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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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The relationship between social support in pregnancy and postnatal depression
Billie Lever Taylor1, Selina Nath2,3, Antoaneta Y Sokolova4
1Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK. billie.taylor@ucl.ac.uk.
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
|April 22, 2022
Summary
Low social support during pregnancy is linked to a higher risk of postnatal depression. Strengthening social networks during pregnancy may help prevent postpartum mood disorders, especially for at-risk individuals.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal mental health research
- Psychological well-being in women
Background:
- Social support is a crucial factor in maternal mental health.
- Limited longitudinal data exists on the impact of social support on postnatal depression.
- Pregnancy presents an opportunity for interventions to bolster social networks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal association between social support during pregnancy and the development of postnatal depression.
- To determine if age or relationship status moderates this relationship.
- To identify potential targets for interventions aimed at preventing postpartum mood disorders.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 525 women in an English inner-city maternity population.
- Interviews conducted during pregnancy and three months postpartum.
- Utilized self-report measures for depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) and social support (Social Provisions Scale).
Main Results:
- Reduced social support in pregnancy significantly predicted higher rates of postnatal depression (p=0.02).
- A stronger association was observed for women not cohabiting with a partner (p=0.03).
- Weak evidence suggested relationship status as a moderator.
Conclusions:
- Interventions focused on enhancing social support during pregnancy show promise for reducing postnatal depression.
- Further research is needed to identify specific women who would benefit most from tailored social support strategies.
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