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The Maladies of New Motherhood: Negative Mood Symptoms, Postpartum Functioning,...
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The Maladies of New Motherhood: Negative Mood Symptoms, Postpartum Functioning, Current Interventions, and Protective Factors

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Mental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2023) | Viewed by 14177

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Jennifer L. Barkin

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Medicine, Mercer University, Macon, GA, USA
Interests: psychiatric epidemiology; mental illness; psychological assessment; bipolar disorder; obstetric delivery; psychopathology; clinical psychiatry; psychotherapeutic processes; climate distress; climate anxiety; maternal functioning; postpartum functioning
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Motherhood is replete with joys and stressors, and marks a period of transition for both first-time mothers and those with other children. The term “spiraling out” describes the adjustment process, which in healthy, well-resourced women should theoretically accelerate over time. However, a significant portion of women are faced with complicated circumstances, including physical/mental health comorbidities or strained resources. For these reasons, mothers represent a vulnerable yet vitally important subgroup of society.

This Special Issue will focus on a broad spectrum of mental and emotional health issues in mothers, including negative mood symptoms, postpartum functional status, current interventions, and protective/risk factors. I look forward to receiving your contribution.

Dr. Jennifer L. Barkin
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • maternal functioning
  • perinatal mood and anxiety disorders
  • climate distress
  • postpartum functioning
  • maternal mental health

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 946 KiB  
Article
Burden and Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression in Southwest Saudi Arabia
by Safar Abadi Saeed Al-Saleem Alshahrani, Norah Fayz Al-Saleh, Aesha Farheen Siddiqui, Shamsun Nahar Khalil, Mohammed Abadi Alsaleem, Hayfa A. AlHefdhi, Sahar Awad Al-Qadi and Abdullah Ahmad Asiri
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(10), 3444; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12103444 - 13 May 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1580
Abstract
Objectives: The burden of postpartum depression (PPD) is significant because it remains unrecognized, and it not only affects the mother adversely but also has a negative consequence on the family life and the development of the infant. The aim of the study was [...] Read more.
Objectives: The burden of postpartum depression (PPD) is significant because it remains unrecognized, and it not only affects the mother adversely but also has a negative consequence on the family life and the development of the infant. The aim of the study was to measure the prevalence of PPD and identify the risk factors of PPD among mothers attending the well-baby clinic of six Primary Health Care centers in Abha city, Southwest Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A total of 228 Saudi women having a child aged between two weeks to one year were recruited in the study by using a consecutive sampling technique. The Arabic version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used as a screening tool to measure the prevalence of PPD. The mothers were also inquired about their socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors. Results: The prevalence rate of postpartum depression was 43.4%. Family conflict, and lack of support by spouse and family during pregnancy were found to be the strongest predictors of developing PPD. Women who had reported family conflict were at six times higher risk for developing PPD compared to those who did not have a family conflict (aOR = 6.5, 95% CI = 2.3–18.4). Women who reported a lack of spousal support during pregnancy encountered 2.3 fold increased risk for PPD (aOR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.0–4.8) and women who had not received family support during pregnancy period were more than three times (aOR = 3.5, 95 % CI 1.6–7.7) likely to experience PPD. Conclusion: The risk of PPD among Saudi postnatal women was high. PPD screening should be an integral part of postnatal care. Awareness of women, spouses and families about potential risk factors can be a preventive strategy. The early identification of high-risk women during the antenatal and post-natal period could help to prevent this condition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Maladies of New Motherhood: Negative Mood Symptoms, Postpartum Functioning, Current Interventions, and Protective Factors)
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8 pages, 252 KiB  
Article
Family and Spousal Support Are Associated with Higher Levels of Maternal Functioning in a Study of Iranian Postpartum Women
by Parivash Ahmadpour, Carolann Curry, Shayesteh Jahanfar, Rogaiyeh Nikanfar and Mojgan Mirghafourvand
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(7), 2718; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12072718 - 5 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1788
Abstract
Postpartum maternal functioning is a multidimensional concept defined as how a woman manages her daily activities and emotional health after giving birth. This study aimed to determine the predictors of postpartum maternal functioning. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 564 women within one [...] Read more.
Postpartum maternal functioning is a multidimensional concept defined as how a woman manages her daily activities and emotional health after giving birth. This study aimed to determine the predictors of postpartum maternal functioning. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 564 women within one to four months after giving birth (with registered medical records in health centers of Tabriz, Iran) from 2020–2021. The participants were selected based on the cluster sampling method, and data were collected using a standard questionnaire inclusive of sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics, obstetric history, and Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning (BIMF). The adjusted general linear model was employed to estimate the effect of each independent variable (sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics) on the dependent variable (maternal functioning). The mean total score of maternal functioning was 93.1 (±SD = 14.8) out of 120. Based on the adjusted generalized linear model (GLM), “spouse support” and “family support” were strong predictors of maternal functioning. The total score of maternal functioning in women with moderate (B: −4.44; 95% CI: −7.71 to −1.17; p < 0.001) and low (B: −4.77; 95% CI: −8.90 to −1.47; p < 0.001) spousal support was significantly lower compared to women who received a high level of spousal support. Additionally, this score in women with moderate (B: −5.22; 95% CI: −8.56 to −1.87; p < 0.001) and low (B: −3.90; 95% CI: −7.31 to −0.48; p < 0.001) family support was significantly lower compared to women who received a high level of family support. Study results suggest that receiving support from both a spouse and family members can improve maternal functioning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Maladies of New Motherhood: Negative Mood Symptoms, Postpartum Functioning, Current Interventions, and Protective Factors)
12 pages, 988 KiB  
Article
Group-Based Trajectory Analysis for Postpartum Depression Symptoms among Chinese Primiparous Women
by Juan Xiong, Qiyu Fang, Lingling Huang, Xinyi Yan and Xujuan Zheng
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(21), 6249; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11216249 - 23 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2104
Abstract
Background: Subgroups of individuals sharing similar patterns of postpartum depression (PPD) among Chinese women are unknown thus far. Using a group-based trajectory model, this study aimed to explore the subgroups of Chinese primiparous women that share similar patterns of PPD and to explore [...] Read more.
Background: Subgroups of individuals sharing similar patterns of postpartum depression (PPD) among Chinese women are unknown thus far. Using a group-based trajectory model, this study aimed to explore the subgroups of Chinese primiparous women that share similar patterns of PPD and to explore the predictors of PPD trajectory membership over the course of the first six months postpartum. Methods: In total, 674 first-time Chinese mothers were recruited, and their depression status was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at four time points. Findings: Around 18.0% of participants belonging to Group 1 labeled as “few or no symptoms” remained stable, with an EPDS score of less than 5 during a six-month postpartum period. Almost one-third of subjects fell within the second trajectory, labeled “subclinical but present symptoms”, and peaked into the range of mild PPD but mostly stayed in the minimal range and had few or no PPD symptoms. Group 3 included 31.2% of women labeled “minor PPD status”, and their mean EPDS scores increased to a peak of 14.66 at six weeks postpartum. Group 4, with “major PPD status”, comprised 19.2% of the population, and the mean EPDS scores dramatically increased, reaching a peak of 19.59 at 12 weeks postpartum. Fewer types of support and not attending parenting training were associated with membership in the minor and major PPD status trajectories. Conclusions: Almost half of the Chinese new mothers in the study were found to fall into the two groups with minor or major PPD status trajectories, who should be given more attention and awareness from health professionals and researchers. Understanding predictors of group membership could help health providers to identify folks to prioritize getting connected to care as well as forming targeted interventions. Less degree of received support and not attending parenting training were identified to predict PPD trajectory membership. The regular, routine screening of PPD should be conducted at least 12 weeks postpartum, especially for new mothers in the major PPD status trajectory. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Maladies of New Motherhood: Negative Mood Symptoms, Postpartum Functioning, Current Interventions, and Protective Factors)
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11 pages, 1183 KiB  
Article
Quality of Life in the Postpartum Recovery of Women Who Practice Hypopressive Exercise: Randomized Clinical Trial
by Juan Carlos Sanchez-Garcia, María José Aguilar-Cordero, Maria Montiel-Troya, Ana Eugenia Marín-Jiménez, Jonathan Cortes-Martin and Raquel Rodriguez-Blanque
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(19), 5592; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11195592 - 23 Sep 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2217
Abstract
Background: Practicing physical exercise is a way of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and it has been demonstrated to provide benefits and improve quality of life after labour. Aim: The objective of this study is to determine if performing a moderate hypopressive exercise program [...] Read more.
Background: Practicing physical exercise is a way of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and it has been demonstrated to provide benefits and improve quality of life after labour. Aim: The objective of this study is to determine if performing a moderate hypopressive exercise program after childbirth improves the HRQoL of women. Materials and Methods: A 12-week randomized clinical trial was carried out. The women in the exercise group followed a training program based on the hypopressive method, which comprises postural and respiratory exercises of moderate intensity. We used the SF-36v2 questionnaire to assess the Health-Related Quality of Life in women. Results: We found statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in general health components, vitality, emotional role, and mental health in the sample group of exercise group of women, who obtained a higher score. We found statistically significant differences in all aspects between the groups. The interaction between time and group affect in general health components, vitality, emotional role and the score of mental components. In all of them, the score was higher at the end of the programme and in the exercise group. Conclusions: The training program with hypopressive physical exercise improves the quality of life after childbirth. According to the guidelines recommended by the ACOG, the hypopressive method is valid for the improvement of HRQoL in women who perform this method at 16 weeks of delivery. Further studies are recommended to start such exercises one week after delivery in postpartum women. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Maladies of New Motherhood: Negative Mood Symptoms, Postpartum Functioning, Current Interventions, and Protective Factors)
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14 pages, 306 KiB  
Communication
Motherhood and Me (Mom-Me): The Development of an Acceptance-Based Group for Women with Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Symptoms
by Victoria A. Grunberg, Pamela A. Geller, Kelley Durham, Alexa Bonacquisti and Jennifer L. Barkin
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(9), 2345; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11092345 - 22 Apr 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2972
Abstract
Untreated postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) place women and their families at risk for negative biopsychosocial sequelae. Innovative and tailored treatments are needed to address potential disruptions in maternal functioning. Third-wave cognitive–behavioral approaches, including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and dialectical behavioral [...] Read more.
Untreated postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) place women and their families at risk for negative biopsychosocial sequelae. Innovative and tailored treatments are needed to address potential disruptions in maternal functioning. Third-wave cognitive–behavioral approaches, including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), hold promise for optimizing functioning given the focus on values-based living, rather than symptom reduction. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of an innovative psychotherapy group for women with symptoms of PMADs. Methods: This seven-session group, Motherhood and Me (Mom-Me), includes selected skills training from ACT, DBT, and Emotion-Centered Problem-Solving Therapy. Results: Mom-Me group sessions are described, and an outline of key information (session goals, content, and homework assignments) is provided to facilitate practical implementation. Conclusion: In line with third-wave approaches, this group was developed to enhance maternal functioning, which, in turn, may help women cope with psychological distress during the transition to motherhood. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Maladies of New Motherhood: Negative Mood Symptoms, Postpartum Functioning, Current Interventions, and Protective Factors)

Review

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17 pages, 592 KiB  
Review
Air Pollution and Perinatal Mental Health: A Comprehensive Overview
by Teresa Surace, Cecilia Quitadamo, Alice Caldiroli, Enrico Capuzzi, Fabrizia Colmegna, Guido Nosari, Elisa Borroni, Luca Fedrizzi, Valentina Bollati, Angela Cecilia Pesatori, Michele Carugno, Massimo Clerici and Massimiliano Buoli
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(9), 3146; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12093146 - 27 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2718
Abstract
Background: The aim of the present study was to summarise the available data about the link between air pollution exposure and the new-onset and severity of psychiatric disorders in pregnant women during the perinatal period. Materials and methods: We selected articles published until [...] Read more.
Background: The aim of the present study was to summarise the available data about the link between air pollution exposure and the new-onset and severity of psychiatric disorders in pregnant women during the perinatal period. Materials and methods: We selected articles published until June 2022 on PubMed and the Web of Science. Pollutants included were PM2.5 (particulate matter 2.5 micrometres and smaller), PM10 (particulate matter 10 micrometres and smaller), NO2 (nitrogen dioxide), O3 (ozone), SO2 (sulphur dioxide), CO (carbon monoxide), PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers), PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), lead, and cadmium. The perinatal period was considered as the time of pregnancy until one year after childbirth. Results: Nine studies were included; most of them evaluated the association between exposure to air pollutants and the onset of Postpartum Depression (PPD). Two studies showed an association between, respectively, only PM2.5 and both PM2.5 and NO2 exposure and PPD onset 12 months after childbirth, while another study found a significant association between NO2 exposure and PPD occurrence 6 months after childbirth. PBDE blood levels were associated with more severe depressive symptoms. Lastly, one study observed a link between stressful symptoms and exposure to PM2.5, PM10 during pregnancy. Conclusion: More comprehensive and uniform studies are required to make a roadmap for future interventions, given the growing relevance of issues such pollution and mental health, particularly during the perinatal period. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Maladies of New Motherhood: Negative Mood Symptoms, Postpartum Functioning, Current Interventions, and Protective Factors)
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