Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 26, 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

3.9K

Prenatal parental depression and preterm birth: a national cohort study

C Liu1,2, S Cnattingius2, M Bergström1

  • 1Centre for Health Equity Studies (CHESS), Karolinska Institutet/Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.

BJOG : an International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|January 21, 2016
PubMed

Insights

New paternal and maternal prenatal depression increase preterm birth risk. Addressing parental mental health is crucial for preventing preterm births and improving infant outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Health
  • Perinatal Mental Health
  • Obstetrics

Background:

  • Maternal depression is a known risk factor for preterm birth.
  • The impact of paternal depression on pregnancy outcomes is less understood.
  • Prenatal depression in either parent can affect fetal development and birth timing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between maternal and paternal prenatal depression and the risk of preterm birth.
  • To differentiate the risks associated with new-onset versus recurrent parental depression.
  • To inform strategies for preterm birth prevention by considering parental mental health.

Main Methods:

  • A national cohort study utilizing the Swedish Medical Birth Register (2007-2012).
  • Included 366,499 singleton births with linked parental prescription and hospital care data.
  • Defined prenatal depression based on antidepressant prescriptions or depression-related hospital care from 12 months pre-conception to 24 weeks post-conception.

Main Results:

  • New paternal prenatal depression was linked to a higher risk of very preterm birth (adjusted OR 1.38).
  • Both new and recurrent maternal prenatal depression were associated with increased risk of moderately preterm birth (aORs 1.34 and 1.42, respectively).
  • Recurrent paternal depression did not show a significant association with preterm birth risk.

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal depression in both mothers and fathers represents a significant risk factor for preterm birth.
  • Early identification and management of mental health issues in both parents are vital for preterm birth prevention.
  • Comprehensive perinatal care should include assessment and support for parental mental well-being.
Abstract

Keywords:
Depressionfathermaternal depressionpretermvery preterm

More Related Videos

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

88.4K
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

25.8K

Related Concept Videos

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,...
19
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...
844
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,...
1.2K
Regression Toward the Mean01:52

Regression Toward the Mean

Regression toward the mean (“RTM”) is a phenomenon in which extremely high or low values—for example, and individual’s blood pressure at a particular moment—appear closer to a group’s average upon remeasuring. Although this statistical peculiarity is the result of random error and chance, it has been problematic across various medical, scientific, financial and psychological applications. In particular, RTM, if not taken into account, can interfere when...
7.3K