Factors Associated with Birth-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and the Subsequent Impact of Traumatic Birth on Mother–Infant Relationship Quality
This study aimed to investigate factors associated with birth-related PTSD symptoms and the subsequent impact on mother–infant relationship quality, exploring what women felt they needed to be different about their birth process to further understand the problem. Participants were recruited using social media advertising. A multi-method approach, using qualitative and quantitative analyses, was employed. The study included 142 pregnant women residing in Australia aged between 19 and 42 years (M = 31.24" SD = 4.70). High extraversion significantly predicted greater birth-related PTSD symptoms. There was a significant relationship between birth-related PTSD symptoms and poorer mother–infant relationship quality. The content analysis of the responses from women who reported a desire for a different or improved birth experience generated four themes: (1) less intrusive intervention, (2) better communication, (3) access to more supportive intervention, and (4) better post-birth care. The findings highlight the importance of supporting women's choices during birth by promoting informed and respectful woman-centred care. Postnatally, the screening and assessment of women should go beyond mood screening and include an assessment of the woman's response to her birth experience.
Antenatal Depression and the Experiences of Australian Women in the Maternity System during the COVID-19 Pandemic
The mitigation efforts of COVID-19 have led to significant changes to the delivery of routine healthcare globally. In Australia, the way maternal health services have been delivered since the beginning of the pandemic has also changed. Maternity care and support are known to influence maternal mental health. One hundred and eighty-eight English-speaking pregnant women residing in Australia were recruited using social media advertising between September and November 2020 as part of a larger study. Participants were aged between 19 and 42 (M = 31.05, SD = 4.68). Compared with previous Australian prevalence rates of around 7% for antenatal depression, rates in this study were 15.9% overall and 19% for those in Melbourne. Antenatal depression was positively associated with COVID-19 distress in relation to having a baby during a COVID-19 outbreak r(186) = 0.30, p < 0.001. It is suggested that increased vigilance with screening and assessment will be required to identify and support mothers who are not coping during the pandemic.
The Impact of COVID-19 Related Distress on Antenatal Depression in Australia
Globally, the impact of COVID-19 on mental health has been significant. Pregnant women are known to be a vulnerable population in relation to mental health. In Australia, there was an unprecedented demand during the pandemic for mental health services, including services for pregnant women. Maternal mental health has unique and enduring features that can significantly shape a child's overall development and poor maternal mental health can have considerable social and economic costs. This cross-sectional study evaluated symptoms of antenatal depression and COVID-19-related distress in a sample of two hundred and sixty-nine pregnant women residing in Australia aged between 20 and 43 (M = 31.79, SD = 4.58), as part of a larger study. Social media advertising was used to recruit participants between September 2020 and November 2021. Prevalence rates for antenatal depression were found to be higher in this study (16.4%) compared with previous Australian prevalence rates (7%). COVID-19 distress in relation to having a baby during a COVID-19 outbreak significantly predicted symptoms of antenatal depression, B = 1.46, p < 0.001. Results from this study suggest that mothers and families may have increased mental health vulnerabilities as a consequence of the pandemic for some time yet.
Birth related PTSD and its association with the mother-infant relationship: A meta-analysis
Objective: There is a growing body of research showing that birth related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms may impact the mother-infant relationship. The present study assessed the strength of the association between birth related PTSD symptoms and the mother-infant relationship. Method: A total of twelve studies (5,572 participants) were included based on database searches using PubMed, EBSCO and ProQuest.
Results: The findings showed that greater levels of birth related PTSD symptoms were associated with poorer mother-infant relationship, r = − 0.36, 95% CI: [− 0.43 - − 0.28], random effects model. The outcomes appeared to be heterogeneous (Q(11) = 81.63, p <.001, tau2 = 0.0123, I 2 = 80.73%), despite all outcomes being in the same direction as the overall outcome.
Conclusions: The results indicated that birth related PTSD symptoms are negatively associated with the motherinfant relationship. Further investigation into the prevention of birth related trauma is suggested. Improving birthing experiences for mothers is likely to contribute to improved infant mental health, thereby reducing overall social and economic costs.
Antenatal Depression and the Impact of COVID-19 Mitigation Efforts in Australia
The mitigation efforts of COVID-19 have led to significant changes to the delivery of routine healthcare globally. In Australia, the way maternal health services have been delivered since the beginning of the pandemic has also changed. Maternity care and support are known to influence maternal mental health. One hundred and eighty-eight English speaking pregnant women residing in Australia were recruited using social media advertising between September and November 2020 as part of a larger study. Participants were aged between 19 and 42 (M = 31.05, SD = 4.68). Compared with previous Australian prevalence rates of around 7% for antenatal depression, rates in this study were 15.9% overall and 19% for those in Melbourne. It is suggested that increased vigilance with screening and assessment will be required to identify and support this cohort of mothers who are not coping.