why choose us

300×250 Ad Slot

Research Article: Postpartum stress in the first 6 months after delivery: a longitudinal study in Nantong, China

Date Published: 2023-10-21

Abstract:
Objectives The objective is to to explore the longitudinal change trajectories of postpartum stress and its related factors. Design A longitudinal study with follow-ups from 42 days to 6 months after delivery. Settings and participants A total of 406 postpartum women were recruited at baseline (42 days after delivery) from 6 hospitals in Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China, and followed up at 3 and 6 months. After the follow-ups, 358 postpartum women were retained for further analysis. Methods Postpartum stress was evaluated using the Maternal Postpartum Stress Scale (MPSS) at baseline (42 days) and 3 and 6 months after delivery. MPSS has three dimensions, such as: personal needs and fatigue, infant nurturing and body changes and sexuality. Postpartum depression and anxiety were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the short-form Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, respectively. The MPSS scores were normalised using a rank-based inverse normal transformation. Results Postpartum stress decreased significantly after 3 months, and postpartum stress reduced further after 6 months. Additionally, the scores for all three dimensions reduced after 6 months, while infant nurturing reduced after both 3 and 6 months. Older age (?=0.028, p=0.049), higher education level (?=0.153, p=0.005) and higher body mass index (BMI) (?=0.027, p=0.008) of the postpartum women were significantly associated with higher postpartum stress levels in corresponding dimensions at 42 days. Older age was also associated with higher postpartum stress at 3 (?=0.030, p=0.033) and 6 months (?=0.050, p<0.001) in the dimension of personal needs and fatigue. Postpartum stress levels were significantly higher in women with depression or anxiety symptoms. Conclusions Postpartum stress continuously declined from 42 days to 6 months after delivery. Postpartum women with older age, higher education levels, higher BMI and anxiety or depression symptoms should be the target population for early intervention.

Introduction:
The process of becoming parents is a significant milestone for numerous individuals, encompassing not only happiness and enthusiasm but also the potential for substantial stress and an increased vulnerability to experiencing postpartum depression. 1 2 The postpartum period is a time of rapid transformation. Studies found that there are different types and magnitudes of stressors during the postpartum period for women, such as drastic changes in their daily routine, adjusting to their new role as a mother,…

Read more

300×250 Ad Slot