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Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
06:39

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants

Published on: June 13, 2021

Postnatal depression and faltering growth: a community study

Louise Margaret O'Brien1, Elizabeth Gardner Heycock, Mariam Hanna

  • 1Academic Department of Paediatrics, North Staffordshire Hospital, Stoke on Trent, United Kingdom. lmobri02@gwise.louisville.edu

Pediatrics
|May 4, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Maternal depression is significantly more common in children experiencing faltering growth. Early identification and integrated care for both mother and child are crucial for better health outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Child Health
  • Maternal Mental Health
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Faltering growth in children under two years is a significant concern.
  • Maternal mental health, particularly postnatal depression, can impact child development.
  • Understanding the link between child growth and maternal well-being is vital for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between faltering growth in young children and maternal postnatal depression.
  • To determine if maternal mental health issues are more prevalent in families with children experiencing growth faltering.

Main Methods:

  • Studied children under two years with faltering growth identified via community health records.
  • Mothers completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.
  • Matched control groups and clinical interviews were used for comparison and diagnosis.

Main Results:

  • Mothers of children with faltering growth showed significantly higher rates of depression and anxiety.
  • 33% of mothers in the index group scored above the depression threshold vs. 22% in controls (OR: 1.71).
  • 21% of mothers in the index group met criteria for a depressive episode vs. 11% in controls (OR: 1.88).

Conclusions:

  • Maternal depression is significantly more prevalent in children with faltering growth.
  • Clinical management should address both the child's growth and the mother's mental health.
  • Integrated care for the mother-child dyad is recommended for primary and secondary healthcare professionals.
Abstract

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