Maternal-fetal attachment protects against postpartum anxiety: the mediating role of postpartum bonding and partnership satisfaction.

PURPOSE: Maternal mental disorders develop frequently during the perinatal period, and can have detrimental effects on the developing bond between a mother and her child. While depression has already been widely associated with bonding disorders, the link between anxiety disorders and maternal-fetal attachment has received only limited attention. This study aimed to explore the link between maternal-fetal attachment in the third trimester and postpartum anxiety, as previous research has suggested a potentially protective association. Additionally, we hypothesized a mediating influence of postpartum bonding and partnership satisfaction as additional measurements of attachment capacity. METHODS: Self-report questionnaires assessing maternal-fetal attachment, postpartum bonding, anxiety, depression, and partnership quality were completed at three time points: third trimester (T1, N = 324), first week postpartum (T2, N = 249), and 4 months postpartum (T3, N = 166). Conditional process analyses were used to test for mediation. RESULTS: A statistically significant negative correlation of maternal-fetal attachment was found with maternal anxiety postpartum. Overall, the analyses supported the mediation hypothesis. There was a significant, indirect effect of maternal-fetal attachment during pregnancy on state anxiety in the first week postpartum, mediated through postpartum bonding quality and partnership satisfaction. All three variables together accounted for 18.25% (state anxiety) or 30.35% (trait anxiety) of the variance in postpartum anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that a close maternal-fetal attachment buffers postpartum symptoms of anxiety, partially mediated through postpartum bonding and partnership satisfaction. Therefore, strengthening the maternal-fetal attachment and the partnership during pregnancy has the potential to reduce maternal postpartum symptoms of anxiety.

Reliability and validity of the German version of the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale.

OBJECTIVES: In understanding early disturbances in the mother-child relationship, maternal-fetal attachment has become an important concept. To date no study has investigated the reliability and validity of the German version of the Maternal Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS). The present study aimed to close this gap. METHODS: Questionnaires were completed in a sample of 324 women [third trimester (T1), first week postpartum (T2), and 4 months postpartum (T3)]. In addition to the MFAS (T1), the following measures were assessed: the questionnaire of partnership (T1), the postpartum bonding questionnaire (T2), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (T1-T3), the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (T1-T3), and the pregnancy related anxiety questionnaire (T1-T3). Factor structure was analyzed using a principal component analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation. Internal and convergent validities were calculated. RESULTS: In contrast to the original version with five subscales, PCA yielded a three-factor solution, consisting of the three independent dimensions "anticipation", "empathy", and "caring", explaining 34.9% of the variance together. Good internal reliabilities were found for the total MFAS scale. Maternal-fetal attachment showed a significant negative correlation with postpartum bonding impairment. While no correlations were found with depression, general anxiety and pregnancy-related anxiety during pregnancy, maternal-fetal attachment was significantly related to aspects of partnership quality. In the postpartum period, maternal attachment showed a strong negative correlation with maternal anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the German version of the MFAS is a reliable and valid questionnaire to measure the emotional relationship of the mother to the unborn child during pregnancy.

Maternal self-confidence during the first four months postpartum and its association with anxiety and early infant regulatory problems.

Maternal self-confidence has become an essential concept in understanding early disturbances in the mother-child relationship. Recent research suggests that maternal self-confidence may be associated with maternal mental health and infant development. The current study investigated the dynamics of maternal self-confidence during the first four months postpartum and the predictive ability of maternal symptoms of depression, anxiety, and early regulatory problems in infants. Questionnaires assessing symptoms of depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), and early regulatory problems (Questionnaire for crying, sleeping and feeding) were completed in a sample of 130 women at three different time points (third trimester (T1), first week postpartum (T2), and 4 months postpartum (T3). Maternal self-confidence increased significantly over time. High maternal trait anxiety and early infant regulatory problems negatively contributed to the prediction of maternal self-confidence, explaining 31.8% of the variance (R=.583, F3,96=15.950, p<.001). Our results emphasize the transactional association between maternal self-confidence, regulatory problems in infants, and maternal mental distress. There is an urgent need for appropriate programs to reduce maternal anxiety and to promote maternal self-confidence in order to prevent early regulatory problems in infants.

Perceptions of Patient Engagement Applications During Pregnancy: A Qualitative Assessment of the Patient's Perspective.

BACKGROUND: With growing demand for medical information and health applications in pregnancy, the potential of electronic health (eHealth) and mobile health (mHealth) solutions in clinical care is increasingly unfolding. However, we still do not know how pregnant women engage with mobile apps, how such apps impact routine medical care, and whether benefit expectations are met. Whereas recent research has raised the subject of user distribution and analyzed the content of pregnancy applications, there is still a significant knowledge gap regarding what pregnant women like and dislike about pregnancy tools, along with how such interventions could be improved. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine the perceptions and expectations of mobile and Web-based patient-engagement pregnancy applications. We assessed usability requirements, general acceptance of eHealth, and the impact of eHealth and mHealth pregnancy applications on the doctor-patient interaction and daily clinical routine. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted at the maternity department of a major German university hospital. The sample included 30 women with low- to medium-risk pregnancies. Half of the patients were seen during outpatient care and half were hospitalized for several days. The extent and frequency of Web- and mobile phone app usage were assessed. Semistructured interviews were conducted and analyzed using systematic thematic analysis. RESULTS: Patients had a high demand for Web-based pregnancy applications. Study findings suggested a strong request for personalization, monitoring, and accessibility for frequent use as main themes derived from the interviews. Fostering patient empowerment in the doctor-patient relationship was also highly valued for a pregnancy app. Participants favored further integration of medical apps in their daily routine and pregnancy care. However, concerns were raised about content quality, trustworthiness of Web sources, and individual data security. CONCLUSIONS: eHealth and mHealth applications are a highly frequented source of information. Expectations and usability requirements for those applications are also high, thus posing a challenge to interdisciplinary service providers. Patients' attitude toward integrating apps in routine care settings was positive with a favorable influence on patient empowerment. Health care professionals should guide pregnant women toward a successful integration of these educational tools in pregnancy care.

Sexual activity and sexual dysfunction of women in the perinatal period: a longitudinal study.

PURPOSE: Reduced sexual activity and dysfunctional problems are highly prevalent in the perinatal period, and there is a lack of data regarding the degree of normality during pregnancy. Several risk factors have been independently associated with a greater extent of Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD). Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of sexual inactivity and sexual dysfunctions in German women during the perinatal period and the verification of potential risk factors. METHODS: Questionnaires were administered to 315 women prenatally (TI 3rd trimester) and postpartum (TII 1 week, TIII 4 months), including the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the Questionnaire of Partnership (PFB). RESULTS: The frequency of sexual inactivity was 24% (TI), 40.5% (TII), and 19.9% (TIII). Overall, 26.5-34.8% of women were at risk of sexual dysfunction (FSFI score <26.55) at all measurement points. Sexual desire disorder was the most prevalent form of Female sexual dysfunction. Furthermore, especially breastfeeding and low partnership quality were revealed as significant risk factors for sexual dysfunctional problems postpartum. Depressive symptoms having a cesarean section and high maternal education were correlated with dysfunctional problems in several subdomains. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicated that women at risk of FSD differed significantly in aspects of partnership quality, breastfeeding, mode of delivery, maternal education, and depressive symptoms. Aspects of perinatal sexuality should be routinely implemented in the counseling of couples in prenatal classes.

Exam preparation course in obstetrics and gynecology for the German Medical State Examination: proof of concept and implications for the recruitment of future residents.

OBJECTIVES: Today´s written part of the medical state examination requires students to retrieve a comprehensive amount of knowledge in a limited period of time. Therefore, the main study objectives were to implement and to evaluate a two-day exam preparation course for the German Medical State Examination in obstetrics and gynecology. The project evaluation focused on acceptability, satisfaction and the gain of knowledge for the participants of such a face-to-face course. STUDY DESIGN: The two-day intensive training for senior medical students offered a review of the entire exam-relevant content in the field of obstetrics and gynecology in combination with interactive discussions along selected exam questions. Skill gains were assessed using pre- and post-course multiple choice tests. In addition, a qualitative questionnaire assessed attitudes and satisfaction of course participants. RESULTS: A total of 101 fifth year senior medical students from Heidelberg University Medical School participated in the two pilot courses (summer 2014 and winter 2015). Pre- and post-course tests showed a significant skill-gain from 14.9 to 18.0 points [of a maximum of 20; pre-post difference 95 % CI (2.21; 3.98), t test: p < 0.001]. Furthermore, the qualitative results showed high satisfaction with the course, with an average Likert scale grading of 5.63 (2014) and 5.44 (2015) on a scale from 1 ("extraordinary bad") to 6 ("extraordinary good"). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that a two-day intensive course in obstetrics and gynecology is feasible, effective and highly appreciated by senior medical students preparing for the Second German Medical State Examination. It further suggests surplus value for academic clinical departments to recruit future residents. Methods and tools presented in this paper are intended to inspire and guide clinical colleagues in implementing the format at their respective universities.

Unfractionated Heparin Selectively Modulates the Expression of CXCL8, CCL2 and CCL5 in Endometrial Carcinoma Cells.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This in vitro study analyzed the impact of heparins on expression of chemokines in human endometrial adenocarcinoma cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cell lines were incubated with unfractionated heparin (UFH), low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) and fondparinux under hypoxic and normoxic conditions. Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 8 (CXCL8), CC-chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) and CCL5 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and cell viability by fluorometric assay. RESULTS: Different adenocarcinoma cell lines had distinct patterns of chemokine expression. UFH attenuated the secretion of CXCL8 and CCL2, and enhanced that of CCL5. The observed effects of heparin were in addition to the anti-coagulatory properties of heparin and dependent on molecular size and charge. CONCLUSION: UFH has selective modulating effects on the secretion of CXCL8, CCL2 and CCL5 in different endometrial adenocarcinoma cell lines. Molecular size and charge are relevant for these observed effects. By influencing the expression of these inflammatory mediators and thereby affecting the tumour microenvironment, heparins and related agents might play an essential role in the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Pregnancy eHealth and mHealth: user proportions and characteristics of pregnant women using Web-based information sources-a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: To analyze the current proportions and characteristics of women using Internet (eHealth) and smartphone (mHealth) based sources of information during pregnancy and to investigate the influence, this information-seeking behavior has on decision-making. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at two major German university hospitals. Questionnaires covering socio-demographic data, medical data and details of Internet, and smartphone application use were administered to 220 pregnant women. Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: 50.7 % of pregnant women were online information seekers. 22.4 % used an mHealth pregnancy application. Women using eHealth information showed no specific profile, while women using mHealth applications proved to be younger, were more likely to be in their first pregnancy, felt less healthy, and were more likely to be influenced by the retrieved information. Stepwise backward regression analysis explained 25.8 % of the variance of mHealth use. 80.5 % of cases were classified correctly by the identified predictors. All types of Web-based information correlated significantly with decision-making during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women frequently use the Internet and smartphone applications as a source of information. While Web usage was a common phenomenon, this study revealed specific characteristics of mHealth users during pregnancy. Improved, medically accurate smartphone applications might provide a way to specifically target the mHealth user group. As user influenceability was of major relevance to all types of information, all medical content should be carefully reviewed by a multidisciplinary board of medical specialists.

Predictors of impaired breastfeeding initiation and maintenance in a diverse sample: what is important?

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate socio-demographic, medical and psychological factors that have an impact on breastfeeding. METHODS: Questionnaires were administered to 330 women prenatally (TI third trimester) and postpartum (TII 3-4 days, TIII 4 months). Medical data were collected from the hospital records. Self-reported data on initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding was collected simultaneously. Primary endpoint was breastfeeding initiation and maintenance. Data analyses were performed using Spearman's ρ correlations between breastfeeding and other study variables and generalized multiple ordinal logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Neonatal admission to the NICU, high BMI, cesarean section, difficulties with breastfeeding initiation and high maternal state anxiety were the strongest predictors of impaired breastfeeding initiation, explaining together 50 % of variance. After 4 months, the strongest predictors of impaired maintenance of breastfeeding were maternal smoking, a high BMI and a history of postpartum anxiety disorder, explaining 30 % of variance. CONCLUSIONS: Successful initiation and maintenance of breast feeding is a multifactorial process. Our results underline the need of interdisciplinary approaches to optimise breastfeeding outcomes by demonstrating the equality of medical and psychological variables. Whereas practices on maternity wards are crucial for optimal initiation, continuous lifestyle modifying and supporting approaches are essential for breastfeeding maintenance. Healthcare providers can also significantly influence breastfeeding initiation and maintenance by counselling on the importance of maternal BMI.

Phosphorothioate-modified CpG oligodeoxynucleotides mimic autoantigens and reveal a potential role for Toll-like receptor 9 in receptor revision.

Re-expression of recombinase activating genes (RAG) in mature B cells may support autoreactivity by enabling revision of the B-cell receptor (BCR). Recent reports suggest that administration of Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) -stimulating CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) could trigger the manifestation of autoimmune disease and that TLR are involved in the selection processes eliminating autoreactive BCR. The mechanisms involved remain to be elucidated. This prompted us to ask, whether TLR9 could be involved in receptor revision. We found that phosphorothioate-modified CpG ODN (CpG(PTO)) induced expression of Ku70 and re-expression of RAG-1 in human peripheral blood B lymphocytes and Igλ expression in sorted Igκ(+) B cells. Further results revealed unselective binding specificity of CpG(PTO) -induced immunoglobulin and suggested that CpG(PTO) engage and/or mimic IgM receptor signalling, an important prerequisite for the initialization of receptor editing or revision. Altogether, our data describe a potential role for TLR9 in receptor revision and suggest that CpG(PTO) could mimic chromatin-bearing autoantigens by simultaneously engaging the BCR and TLR9 on IgM(+) B cells.

TLR9-activating DNA up-regulates ZAP70 via sustained PKB induction in IgM+ B cells.

In the past, ZAP70 was considered a T cell-specific kinase, and its aberrant expression in B-CLL cells was interpreted as a sign of malignant transformation and dedifferentiation. It was only recently that ZAP70 was detected in normal human B cells. In this study, we show that TLR9-activated B cells resemble B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells with regard to CD5, CD23, CD25, and heat shock protein 90 expression. Furthermore, stimulatory CpG and GpC DNA oligonucleotides target CD27(+)IgM(+) and CD27(-)IgM(+) B cells (but not IgM(-) B cells) and enhance ZAP70 expression predominantly in the IgM(+)CD27(+) B cell subset. ZAP70 is induced via activation of TLR-7 or -9 in a MyD88-dependent manner, depends on protein kinase B (PKB)/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling and is rapamycin sensitive. Furthermore, ZAP70 expression levels correlate with induction of cyclin A2, prolonged B cell proliferation, and sustained induction of PKB. These events are not observed upon CD40 ligation. However, this deficit can be overcome by the expression of constitutively active PKB, given that CD40 ligation of PKB-transgenic B cells induces B cell proliferation and ZAP70 expression. These results highlight a major difference between CD40- and TLR-7/9-mediated B cell activation and suggest that ZAP70 expression levels in B cells give an estimate of the proliferative potential and the associated PKB availability.