Can Pregnancy Experience Predict Birth Experience, Postpartum Depression and Anxiety? A Prospective Descriptive Study

Area of Science:

• Maternal Health
• Psychology
• Obstetrics

Background:

• A positive pregnancy experience is crucial for healthy motherhood.
• Understanding factors influencing pregnancy and childbirth experiences is vital for maternal well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate Iranian women's pregnancy experiences.
• To examine how self-reported pregnancy hassles and uplifts influence birth experience, postpartum depression, and anxiety.
• To determine the association between childbirth experience and postpartum mental health.

Main Methods:

• A prospective descriptive study involving 228 pregnant women in Tabriz, Iran.
• Data collected using the Pregnancy Experience Scale, Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ II), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and Specific Postpartum Anxiety Scale (SPAS).
• Statistical analysis performed using the general linear model.

Main Results:

• No significant association was found between pregnancy and childbirth experiences after adjusting for confounders.
• Mean scores for postpartum depression and anxiety were significantly higher in women reporting negative pregnancy experiences.
• A significant reverse association was observed between childbirth experience and postpartum anxiety and depression.

Conclusions:

• Childbirth and pregnancy experiences are significantly associated with postpartum psychological outcomes.
• Interventions aimed at fostering positive pregnancy experiences may reduce the incidence of postpartum depression and anxiety.
• Positive birth experiences are linked to better maternal mental health post-delivery.