Prevalence and determinants of intimate partner violence in pregnancy: a multicentre, binational study.

Background: Globally, intimate partners are the most common perpetrators of violence against women. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) contributes significantly to the burden of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Africa, with four of every 10 women in SSA having experienced IPV. When IPV occurs in pregnancy, it is significantly associated with adverse outcomes.

The effects of maternal health literacy, family functioning and self-efficacy on antepartum depression in pregnant women in China: a moderated mediation model.

Background: Antepartum depression (AD) is associated with a greater risk of adverse outcomes for both mothers and fetuses. Maternal health literacy (MHL), family functioning (FF), and self-efficacy (SE) are important factors affecting antepartum depression (AD) in pregnant women. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the associations between these factors and whether MHL and SE mediate the relationship between FF and AD.

Comparative assessment of Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale for screening antenatal depression among Chinese pregnant women.

Background: The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) are commonly used for assessing antenatal depression in China. However, clear guidelines for their application are lacking in China, leading to inconsistencies in prenatal mental health care. This study compares the psychometric properties of these scales to improve early detection and intervention strategies for antenatal depression.

Adaptive and maladaptive profiles in mothers of infants - a cross-sectional study on the meaning of self-confidence and mental health.

Aim: The main goal of this study is to identify profiles of mothers based on the level of maternal self-confidence, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Moreover, the objective is to evaluate how these profiles differ regarding perinatal, parental, and health variables.

Methods: A prospective study was performed from 2020 to 2021 with 179 postpartum mothers of infants who had participated in a longitudinal study (The Cope Study) during pregnancy.

Pregnancy and Childbearing for Orthopaedic Surgeons: Challenges and Successful Support Initiatives.

While female representation within surgical specialties is increasing, the field of orthopaedic surgery remains male-dominated. Residency, fellowship, and early career coincide with the childbearing years of female surgeons. Given the overlap between these critical career stages and years of childbearing, there has been a rise in articles characterizing the experiences and perceptions around childbearing and its impact on surgeons and their careers.

Dezocine versus esketamine as postoperative analgesia in women undergoing cesarean section.

The objective of this was to investigate the effect of esketamine as a postoperative analgesia in women undergoing caesarean section. A total of 134 patients were divided into two groups: 112 received esketamine and 22 received dezocine, based on their voluntary choice of analgesic drugs for patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA). The postoperative analgesic effects were compared between the two groups.

Postpartum depression in Ukrainian refugee women who gave birth abroad after beginning of large-scale war.

Objectives: The Russian military aggression against Ukraine in February 2022 became the cause of the biggest humanitarian crisis. Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of mood disorder of pregnant and postpartum women. It was earlier reported that depression of pregnant women is increased in a combat zone, while effects of war on pregnant refugee and displaced women are less studied.

Impact of Racial Bias on Providers' Empathic Communication Behaviors with Women of Color in Postpartum Checkup.

Background: Racial bias in healthcare settings can manifest as biased communication, discriminatory treatment, lower quality of care, and a lack of empathy toward women of color [WoC; Nong et al. in JAMA Netw Open 3:e2029650-e2029650, 1; McLemore et al. in Soc Sci Med 201:127-135, 2; Hagiwara et al.

The impact of prenatal smoking on postpartum depression: a systematic review.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between prenatal smoking and postpartum depression (PPD) in order to determine if smoking cigarettes is associated with an increased risk of PPD, a prevalent emotional distress in women across various cultures.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted to find suitable literature following PRISMA guidelines. Authors searched PubMed and Web of Science databases using specific search terms related to depression and smoking.

Trends in the prevalence of antenatal and postnatal depression in Bangladesh: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Maternal depression negatively impacts the health of both mothers and their children. Although several studies have reported on the prevalence of antenatal depression (AND) and postnatal depression (PND) in Bangladesh, reliable estimates based on meta-analysis have yet to be established. This study aims to determine the prevalence of "AND" and "PND" among Bangladeshi mothers, as well as the prevalence of "PND" during various phases of a child's development, while also identifying the associated factors for both "AND" and "PND".

A core outcome set for maternal and neonatal health research and surveillance of emerging and ongoing epidemic threats (MNH-EPI-COS): a modified Delphi-based international consensus.

Background: Disease outbreaks significantly affect maternal and neonatal health. Variability in reporting health outcomes hinder evidence generation. We aimed to develop a core outcome set (COS) for maternal and neonatal health research and surveillance during emerging and ongoing epidemic threats and to agree on outcomes' definitions.

Multifaceted Actions of Neurosteroids.

Background And Purpose: Neurosteroids modulate neuronal function and are promising therapeutic agents for neuropsychiatric disorders. Neurosteroid analogues are approved for treating postpartum depression and are of interest in other disorders. GABA-A receptors are well characterized targets of natural neurosteroids, but other biological pathways are likely relevant to therapeutic mechanisms and/or to off-target effects.

Neuroactive steroids activate membrane progesterone receptors to induce sex specific effects on protein kinase activity.

Neuroactive steroids (NAS), which are synthesized in the brain from progesterone, exert potent effects on behavior and are used to treat postpartum depression, yet how these compounds induce sustained modifications in neuronal activity are ill-defined. Here, we examined the efficacy of NAS for membrane progesterone receptors (mPRs) δ and ε, members of a family of GPCRs for progestins that are expressed in the CNS. NAS increase PKC activity via G activation of mPRδ with EC50s between 3-11nM.

Associations of maternal perinatal depressive disorders with autism spectrum disorder in offspring: Findings from a data-linkage cohort study.

Background: There is limited research on the association between maternal depression and autism spectrum disorder, and existing studies face significant limitations, including inadequate control for confounders, reliance on self-reported data, small sample sizes and lack of investigation into mediating factors. This study addresses these gaps by examining the direct relationship and the potential mediating effects of preterm birth, low birth weight and low Apgar scores.

Methods: We analysed linked administrative health data involving 223,068 mother-offspring pairs in New South Wales, Australia.

Legal interventions for perinatal depression in India: a qualitative study with clinical specialists having expertise in perinatal mental health.

Objectives: To provide insights into the perspectives of clinical specialists (CSs) regarding the efficacy of existing legal interventions (health laws, policies, guidelines, etc) in addressing and managing perinatal depression (PND) in women in India, in the background of the existing policy gap.

Study Design And Methods: After adopting the consultative participatory approach, a qualitative study involving online, semi-structured, in-depth interviews was conducted. Purposive, and snowball sampling techniques were used to identify and invite the participants.

Exploring women's postpartum experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-method analysis.

Problem: While studies across the United States have explored how the perinatal period was affected by COVID-19, most studies have focused on pregnancy and delivery rather than on women's postpartum experiences.

Background: Postpartum is a critical period of development for mothers and newborns, with factors such as maternal mental health and quality of mother-infant bonding playing instrumental roles in children's socioemotional outcomes. Yet, COVID-19 served as a significant stressor for many women and acted as a barrier to receiving postpartum supports.

Intranasal oxytocin increases breast milk oxytocin, but has a reduced effect in depressed mothers: A randomized controlled trial.

Unlabelled: Oxytocin (OT) plays pivotal roles in stress regulation, mother-infant bonding, and breastfeeding, all of which are adversely impacted by postnatal depression (PND). In a double-blind, randomized controlled trial, we assessed endogenous OT concentrations first in the breast milk of new mothers at baseline, and second following the administration of exogenous OT compared to a placebo delivered via a nasal spray.

Method: Participants were mothers (N = 62, aged 23-42 years) and their infants (aged 3-9 months).

Prevalence, correlates of postpartum depression during the COVID-19 pandemic; and validation of the arabic edinburgh postnatal depression scale among Lebanese women.

Background: Cultural variations in pregnancy and childbirth experiences can influence the causes and contributing factors of postpartum depression (PPD). However, research on this issue remains scarce in Arab countries, especially in Lebanon. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of PPD and explore socio-contextual factors affecting it in Lebanon during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Study on the changes and influencing factors of depression in Chinese women with cancer: an analysis based on CHARLS panel data.

Background: The social problems caused by depressive disorders and psychological behaviors in women are increasingly prominent, with extreme incidents occurring from time to time. Therefore, the issue concerning "how to prevent and resolve the risk of depression in women" is gaining significant attention across various sectors. However, previous studies have largely focused on teenage girls, perimenopausal women, or women during pregnancy and the postpartum period, neglecting the adverse effects of major diseases, which is detrimental to enhancing the psychological well-being of women with cancer.

Examining the associations between social support and postpartum depression symptoms among adolescent mothers in Nairobi, Kenya.

Background: Globally, adolescent mothers are at increased risk for postpartum depression (PPD). In Kenya, 15% of adolescent girls become mothers before the age of 18. While social support can buffer a mother's risk of PPD, there are gaps in knowledge as to whether-and which types-of social support are protective for adolescent mothers in Kenya.

Neuroactive steroid biosynthesis during pregnancy predicts future postpartum depression: a role for the 3α and/or 3β-HSD neurosteroidogenic enzymes?

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects ~10-15% of childbearing individuals, with deleterious consequences for two generations. Recent research has explored the biological mechanisms of PPD, particularly neuroactive steroids (NAS). We sought here to investigate associations between NAS levels and ratios during pregnancy and the subsequent development of depressive symptoms with postpartum onset.

Postpartum dams exposed to a low-resource environment display neuroinflammation, elevated corticosterone, and anhedonia-like behavior.

Women living in an impoverished environment after birth have an increased risk of developing postpartum depression (PP-Dep) and hypertension (PP-HTN). The mechanisms underlying these heightened risks are unknown and understudied. To examine the relation between reduced environmental resources, PP-Dep, and PP-HTN, postpartum rodent dams were exposed to the low-resource limited bedding and nesting (LBN) chronic stress model during weaning.

Management of hypertension in the early postpartum: A randomized controlled trial.

Objectives: To evaluate blood pressure control during the immediate postpartum period in hypertensive women who had used methyldopa during pregnancy, comparing continuation of that drug with switching it for captopril.

Study Design: A single-blind, randomized clinical trial involving 172 postpartum women with hypertension who had previously used methyldopa during pregnancy at a minimum dose of 750 mg/day for at least one week prior to delivery. The subtypes of hypertension included were gestational hypertension, chronic hypertension, preeclampsia, superimposed preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome and eclampsia.

Clinical Utility of Zuranolone for Postpartum Depression: A Narrative Review.

Peripartum depression (PPD) affects approximately one in every eight birthing individuals. Despite a high prevalence, PPD is underdiagnosed and undertreated. Several PPD treatment options exist including psychotherapies, conventional serotonergic-based antidepressants and alternative and integrative medicine approaches.