Psychological Distress and Maternal Outcomes in Women With Pre-eclampsia: A Retrospective Case-Control Study

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Perinatal Mental Health
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a serious pregnancy complication with significant risks for mothers and newborns.
• Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression are increasingly recognized as potential factors in pregnancy complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between symptoms of anxiety and depression and the occurrence of pre-eclampsia (PE).
• To explore the impact of these psychological symptoms on maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with PE.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case-control cohort study involving 2184 pregnant women.
• 196 women diagnosed with PE were compared to 366 matched controls without PE.
• Statistical analyses included Chi-square, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

Main Results:

• Women with PE showed significantly higher rates of depressive symptoms (26.5% vs. 16.7%), anxiety symptoms (34.2% vs. 16.7%), and psychological distress (46.9% vs. 26%).
• PE was associated with increased adverse maternal outcomes (shorter gestation, emergency C-sections, bleeding, infections) and neonatal outcomes (NICU admission, low birth weight, birth trauma).
• Anxiety and depression scores did not significantly impact outcomes, except for higher anxiety and distress in PE mothers whose infants required hospitalization post-birth.

Conclusions:

• Elevated anxiety and depression symptoms are prevalent in women with pre-eclampsia and correlate with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.
• Integrating psychological support into the standard medical management of PE is recommended for healthcare providers.