Using an Electronic Mindfulness-based Intervention (eMBI) to improve maternal mental health during pregnancy: Results from a randomized controlled trial.

Prevalence rates of peripartum depression and anxiety are high and correlate with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) have been shown to reduce mental distress during pregnancy. A multicenter, randomized controlled study was conducted after screening for depressive symptoms. The intervention group (IG) was given access to an 8-week supervised eMBI between weeks 29 and 36 of pregnancy and followed up to 5 months postpartum. Psychometric data were collected using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire (PRAQ-R), the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI-14) as well as the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). Out of 5299 pregnant women, 1153 scored >9 on the EPDS and N = 460 were included in the RCT. No significant interaction effects for depressive symptoms and anxiety were found. Pregnancy- and birth-related anxiety decreased significantly in the IG and 6 weeks after birth, the rate of women at risk for adverse mental outcome was significantly lower compared to the CG. Mindfulness scores improved significantly in the IG. The eMBI program did not show effective regarding general depressive or anxiety symptoms, however, positive results were demonstrated regarding pregnancy and birth-related anxiety and the prevention of postpartum depression.

Screening and the New Treatment for Postpartum Depression.

In August 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Zurzuvae (zuranolone) as the first oral medication to treat postpartum depression. Despite recommendations to screen and treat depression during pregnancy and after birth, perinatal depression is still considered under-detected and under-treated. In this column, I review screening recommendations and the new pharmacological treatment for postpartum depression, research findings on gaps in the cascade of mental health care, integrative care models, and recommendations from professional organizations on screening and treating postpartum depression within broader systems of mental health care.

Breastfeeding continuation is associated with trait mindfulness but not with trajectories of postpartum depressive symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: The WHO recommends breastfeeding for at least six months as breastfeeding has many benefits for both infant and mother. The association of breastfeeding continuation with trait mindfulness during pregnancy and trajectories of postpartum depressive symptoms has not been examined yet. The current study aimed to assess this association using cox regression analysis. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: The current research is part of a large longitudinal prospective cohort study following women from 12 weeks of pregnancy onwards in the South-East part of the Netherlands. MEASUREMENTS: A total of 698 participants filled out the Three Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-Short Form (TFMQ-SF) at 22 weeks of pregnancy and completed both the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and questions on breastfeeding continuation one week, six weeks, four months, and eight months postpartum. Breastfeeding continuation was defined as exclusive breastfeeding or both breastfeeding and formula. The assessment eight months postpartum was used as a proxy for the WHO recommendation to continue breastfeeding for at least six months. FINDINGS: Two trajectories (classes) of EPDS scores were determined using growth mixture modeling: 1) low stable (N = 631, 90.4%), and 2) increasing (N = 67, 9.6%). Cox regression analysis showed that the trait mindfulness facet non-reacting was significantly and inversely associated with the risk of breastfeeding discontinuation (HR = 0.96, 95% CI [0.94, 0.99], p = .002), while no significant association was found for belonging to the increasing EPDS class versus belonging to the low stable class (p = .735), adjusted for confounders. KEY CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to show that higher trait mindfulness non-reacting scores, but not persistently low levels of postpartum depressive symptoms, increase the likelihood of breastfeeding continuation. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Improving non-reacting in perinatal women by meditation practice as part of a mindfulness-based intervention may lead to better breastfeeding continuation outcomes. Several mindfulness-based programs may be suitable.

Establishment of a Community Advisory Board to Address Postpartum Depression Among Indigenous Women.

In this article, we describe the process of establishing an academically and tribally supported community advisory board (CAB) to guide and inform community-engaged research about postpartum depression (PPD) among Indigenous women. Using a community-based participatory research framework, we created a CAB with stakeholders from the Chickasaw Nation because they are well situated to inform a research agenda about PPD in Indigenous women. We developed CAB roles, goals, and responsibilities; established processes for compensation and recognition; identified and recruited potential members; and conducted meetings to build rapport, brainstorm, receive feedback, and invite discussion of topics related to PPD that have been deemed important by the tribe (October 2021 through June 2022). The CAB defined specific roles, goals, and responsibilities for the academic-community partnership, including assumptions, expectations, and confidentiality. We used a standing agenda item to recognize member achievements. Members of the CAB represented many tribal departments and professional disciplines. We use a CAB framework to evaluate our process and to provide recommendations for future research and policymaking.

Early pregnancy essential and non-essential metal mixtures and maternal antepartum and postpartum depressive symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Mood disorders are common during and after pregnancy, and environmental metals may contribute to increased risk. Antepartum metal exposures have not been well characterized in relation to maternal depression. We evaluated the extent to which early pregnancy erythrocyte concentrations of essential and non-essential metals were prospectively associated with antepartum and postpartum depressive symptoms. METHODS: Participants were 1226 women in Project Viva, a longitudinal cohort recruited during pregnancy (1999-2002). We measured concentrations of 11 metals in maternal first trimester erythrocytes (arsenic, barium, cadmium, cesium, copper, mercury, magnesium, manganese, lead, selenium, zinc). Using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), we assessed elevated depressive symptoms (≥13; 0-30 scale) at mid-pregnancy and at 6 and 12 months postpartum. We applied latent class mixed modeling to identify symptom trajectories. Adjusting for maternal sociodemographics and co-exposures, we examined associations between the metal mixture and depressive symptoms using logistic (for EPDS≥13)/multinomial (for symptom trajectories) regression and quantile g-computation. RESULTS: In this cohort of moderately high socioeconomic status participants (e.g., 72 % college graduate), low-level metal concentrations were weakly to moderately correlated (Spearman: -0.24 to 0.59); the prevalence of depressive symptoms ranged from 9 % (mid-pregnancy) to 6 % (12 months postpartum); and three trajectories (stable low; elevated mid-pregnancy, then decreasing; moderate mid-pregnancy, then increasing) best fit the EPDS data. The early pregnancy erythrocyte metal mixture was not associated with maternal depressive symptoms in logistic, multinomial, or mixture models. For individual metals, most confidence intervals (CI) included the null. There was weak evidence that arsenic, lead, and selenium were moderately associated with elevated odds of depressive symptoms and/or trajectories. However, the odds ratios (95 % CI) per doubling of these three metals were imprecise [e.g., arsenic: 1.13 (0.94, 1.40) for EPDS≥13 at six months postpartum; lead: 1.19 (0.80, 1.77) for EPDS≥13 at mid-pregnancy; selenium: 2.35 (0.84, 6.57) for elevated mid-pregnancy, then decreasing versus stable low trajectory]. DISCUSSION: We did not observe strong, consistent evidence of associations between early pregnancy erythrocyte metal concentrations and subsequent maternal antepartum and postpartum depressive symptoms.

[Association between postpartum depression and concentrations of transforming growth factor-ß in human colostrum: a nested cohort study].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between postpartum depression (PPD) and transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) concentrations in human colostrum. METHODS: Participants were recruited from a maternal and infant cohort established in a tertiary general hospital in Guangdong Province between December, 2020 and September, 2021. In the afternoon of the second postpartum day, the women were evaluated with Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) for screening PPD (defined as a score of 10 or higher). The women with PPD were matched at a 1:1 ratio with women without PPD with maternal age difference within 5 years and the same mode of delivery. Colostrum samples were collected in morning on the third postpartum day for measurement of TGF-ß concentrations using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the association between EPDS scores and TGF-ß concentrations was analyzed in the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 90 women were included in the final analysis. The mean concentrations of TGF-ß1, TGF-ß2 and TGF-ß3 in the colostrum were 684.03 (321.22-859.25) pg/mL, 5116.50±1747.04 pg/mL and 147.84±48.68 pg/mL in women with PPD, respectively, as compared with 745.67 (596.00-964.22) pg/mL, 4912.40±1516.80 pg/mL, and 168.21±48.15 pg/mL in women without PPD, respectively. Compared with women without PPD, the women with PPD had significantly lower concentrations of TGF-ß1 (P=0.026) and TGF-ß3 (P=0.049) in the colostrum. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the EPDS scores were negatively associated with the concentrations of TGF-ß1 (r=-0.23, P=0.03) and TGF-ß3 (r=-0.25, P=0.02) in the colostrum. CONCLUSION: PPD is associated with decreased concentrations of TGF-ß1 and TGF-ß3 in human colostrum, suggesting the need of early PPD screening and interventions during pregnancy and the perinatal period to minimize the impact of PPD on human milk compositions.

Longer wait time after identification of peripartum depression symptoms is associated with increased symptom burden at psychiatric assessment.

Untreated peripartum depression (PD) affects one in seven women and is associated with negative maternal outcomes. This retrospective observational study used health record data from an integrated health system in Texas to assess the extent to which time to access reproductive psychiatry influences the mental health of peripartum women. Women with at least one screening for depression symptoms conducted in obstetric or pediatric settings between May 2014 and October 2019 and subsequently seen by the reproductive psychiatry clinic (n=490) were included. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to assess timing and factors related to psychiatry follow-up. Findings from this study demonstrated that the average time between a positive screen and a psychiatry assessment was 5 weeks. At psychiatry referral appointments, 85% of women continued to screen positive for PD symptoms. Depression symptom scores at the psychiatry appointment were significantly higher than scores precipitating the referral (p = 0.002). Wait time between initial positive screen and referral appointment was positively correlated with clinically meaningful increases in depression symptom scores (p < 0.001). Each week spent waiting for an appointment produced a 13% increase in odds of clinically meaningful worsening of PD scores and 9% increase in odds of developing new self-harm ideation. Given the findings that a longer period between primary care referral and subspecialty appointment has a negative impact on the mental health of women, this study supports the need for earlier psychiatric assessment to minimize decompensation. Expansion of reproductive psychiatry services are needed to support peripartum women and improve maternal outcomes.

[Postpartum depression-who cares? Approaches to care via midwifery, gynaecology, paediatrics and general practice]. / Postpartale Depression ­ wer kümmert sich? Versorgungszugänge über Hebammen, Gynäkologie, Pädiatrie und Allgemeinmedizin.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common mental illnesses in the postpartum period. If left untreated, it can have serious consequences for the mother-child relationship and the development of the child. In order to prevent possible negative effects, early diagnosis of affected mothers and professional care are essential. AIM OF THE STUDY: This article explores the sense of responsibility of the four primary care providers in the postpartum period-midwives, gynaecologists, general practitioners and paediatricians-and examines how they deal with the disease as well as the barriers and possibilities for optimisation in care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The primary care providers of postpartum women in Germany were interviewed in four independent studies. Quantitative questionnaires were used to interview midwives, gynaecologists and general practitioners, and a qualitative telephone survey was conducted with representatives of the German Association of Paediatricians and Adolescents (BVKJ). A systematic comparative analysis was carried out. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Midwives and gynaecologists showed a significantly higher sense of responsibility for the recognition and treatment of PPD than general practitioners and paediatricians. Closer interdisciplinary cooperation and thus a wider range of referral and therapy options were named by all four professional groups as a central prerequisite for improving the care situation in Germany. A uniform regulation of financial remuneration is also an important aspect for all providers.

Patterns of peripartum depression screening and detection in a large, multi-site, integrated healthcare system.

The purpose of this study was to examine peripartum depression (PD) screening patterns within and across the prenatal and postpartum periods and assess the incidence of new positive screens during standard screening protocol timepoints to inform practice, particularly when limited screenings can be conducted.This is a retrospective observational study of women screened for PD through a large, integrated health system using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) within their obstetrics and pediatric practices. Pregnancies with an EPDS score for at least one obstetric and one pediatric appointment between November 2016 and October 2019 were included (n = 3240). The data were analyzed using chi-squared test, Student's t-test, and binary logistic regression analyses. An EPDS score of 10 or higher was considered a positive screen.The positive screening rate for this cohort was 18.5%, with a prenatal positive rate of 9.9% and a postpartum positive rate of 8.6%. Single relationship status showed a higher rate of PD overall. Two thirds of women were not screened until their third trimester, resulting in delayed detection for an estimated 28% of women who ultimately screened positive. Few new positive screens (1.3%) were detected after 9 weeks postpartum in women who had completed all recommended prior screens.Obstetric providers should screen for PD as early in pregnancy as possible and continue to screen as often as feasible regardless of previous negative EPDS scores. Prioritizing screening more often in pregnancy and before 9 weeks postpartum is optimal to avoid delays in detection and intervention.

Postpartum Depressive Symptoms and Experiences During COVID-19.

PURPOSE: To identify postpartum depression risk and describe experiences of women in the first 6 weeks after giving birth during the COVID-19 pandemic. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Using a convergent mixed-methods approach, we recruited a convenience sample of women living in the United States who gave birth March 1, 2020 or later from social media Web sites. Participants completed the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale-Short Form and provided written answers to open-ended questions regarding their experiences at home with their new infant. RESULTS: Our 262 participants were on average 32.6 years of age, the majority were White (82%), married or partnered (91.9%), and college educated (87.4%). Mean postpartum depression score was 17.7 (SD = 5.9) with 75% scoring ≥14, indicating significant postpartum depressive symptoms. Qualitative content analysis revealed five themes: Isolation and seclusion continue; Fear, anxiety, and stress filled the days; Grieving the loss of normal: It's just so sad; Complicated by postpartum depression: A dark time; and There is a silver lining. Quantitative and qualitative findings provided a holistic view of women's depressive symptoms and experiences at home with their infants during the COVID-19 pandemic. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Although policies that reduce risk of COVID-19 exposure and infection for patients and the health care team must continue to be implemented, the adverse effects of depressive symptoms on maternal-infant wellbeing within the context of increased isolation due to the pandemic need to be kept at the forefront. Nurses need to be aware of the consequences of women sheltering in place and social distancing on maternal-infant outcomes, particularly on depression and likelihood of breastfeeding.

Experiences of using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale in the context of antenatal care for Aboriginal mothers: Women and midwives' perspectives.

PROBLEM: Routine administration of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is intended to promote early detection and preventative support for those who may be at risk of perinatal depression and anxiety. The cultural suitability of the EPDS has not been validated in the Aboriginal Australian context. BACKGROUND: Marked differences in health outcomes and service access between Australian Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women and infants continue to exist. AIM: This study aimed to explore the cultural validity of the EPDS through understanding the experiences of Aboriginal women and midwives. METHODS: Qualitative data was drawn from semi-structured interviews/yarns with 13 Perth-based Aboriginal antenatal women and 10 non-Aboriginal midwives. FINDINGS: Utilising a grounded theory approach, thematic analysis of verbatim transcripts revealed that, surprisingly, women expressed generally favourable views of the EPDS, especially when the relationships between women and midwives were focused on. Midwives, however, expressed reservations about administering the EPDS and used the EPDS as a conversation-starter rather than as a standardised, standalone tool. DISCUSSION: In attempt to reconcile conflicting perspectives, analysis of recordings extended to evaluate micro-processes in the interviews. At the process level, it was clear that demand characteristics operated in some interviews, including socially desirable response biases, demand biases and acquiescent response styles. CONCLUSION: This highlights the need for researchers and clinicians to be trained in non-leading interview questioning techniques and in yarning methodology. Researchers and clinicians should also be aware of the cognitive biases and demand characteristics that may influence responding, likely perpetuated by dominant forces of a colonised society.

Perinatal depression.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Perinatal depression is a common and debilitating complication of pregnancy and childbirth. Recent studies have elucidated relationships between acute birth events on depression risk, and novel treatments for postpartum depression have been discovered and approved. This article reviews current understandings about birth events on depression, new screening standards, and novel treatments for postpartum depression. RECENT FINDINGS: Pain, analgesia, and depression are complex traits that are inter-related during and after pregnancy. Certain individuals may benefit more than others from addressing pain and suffering around childbirth. Exposures to general anesthesia or postdural puncture headache are associated with postpartum depression symptoms, although a causal relationship is unlikely. Brexanolone, ketamine and its related compounds, and nonpharmacologic options offer new or alternative therapies for depression, although safety information for some of these treatments in pregnancy and lactation are needed. Maternal health bundles call for close attention to perinatal mental health screening with validated instruments, and for timely treatment referrals in the 'fourth trimester'. SUMMARY: Clinical monitoring and timely treatment of depression in the perinatal and postpartum periods is critical for maternal postpartum health and recovery. Perinatal specialists and researchers should continue to focus on tailored treatments specific to this special population.

Experiences with the routine use of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale from health visitors' and midwives' perspectives - An exploratory qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale has been practiced as a routine screening for postnatal depression at a municipal health care centre for more than ten years. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine how health visitors and midwives perceive and practice this routine screening. STUDY DESIGN: We chose an exploratory qualitative approach, with analysis of data from focus group interviews. METHODS: Ten health visitors and two midwives participated in two focus group interviews by sharing their thoughts and reflections. The analysis was performed in collaboration with all authors according to thematic network analysis. FINDINGS: The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is well accepted as a screening tool. In addition to giving health visitors and midwives information about mothers who need special attention concerning mental health challenges, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is a tool for talking about problems related to early motherhood. A trusting relationship is a prerequisite for these conversations. The health visitors seldom use the word 'depression' in contact with the individual mother. They sometimes lose opportunities to identify mothers in need of help because of a tight time schedule and social and cultural factors. Collaboration on a daily basis with colleagues and family therapists, and monthly guidance from mental health professionals are necessary to secure professional quality and confidence. CONCLUSION: The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is a useful screening tool, but there are social and cultural challenges, and the available time during screening consultations is often too short. Collaboration with and guidance from other professionals are necessary.

Cohort profile: the Biology, Affect, Stress, Imaging and Cognition (BASIC) study on perinatal depression in a population-based Swedish cohort.

PURPOSE: With the population-based, prospective Biology, Affect, Stress, Imaging and Cognition (BASIC) cohort, we aim to investigate the biopsychosocial aetiological processes involved in perinatal depression (PND) and to pinpoint its predictors in order to improve early detection. PARTICIPANTS: From September 2009 to November 2018, the BASIC study at Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden, has enrolled 5492 women, in 6478 pregnancies, of which 46.3% first-time pregnancies and with an average age of 31.5 years. After inclusion around gestational week 16-18, participants are followed-up with data collection points around gestational week 32, at childbirth, as well as three times postpartum: after 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year. At the last follow-up, 70.8% still remain in the cohort. FINDINGS TO DATE: In addition to internet-based surveys with self-report instruments, participants contribute with biological samples, for example, blood samples (maternal and from umbilical cord), biopsies (umbilical cord and placenta) and microbiota samples. A nested case-control subsample also takes part in cognitive and emotional tests, heart rate variability tests and bioimpedance tests. Subprojects have identified various correlates of PND of psychological and obstetric origin in addition to factors of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and immune system. FUTURE PLANS: In parallel with the completion of data collection (final follow-up November 2019), BASIC study data are currently analysed in multiple subprojects. Since 2012, we are conducting an ongoing follow-up study on the participants and their children up to 6 years of age (U-BIRTH). Researchers interested in collaboration may contact Professor Alkistis Skalkidou (corresponding author) with their request to be considered by the BASIC study steering committee.

[Inflammatory Biomarkers and Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review of Literature]. / Biomarqueurs de L'inflammation et Dépression du Post-Partum: Une Revue Systématique De la Littérature.

OBJECTIVE: Postpartum Depression (PPD) affects over 15% new mothers. Its etiology is multifactorial and still partly unknown. Some hypotheses suggest a link with inflammation. This review aims to explore the existence of inflammatory biomarkers associated with PPD. The possibility of potential adjunct treatments, linked with these biomarkers, will be discussed. METHOD: The systematic review of literature was performed using in PubMed, PsycInfo and Embase, and 25 articles were included. Various biomarkers were identified. The most often studied are C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukins 6 and 10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma. RESULTS: Although few results appear as significant during the various testing times, the dosage of some inflammation biomarkers, including CRP, at the very end of pregnancy or immediately after delivery could predict PPD. Interactions between inflammation and the corticotropic axis could explain PPD onset. Epigenetic mechanisms could lead to pro-inflammatory state. Several therapeutics provide interest due to their anti-inflammatory property. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies are needed to assess these biomarkers value as predictive factors of PPD and to consider adjunct treatments to antidepressants. If this value is confirmed, the inflammatory marker dosage, in particular CRP, could help to provide early screening of women at risk of PPD, parallel of the clinical evaluation. A zinc supplementation could then be offered.

OBJECTIF: La Dépression du Post-Partum (DPP) affecte plus de 15% des nouvelles mères. Son étiologie est plurifactorielle et encore partiellement méconnue. Certaines hypothèses posent l'idée d'un lien avec l'inflammation. L'objectif de cette revue est d'explorer l'existence de biomarqueurs de l'inflammation associés à la DPP. Puis sera discutée la possibilité de compléments thérapeutiques éventuels, en lien avec ces biomarqueurs. MÉTHODE: La revue systématique de la littérature a été réalisée à partir de PubMed, PsycInfo et Embase. Vingt-cinq articles ont été inclus. Différents biomarqueurs ont été identifiés. Les plus étudiés sont la C-Réactive Protéine (CRP), les Interleukines 6 et 10, le Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha et l'Interferon Gamma. RÉSULTATS: Alors que peu de résultats apparaissent comme significatifs aux différents temps, le dosage de certains biomarqueurs de l'inflammation, notamment la CRP, en toute fin de grossesse ou juste après l'accouchement pourrait être une piste de recherche intéressante avec une orientation prédictive de la DPP. Les interactions entre inflammation et axe corticotrope peuvent expliquer la survenue de la DPP. Des phénomènes épigénétiques pourraient conduire à un état pro-inflammatoire. Plusieurs thérapeutiques offrent des pistes intéressantes grâce à leur propriété anti-inflammatoire. CONCLUSIONS: Davantage d'études sont nécessaires afin d'évaluer l'intérêt de ces biomarqueurs comme facteur prédictif de la DPP et d'envisager des traitements complémentaires à l'antidépresseur. Si cet intérêt était confirmé, le dosage de marqueur de l'inflammation, notamment la CRP, pourrait aider au dépistage précoce des femmes à risque de DPP, parallèlement à la clinique. Une supplémentation en Zinc pourrait alors être proposée.

[A Swedish example of integrated perinatal mental health care]. / Bättre perinatalpsykiatrisk vård genom integrerat samarbete - Obstetrik och psykiatri i samverkan kan leda till minskade risker för mor och barn.

Mental disorders are common during the perinatal period and expose mother and child to major risks.  Almost all women in Sweden attend maternal and child health care centers regularly before and after birth. This constitutes a unique opportunity to detect women with early signs of mental disorder or at risk of recurrence of prior illness. Identified women need fast access to diagnostic and treatment providers with specialized knowledge on perinatal mental disorders. As perinatal mental disorders can have severe consequences for mothers and their children a tight cooperation between caregivers is often needed.

Meteorological parameters and air pollen count in association with self-reported peripartum depressive symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Meteorological parameters and air pollen count have been associated with affective disorders and suicide. Regarding peripartum depression, the literature is restricted and inconclusive. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included women (pregnant, n = 3843; postpartum, n = 3757) who participated in the BASIC (Biology, Affect, Stress, Imaging, and Cognition) study 2010-2015 and the UPPSAT (Uppsala-Athens) study (postpartum, n = 1565) in 2006-2007. Cases were defined according to presence of depressive symptoms during pregnancy (gestational week 32) and 6 weeks postpartum, using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Exposure of sunshine, temperature, precipitation, snow coverage, and air pollen counts of durations of 1, 7, and 42 days prior to the outcome were studied for associations with depressive symptoms, using negative binomial regression. RESULTS: Prior to Bonferroni correction, the concentration of mugwort pollen, both one week and six weeks before the EPDS assessment at gestational week 32, was inversely associated with depressive symptoms in pregnancy, both before and after adjustment for season. No associations were found between the exposure to meteorological parameters and pollen and depressive symptoms, at the same day of depressive symptoms' assessment, the previous week, or the six weeks prior to assessment, either during pregnancy or postpartum after Bonferroni correction. CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence that neither short-term nor long-term exposure to meteorological parameters or air pollen counts were associated with self-reported peripartum depressive symptoms in Uppsala, Sweden.

Postpartum depression in Mongolia: A qualitative exploration of health care providers' perspectives.

OBJECTIVE: Postpartum depression (PPD) is defined as depression with symptom onset during pregnancy or within 6 weeks after childbirth. It is now estimated that 16% percent of pregnant women and 20% of postpartum women in low- and middle-income countries experience depression, which can negatively influence everyday functioning, social relationships, and child development. This qualitative study aims to elucidate the perspectives and experiences of Mongolian health care providers regarding PPD. SETTING: This study was conducted in Mongolia's capital city, Ulaanbaatar, at the National Center for Maternal and Child Health (NCMCH), which serves patients from both urban and rural areas. Research on PPD in Mongolia is extremely limited. DESIGN: We conducted three interviews and three focus group discussions (FGDs) with health care providers (N = 15) to explore risk factors, causes, signs and symptoms, lay perceptions, recognition, and treatment in relation to PPD. The interviews and FGDs were audio recorded, transcribed and translated into English. PARTICIPANTS: The providers included five nurse-midwives, one family clinic nurse, four obstetrician-gynaecologists (OB-GYNs), two family physicians, one psychologist, one monk, and one traditional healer. FINDINGS: The majority of providers reported some basic knowledge of PPD, though limited experience in working with PPD patients. Most described signs and symptoms based on their own observations and perceptions rather than what women themselves reported. Providers generally characterised PPD as a multifactorial condition, recognising the role of obstetric, psychologic, socioeconomic and cultural factors in its development. A traditional concept of PPD ("sav khuurukh") was prominently mentioned. Though they had diverse ideas regarding where women seek help for PPD, almost all providers agreed that a critical strategy for identifying PPD is patient-provider discussion. However, such discussions are rare because of providers' lack of confidence in recognising and treating women with PPD, lack of training, time constraints, and/or other related barriers. KEY CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that while providers have some understanding of key aspects of PPD, many lack a clear conception of what defines the condition and how to effectively identify and treat it. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Based on our findings, we make seven recommendations for how to enhance PPD detection and treatment considering local Mongolian culture, practices and context.

Perinatal Nurses' and Midwives' Knowledge About Assessment and Management of Postpartum Depression.

The current study addresses lack of knowledge about assessment and management of postpartum depression (PPD) among nurses and midwives in Saudi Arabia. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used to recruit a convenience sample of 181 nurses and 143 midwives. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Nurses and midwives lacked knowledge about various aspects of PPD, including its definition, prevalence, symptoms, risk factors, screening tools, and treatment. Only one third of participants were confident in their ability to provide education for women about PPD. Participants' self-confidence to educate women about PPD was significantly correlated with their level of knowledge about assessment and management of PPD. Continuing education is recommended for health care professionals to improve knowledge regarding PPD. Further studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of educational interventions on improving knowledge, practice, and self-confidence about PPD. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 56(12), 36-46.].

Chronic Stress protection for postnatal dEpREssioN prEvention (SERENE): a protocol for an exploratory study.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of postnatal depression (PND) is significant: reaching up to 20% in the general population. In mechanistic terms, the risk of PND lies in an interaction between a maternal psychophysiological vulnerability and a chronic environmental context of stress. On the one hand, repetition of stressor during pregnancy mimics a chronic stress model that is relevant to the study of the allostatic load and the adaptive mechanisms. On the other hand, vulnerability factors reflect a psychological profile mirroring mindfulness functioning (psychological quality that involves bringing one's complete and non-judgemental attention to the present experience on a moment-to-moment basis). This psychological resource is linked to protective and resilient psychic functioning. Thus, PND appears to be a relevant model for studying the mechanisms of chronic stress and vulnerability to psychopathologies.In this article, we present the protocol of an ongoing study (started in May 2017). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The study is being carried out in five maternities and will involve 260 women. We aim to determine the predictive psychobiological factors for PND emergence and to provide a better insight into the mechanisms involved in chronic stress during pregnancy. We use a multidisciplinary approach that encompasses psychological resources and biophysiological and genetic profiles in order to detect relevant vulnerability biomarkers for chronic stress and the development of PND. To do so, each woman will be involved in the study from her first trimester of pregnancy until 12 months postdelivery. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval was obtained from the Ile de France III Ethics Committee, France (2016-A00887-44). We aim to disseminate the findings through international conferences and international peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03088319; Pre-results.