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Risk Factors for Prenatal Anxiety in European Women: A Review
Alba Val1, Cristina M Posse1, M Carmen Míguez1
1Faculty of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Institute of Psychology (IPsiUS), University of Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|May 14, 2025
Summary
Prenatal anxiety in European women is linked to lower education, socioeconomic status, pregnancy complications, and psychological factors like stress. These risk factors for prenatal anxiety are similar globally and to those for prenatal depression.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal mental health
- Psychological epidemiology
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
Background:
- Prenatal anxiety affects many women, posing risks to both mother and child.
- Identifying risk factors is crucial for timely intervention and improved outcomes.
- Understanding global and depression-related risk factor similarities aids in developing targeted strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors for prenatal anxiety in European women.
- To compare these factors with those identified in other continents.
- To assess similarities with risk factors for prenatal depression.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was conducted.
- Studies published within the last 10 years were included.
- Data was sourced from PsycInfo, Medline, and SCOPUS databases, with 13 studies selected.
Main Results:
- Sociodemographic factors: lower educational level and socioeconomic status.
- Obstetric factors: pregnancy complications.
- Psychological factors: history of mental health issues, low social support, high stress, adverse life events.
- Identified risk factors align with those found globally and for prenatal depression.
Conclusions:
- Multiple factors contribute to prenatal anxiety, often identifiable early in pregnancy.
- Psychological risk factors are potentially modifiable, highlighting the need for screening.
- Shared risk factors with prenatal depression suggest integrated intervention approaches may be beneficial.
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