Perinatal Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: Effects of a MBCP Intervention on Mother-infant Interaction

Abstract

Introduction

Transition into parenthood is a demanding phase in life and exposes the becoming parents to vulnerability for depression, anxiety and stress. Perinatal mental health problems are a major public health issue and many women suffering from depression during their first year after delivery. High levels of stress during pregnancy are associated with adverse psychological and physiological outcomes for the infant and parents. There seems to be an intergenerational transmission of mental health from parent to infant. The current study evaluated the effectiveness of mindfulness intervention during pregnancy in reducing depression symptoms, anxiety and perceived stress in parents-to-be.

Objectives

Assess whether the mindfulness will improve interaction between mother-infant at 12 months.

Methods

Perceived stress scale and Edinburgh postnatal depression scale used to measure stress and depression during pregnancy. Parent child early relational assessment assessed mother-infant interaction.

Results

Inhibited parent-infant relationships were more common in the control group comparing to the mindfulness intervention group. This is in line with previous research on periantal depression, anxiety, and stress, showing more dysfunctional dyads. A depressed mother has reduced capability to be alert to her baby's signals, which is necessary for appropriate parent-infant relationship to occur. The cumulative effect of impaired parent-infant relationship is a “depressed dyad” of mother and infant.

Conclusion

Mindfulness intervention reduced depressive symptoms, anxiety, and perceived stress in pregnant women. At 12 months mother-infant relationship assessment, the mindfulness intervention group dyads showed a more attuned mother-infant interaction.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.