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Maternity "blues": prevalence and risk factors
Alexandre Faisal-Cury1, Paulo Rossi Menezes, Jose Júlio A Tedesco
1Hospital Universitário de São Paulo, Brazil. faisal@hu.usp.br
The Spanish Journal of Psychology
|November 8, 2008
Summary
Maternity blues (MB) affected 32.7% of women in this study. Being legally married and not smoking significantly reduced the risk of experiencing MB.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Perinatal Mental Health
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Maternity blues (MB) are a common transient mood disturbance experienced by women in the postpartum period.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of MB is crucial for early identification and intervention.
- MB can sometimes be a precursor to more severe postpartum mood disorders, including postpartum depression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of Maternity blues (MB) in a sample of postpartum women.
- To identify potential risk factors associated with the development of MB.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with 113 women on the tenth day of the puerperium.
- Data were collected using the Pitt Scale (1968), Stein (1980), Holmes & Rahe's Inventory for stressful life events (1967), and a sociodemographic/obstetric questionnaire.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of Maternity blues (MB) was found to be 32.7% based on the Stein scale.
- Univariate analysis indicated that civil status and tobacco use were significantly associated with MB.
- Women who were legally married and non-smokers had a substantially lower risk (approximately 4 times lower) of experiencing MB.
Conclusions:
- Maternity blues (MB) are highly prevalent in the studied postpartum sample.
- Healthcare providers, particularly obstetricians, should be vigilant in recognizing MB.
- The findings suggest a link between MB and potential postpartum depression, highlighting the need for awareness and screening.
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