Do the early social environment and persistent peripartum depressive symptoms shape toddlers' expressive language?

ABSTRACT:

Background

Extensive research suggests that peripartum depression is a risk factor for children's early language development. Yet, previous research on this association shows mixed results, often lacking information on the persistence of depression and the social context. This population-based cohort study addresses this gap by investigating the longitudinal influence of peripartum depressive symptoms on toddlers' expressive language. Specifically, we systematically examined the influences of timing, severity, and persistence of depressive symptoms during pregnancy and the first 6 months postpartum on child expressive language development, while accounting for important social and environmental factors.

Methods

This study is part of a prospective, population-based investigat

SUBMITTER: Tu HF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12446726 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature