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Updated: Nov 15, 2025
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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
Published on: June 13, 2021
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Postpartum depression and infant development up to 24 months: A nationwide population-based study
S Lubotzky-Gete1, A Ornoy2, I Grotto3
1Hebrew University-Hadassah Braun School of Public Health, POB 12272, Jerusalem 91120, Israel.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|March 1, 2021
Summary
Maternal postpartum depression (PPD) is linked to developmental delays in children across all assessed areas, including language, personal-social skills, and motor development in the first two years of life.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common complication following childbirth.
- Early identification and intervention are crucial for maternal and child well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between maternal PPD and delays in child development.
- To analyze developmental milestones in the first two years of life in relation to maternal PPD.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide, population-based historical cohort study involving 96,623 infants.
- Maternal PPD screening data and child development evaluations were utilized.
- Logistic regression analysis controlled for potential confounding factors.
Main Results:
- Maternal PPD was identified in 4.7% of mothers.
- PPD was significantly associated with delays in language, personal-social, fine motor, adaptive, and gross motor skills.
- Specific delays included reduced dialogue production, delayed speech, and slower motor skill acquisition.
Conclusions:
- Maternal PPD is associated with widespread delays in early child development.
- Findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to support children affected by maternal PPD.
- Further research is recommended to validate these findings and inform intervention strategies.
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