Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 9, 2026

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

Antenatal risk factors for postnatal depression: a large prospective study

Jeannette Milgrom1, Alan W Gemmill, Justin L Bilszta

  • 1Department of Psychology, School of Behavioural Science, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. jeannette.milgrom@austin.org.au

Journal of Affective Disorders
|December 11, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Antenatal depression, previous depression, and low partner support are key predictors of postnatal depression. Early intervention targeting these factors can improve maternal mental health.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatal mental health research
  • Psychiatry
  • Public health

Background:

  • Investigated antenatal risk factors for postnatal depression in Australia.
  • Utilized data from the beyondblue National Postnatal Depression Program (2002-2005).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and analyze antenatal risk factors for postnatal depression.
  • To understand the combined and individual effects of these risk factors.

Main Methods:

  • Screened pregnant women using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and a psychosocial risk factor questionnaire.
  • Collected antenatal data from over 35,000 women and postnatal data from over 12,000 women.

Main Results:

  • 8.9% of women screened positive for antenatal depression (EPDS >12).
  • 7.5% of women screened positive for postnatal depression (EPDS >12).
  • Antenatal depression, prior depression history, and low partner support were significant predictors of postnatal depression.

Conclusions:

  • Antenatal depressive symptoms are as prevalent as postnatal symptoms.
  • Key modifiable risk factors include current depression/anxiety and social support.
  • Targeting these factors offers potential for intervention to prevent postnatal depression.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Using Chronic Social Stress to Model Postpartum Depression in Lactating Rodents07:30

Using Chronic Social Stress to Model Postpartum Depression in Lactating Rodents

Published on: June 10, 2013

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Depressive Disorders: Etiology01:27

Depressive Disorders: Etiology

Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Depression: Overview01:18

Depression: Overview

Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
Socioemotional Development during Infancy01:30

Socioemotional Development during Infancy

Socio-emotional development in infancy is primarily shaped by early emotional responses and social connections, with temperament playing a central role. Temperament refers to the consistent patterns in an individual's emotional and behavioral responses, observable even in infancy. By examining temperament, researchers can better understand an infant's unique ways of interacting with the world, influencing subsequent personality and socio-emotional growth.
Primary Temperament Types
Stella Chess...
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia01:29

Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, a complex psychiatric disorder, has been historically misunderstood. Early psychological theories attributed its origins to childhood trauma and unresponsive parenting. However, contemporary research largely rejects these notions, favoring the vulnerability-stress hypothesis. This model proposes that individuals with a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia may develop the disorder following exposure to significant environmental stressors. Notably, studies on high-risk...
Relationship with Parents: Attachment01:28

Relationship with Parents: Attachment

Parent-child interactions lay the foundation for how we understand relationships throughout life. These interactions are not uniform across families; instead, they are shaped by a range of environmental, emotional, and behavioral factors unique to each caregiver-child dynamic. Social psychologists study these early relationships to understand how patterns formed in infancy influence social functioning and interpersonal behavior in adulthood.Attachment Theory and Early Relational ModelsJohn...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...