The relationship between social support in pregnancy and postnatal depression.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Lack of social support is considered a potential risk factor for postnatal depression but limited longitudinal evidence is available. Pregnancy, when women have increased contact with healthcare services, may be an opportune time to intervene and help strengthen women's social networks to prevent feelings of depression postnatally, particularly for those at greatest risk. Our study examined the longitudinal relationship between social support in pregnancy and postnatal depression, and whether this is moderated by age or relationship status.

Methods

We analysed data collected from 525 women from a diverse inner-city maternity population in England who were interviewed in pregnancy and again three months postnatally. Women provided sociodemographic information and comp

SUBMITTER: Taylor BL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9246777 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature