Maternal peripartum stress: A new consensus-based definition

Area of Science:

• Perinatal Health
• Psychosocial Stress Research
• Maternal Well-being

Background:

• The peripartum period presents heightened vulnerability to stress for women.
• A lack of a standardized definition for maternal peripartum stress hinders research and clinical practice.
• European COST Action 22114 (TREASURE) initiative addressed this knowledge gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key concepts associated with maternal peripartum stress from existing literature.
• To establish a consensus definition for maternal peripartum stress through expert consensus.
• To facilitate a unified understanding for advancing perinatal care.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review to identify core concepts.
• Qualitative Delphi process involving 161 international researchers and clinicians.
• Consensus-building methodology to achieve a shared definition.

Main Results:

• Key concepts related to maternal peripartum stress were systematically identified.
• A consensus definition of maternal peripartum stress was successfully developed.
• The definition was derived from the collective expertise of a diverse international group.

Conclusions:

• The established consensus definition promotes a shared understanding of maternal peripartum stress.
• This shared understanding is crucial for directing future research efforts.
• The definition supports the implementation of evidence-based clinical practices to enhance perinatal care outcomes.