Prenatal exposure to maternal depression and its influences on infant development and behaviour

Abstract

Introduction

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders worldwide. Women are more at risk of depression while they are pregnant, and during the first weeks and months of postpartum period. Perinatal depression, might influence the children‘s development during pregnancy as well as it can have negative affect and delay in child postnatal development.

Materials and methods

Pregnant women undergoing antenatal care in Latvia, Riga were interviewed using PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scales, the obtained data from the scale's results were analyzed and summarized in an analystic cross-sectional study. Literature overview.

Results

There is a high correlation between the depressive episodes before pregnancy, during pregnancy and postpartum depression, as well as it have negative effects and delay in child postnatal development. Using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment-7 screening scales, was set up an inquiry among 200 pregnant women in Riga, Latvia. Depressive symptoms have 45% of pregnant women. 36% of pregnant women have mild depression symptoms, 3% moderate symptoms, 5% moderate serve symptoms and 1% serve depression symptoms. In its turn anxiety disorder screening results are following: 35% of pregnant women have mild anxiety symptoms, 9% moderate anxiety symptoms; 3% serve anxiety symptoms. Anxiety disorder symptoms note 47% of pregnant women. 36% of respondents note both depression symptoms and anxiety disorder symptoms.

Conclusion

HQ-9 and GAD-7 scales are informative, quick and easy for patients to complete. Children development and behavior has association with maternal depressive state during pregnancy. There is high prevalence of depression symptoms among preganant women in Latvia.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.