Mental health of pregnant and postpartum women in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has been uniquely challenging for pregnant and postpartum women. Uncontrollable stress amplifies risk for maternal depression and anxiety, which are linked to adverse mother and child outcomes. This study examined change in internalizing symptoms from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic among pregnant and postpartum women longitudinally, and investigated moderation by loneliness and other contextual risk factors.

Methods

135 women (M _age = 31.81; 26% Latina, 55% non-Hispanic White, 11% Black; 39% low-income) enrolled in an existing prospective study completed self-report questionnaires including the EPDS and STAI-short form during early pregnancy, prior to COVID-19, and during COVID-19.

Results

Depressive symptoms

SUBMITTER: Perzow SED 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7904453 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature