COVID may Deepen Anxiety, Depression, and PTSD Among Pregnant, Postpartum Women

Concerning rates of generalized anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, were found among pregnant and postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although childbirth is usually anticipated with optimism and enthusiasm, around 10 to 20 percent of pregnant women also experience mental health challenges during the weeks shortly before and after birth.

Anxiety, depression, and //trauma-related disorders can all be exacerbated by prolonged stress tied to pregnancy and postpartum experiences. But it's not clear how the stressors of a significant health pandemic could impact these complications.

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‘More than one in three women reported clinically significant levels of depression during the COVID pandemic. ’

In a new study published in Psychiatry Review, researchers studied pregnant women and those who had recently given birth, finding increasing rates of generalized anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, which were found to be increased by COVID-19-related grief and health worries.

"We know the perinatal time is already a period in which women are particularly vulnerable to mental health concerns," stated the corresponding author Cindy Liu. "We principally wanted to see what factors linked to the pandemic might be tied with mental health symptoms."

The researchers launched the Perinatal Experiences and COVID-19 Effects Study (PEACE) to fully understand the mental health and well-being of pregnant and postpartum women within the U.S. during the coronavirus pandemic.

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The researchers found that nearly 9 percent of participants reported feeling a strong sense of grief, loss, or disappointment due to the COVID pandemic. This group was approximately five times more likely to encounter clinically significant measures of mental health symptoms.

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Source-Medindia

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