Gravidity status predicts mental health symptoms in women planning a pregnancy

Gravidity is a factor that contributes to the risk of mental health problems during pregnancy. Prevention occurring before pregnancy could reduce the risk of long-term adverse effects in mothers and children. However, knowledge about the associations between gravidity and mental health during the pregnancy planning phase is scarce.

This study used cross-sectional data from the preconception phase of the PREGO Study. A total of 617 female participants (417 nulligravid, 200 primigravid/multigravid) were included and multivariable regression analyses were used to examine associations between gravidity status (primi/multigravid vs. nulligravid) and symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), stress (Perceived Stress Scale), and psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale), adjusting for age, family income, education level, ethnic and cultural origins, body mass index, and alcohol consumption.

The primi/multigravid group was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms and distress before and after adjusting for confounding factors (adjusted B = 0.93, 95% CI [0.38-1.47] and adjusted B = 0.61, 95% CI [0.02-1.21], respectively). No statistically significant associations between gravidity and symptoms of anxiety and stress were observed.

Individuals who have previously been pregnant may have higher levels of depressive symptoms and distress when planning a subsequent pregnancy than those with no prior experience of pregnancy. An awareness of these findings in preconception groups could help improve pregnancy and postpartum mental health outcomes.