SD = 6.23), compared to the pre-epidemic neutral period (M = 13.56; SD = 6.46). Conclusions The results of this study indicate that the epidemic crisis may be associated with an increased need for additional caution and support of women’s mental health in the postpartum period. We believe that recommendations for medical staff, policy, and families of women struggling with postpartum depression symptoms during crisis should be widespread as the second wave of COVID-19 disease may develop in the autumn-winter 2020 and spring 2021.

Fear of Coronavirus, Stress and Fear of Childbirth in Polish Pregnant Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…During the pandemic, due to new hospital restrictions, expectant mothers will have to go through higher levels of stress and fear as they will now have to cope alone as no spouse or companion is allowed to be in the delivery room to support them [ 6 ]. Studies have shown that support from loved ones is a mediator of fear of childbirth [ 24 ], but in the COVID-19 pandemic, family births were suspended in many countries, and women were deprived of this direct support. Fear and lack of support were predictors of fear of childbirth [ 22 , 35 , 54 ].…”

“…Research shows that fear of childbirth is associated with the severity of general anxiety [ 20 , 21 ], and that anxiety as a trait is its predictor [ 22 ]. Studies have also shown that support from loved ones is a mediator of fear of childbirth [ 22 , 23 , 24 ], while during a pandemic, family births were banned and women were deprived of this direct support.…”

Women’s Healthcare Services since the COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak in Poland

“…Traditional meetings were also an opportunity for physical activity and practical physical training in preparation for childbirth [ 28 ]. Mothers may need additional mental health support, as Chrzan-Dętkoś et al stated [ 29 ], and as professionals and caregivers, we feel responsible to indicate to them the proper solutions and support sources.…”

Impacto da pandemia de SARS-CoV-2 na saúde mental de gestantes e puérperas: uma revisão integrativa

“…Desta forma, dificultam o equilíbrio entre vida profissional e pessoal, desencadeiam conflitos e interferem na adaptação à vida com um novo bebê. Assim, uma crise epidêmica pode limitar parte dos recursos psicológicos que constroem a saúde mental da mulher no período pós-parto (Chrzan-Dętkoś et al 2021).…”