Association between maternal serious mental illness and adverse birth outcomes

Maternal and neonatal complications of pregnant women with bipolar disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Confidence in pregnancy outcome data for women with bipolar disorder is compromised by small cohort sizes. However, comprehensive national data have been published over the last decade, but no quantitative synthesis has been established to determine the factors associated with complications in these women. Our goal is to summarise the evidence of population-based data on obstetric complications and neonatal outcomes in women with bipolar disorder compared to women without bipolar disorder.

Methods

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from inception to September 26th, 2024. Thirty-six outcomes were extracted from eligible articles for consideration. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023369031).

Findings

Fourteen population-based retrospective cohort studies from six high-income countries (Australia, Canada, Hong-Kong, Sweden, Taiwan, and USA) involving 47,954 women with bipolar disorder and their newborns compared to 11,896,577 women without bipolar disorder, published between 2005 and 2024, were identified. During pregnancy, women with bipolar disorders seemed to exhibit an increased risk of gestational diabetes OR = 1.46, (95% Confidence Interval [1.06-2.03]; I2 = 87%), gestational hypertension OR = 1.19 (95% CI [1.02-1.40]; I2 = 41%), antepartum haemorrhage OR = 2.02 (95% CI [1.30-3.13]; I2 = 67%), and pre-eclampsia or eclampsia OR = 1.20 (95% CI [1.05-1.36]; I2 = 67%). At delivery, women with bipolar disorder were observed to face a higher risk of caesarean section OR = 1.35 (95% CI [1.26-1.45]; I2 = 56%), and postpartum haemorrhage OR = 1.39 (95% CI [1.20-1.62]; I2 = 0%). Their newborns also appear to be at high risks of very prematurity OR = 1.84 (95% CI [1.32-2.57]; I2 = 74%), infant death OR = 1.77 (95% CI [1.01-3.13]; I2 = 41%), low birth weight OR = 1.54 (95% CI [1.19-1.99]; I2 = 70%), preterm birth OR = 1.49 (95% CI [1.29-1.72]; I2 = 87%), small for gestational age OR = 1.28 (95% CI [1.14-1.45]; I2 = 57%), and congenital malformations OR = 1.29 (95% CI [1.09-1.53]; I2 = 42%). According to the AMSTAR 2 tool, these results correspond to moderate-quality evidence.

Interpretation

Despite substantial heterogeneity observed, our findings suggest the presence of a broad spectrum of complications that may affect both pregnant women with bipolar disorder and their newborns. These results can serve as a basis for the development of guidelines for the prevention and management of these complications. We need additional data from other countries, particularly from low-to-moderate income countries.

Funding

The 'Jeunes Espoirs de la Psychiatrie' (Young Hopes of Psychiatry) doctoral programme is supported by the Fondamental Foundation and sponsored by the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation.

Effect of maternal obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) on feto-maternal outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Mental health disorders in pregnant women have been related to unfavorable obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) significantly distresses mothers and affects the maternal-infant bond.

OBJECTIVES

The present meta-analysis and systematic review aimed to assess the association of maternal OCD with adverse feto-maternal outcomes.

SEARCH STRATEGY

A systematic search was undertaken in the five databases-Cochrane, Embase, ProQuest, Web of Science, and PubMed-on September 5, 2023.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Studies that included pregnant women with OCD in whom the feto-maternal outcomes were reported were included in the systematic review.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two pass screening ("title-abstract screening" followed by "full-text review"), and data extraction by two authors independently using the Nested-Knowledge Auto living semi-automated systematic review platform was carried out. The decision for selected studies was reviewed by a third author. Of the 360 studies identified, eight were included for the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis was conducted using R software.

MAIN RESULTS

Of the 24 maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes assessed, 11 were found to be associated with maternal OCD, notably pre-eclampsia (odds ratio [OR] 1.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-1.57), antepartum hemorrhage or placental abruption (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.13-1.54), postpartum hemporrhage (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.08-1.31), cesarean section delivery (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.23-1.41), emergency cesarean section (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.15-1.30), preterm birth (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.21-1.64), low birth weight (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.28-1.54), low Apgar score at 5 min (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.32-4.27), neonatal hypoglycemia (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.23-1.53), neonatal respiratory distress (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.44-2.16), and major congenital malformations (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.08-1.74).

CONCLUSION

OCD in pregnant women might be associated with multiple adverse feto-maternal outcomes.

Adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes associated with maternal schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and prenatal antipsychotic use: a meta-analysis of 37,214,330 pregnancy deliveries and propensity-score weighted population-based cohort study assessing confounder dependency of risk estimates

Studies demonstrated increased obstetric and neonatal complications in women with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder (SSD), but most inadequately addressed confounders and rarely considered antipsychotic effects. We conducted a meta-analysis and a population-based cohort study evaluating associations of adverse obstetric/neonatal outcomes with SSD and prenatal antipsychotic use. In the meta-analysis, we searched four databases from inception to October-31-2023 and generated pooled risk estimates using random-effect models. In the cohort study, we identified women aged 15-50 years with SSD-diagnosis from electronic-heath-record database of public healthcare-services who delivered first/singleton children between 2003 and 2018 in Hong Kong. Propensity-score weighted regression-analyses incorporating important confounders including maternal pre-existing and gestational morbidities, substance/alcohol abuse, and psychotropic use, were performed to assess risk of adverse obstetric/neonatal outcomes in SSD-women versus non-SSD-women, and subsequently treated-SSD and untreated-SSD subgroups to disentangle effects of SSD from antipsychotic exposure. The meta-analysis (studies = 18, women = 37,214,330, including 42,926 SSD-women) found significant associations of SSD with 12 of 17 analyzed negative obstetric/neonatal outcomes (with pooled relative risk ranged:1.12-2.10), including placental complications, induced labor, Caesarean delivery, fetal distress, stillbirth, preterm birth, small-for-gestational-age, low birth weight, low APGAR scores, neonatal and post-neonatal deaths. However, the cohort study (466,358 women, including 804 SSD-women) revealed that elevated risk of most study outcomes in unadjusted-models were markedly-attenuated or became non-significant in propensity-score weighted adjusted-models, except index-delivery hospitalization ≥7 days (odds ratio [OR] = 1.76 [95% CI = 1.33-2.34]), preterm birth (OR = 1.48 [95% CI = 1.09-2.00]) and neonatal special-care admission (OR = 1.65 [95% CI = 1.35-2.01]). Apart from higher neonatal special-care admission in treated-SSD than untreated-SSD women (OR = 1.75 [95% CI = 1.23-2.52]), no significant between-group differences emerged in other outcomes. In sum, elevated risk of most obstetric/neonatal complications reported in SSD-women might largely be explained by maternal physical comorbidities, substance/alcohol use disorders and other confounders. Interventions targeting modifiable maternal risk factors should be incorporated in prenatal care for SSD-women to minimize avoidable adverse outcomes.

A Scoping Review of Preterm Birth Risk Factors

Preterm birth is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, but its etiology and risk factors are poorly understood. We undertook a scoping review to illustrate the breadth of risk factors for preterm birth that have been reported in the literature. We conducted a search in the PubMed database for articles published in the previous 5 years. We determined eligibility for this scoping review by screening titles and abstracts, followed by full-text review. We extracted odds ratios and other measures of association for each identified risk factor in the articles. A total of 2,509 unique articles were identified from the search, of which 314 were eligible for inclusion in our final analyses. We summarized risk factors and their relative impacts in the following categories: Activity, Psychological, Medical History, Toxicology, Genetics, and Vaginal Microbiome. Many risk factors for preterm birth have been reported. It is challenging to synthesize findings given the multitude of isolated risk factors that have been studied, inconsistent definitions of risk factors and outcomes, and use of different covariates in analyses. Novel methods of analyzing large datasets may promote a more comprehensive understanding of the etiology of preterm birth and ability to predict the outcome. KEY POINTS: · Preterm birth is difficult to predict.. · Preterm birth has many diverse risk factors.. · Holistic approaches may yield new insights..

Social Determinants Among Pregnant Clients With Perinatal Depression, Anxiety, Or Serious Mental Illness

To characterize co-occurring social determinants of health for clients experiencing perinatal anxiety and depression (perinatal mood and anxiety disorders) or serious mental illness (SMI) in a diverse population receiving prenatal care in a safety-net health system, we conducted a latent class analysis, using data from a social determinants screener in pregnancy for the health system's clients during 2017-20. The sample included clients with positive screens for depression or anxiety or SMI diagnoses. Prenatal clients with a positive screen for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders or SMI comprised 13-30 percent of classes, characterized by more than two co-occurring social determinants (for example, co-occurring socioeconomic and interpersonal factors). The study findings highlight the salience of social determinants among prenatal patients experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorder and SMI and suggest the necessity of consistent screening for both social determinants and perinatal mental health. Policies to address social determinants within and beyond health care settings are critical.

Pregnancy intention in relation to maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with versus without psychiatric diagnoses

BACKGROUND

Studies have identified adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes for women with psychiatric disorders. Additionally, psychiatric disorders may pose an increased risk for unintended pregnancies (UPs) which in turn may also impact negatively on outcomes. The present study aims to compare the incidence of UPs in women with versus without current/past psychiatric diagnoses and investigates whether psychiatric history modifies the relation between delivery outcomes in women with and without UPs.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort was compiled of women who gave birth in a large hospital in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Women ≥18 years old with singleton pregnancies and birth registrations in the electronic patient file during January 1, 2015 to March 1, 2020 were included. Patient characteristics (including pregnancy intention and psychiatric history), maternal (gestational diabetes, mode of delivery) and neonatal outcomes (e.g., gestational age [GA], birthweight and Apgar scores) were registered by health care providers in hospital charts. Incidence of UPs was compared between women with versus without current/past psychiatric diagnoses. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between women with versus without UPs with linear or logistic regression models adjusted for relevant confounders with an interaction term for UP with current/past psychiatric diagnoses.

RESULTS

We included 1219 women with and 1093 women without current/past psychiatric diagnoses. Current/past psychiatric diagnoses were significantly associated with UPs after adjustment for confounders (39.0% vs. 29.6%, OR 1.56, CI 1.23-2.00, p < 0.001). In sub-analyses, women with depressive (OR 1.67, CI 1.24-2.26, p = 0.001), personality (OR 2.64, CI 1.38-5.11, p = 0.004) and substance-related and addictive disorders (OR 4.29, CI 1.90-10.03, p = 0.001) had higher odds of UPs compared to women without current/past psychiatric diagnoses. Amongst women with UPs, current/past psychiatric diagnoses did not modify maternal or neonatal outcomes, except for GA at delivery as women with both UPs and current/past psychiatric diagnosis had a 2.21-day higher mean GA at delivery than women in the reference group (p-value interaction = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Current/past psychiatric diagnoses are associated with a higher odd of UPs. In our sample, maternal and neonatal outcomes were comparable for women with and without UPs and these results were similar for women with and without current/past psychiatric diagnoses, except for GA at delivery. Although our study is limited by several factors, we found that women with current/past psychiatric diagnoses, irrespective of pregnancy planning status, do not have more adverse maternal or pregnancy outcomes. Increased efforts are needed to ensure that psychoeducation and conversations about pregnancy planning and UPs are available for women with current/past psychiatric diagnoses.

Longitudinal Changes of Depressive Symptoms in Sedentary Women Who Exercised During Pregnancy

Introduction

Prenatal depression is a common disorder; however, little is known about how depressive symptoms manifest during pregnancy, including when symptoms present and what symptoms are common. This study aimed to better understand prenatal depressive symptoms during pregnancy in the postpartum period, as well as how exercise, such as walking and stretching, can improve depressive symptoms during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Methods

A total of 55 women were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II for depressive symptoms at 16 weeks, 28 weeks, and 2 months postpartum. Sedentary pregnant women at-risk for preeclampsia were randomly assigned to either a stretching or walking group for 40 minutes five times a week from 18 weeks of gestation until birth. The primary analyses were analysis of variance and mixed-effects models.

Results

All depressive symptoms decreased throughout pregnancy during the postpartum period, although this trend was not statistically significant. Cognitive-affective and somatic depressive symptoms had different trajectories during pregnancy into the postpartum period, but no significant difference was found. Statistically significant improvements were observed in loss of energy and change in sleeping pattern for the walking and stretching groups.

Conclusion

The finding that physical activity improves the depressive symptoms' loss of energy and changes in sleeping patterns during pregnancy aligns with the existing literature, but little research has examined how individual depressive symptoms change throughout pregnancy into the postpartum period. Gaining a better understanding of the trajectories and manifestations of depressive symptoms during pregnancy and the postpartum period is essential for improving detection and treatment practices. Understanding when and how depressive symptoms are present is critical for the clinical diagnosis of this disorder.

Perinatal outcomes of Aboriginal women with mental health disorders

OBJECTIVE

Maternal mental disorders have been associated with adverse perinatal outcomes such as low birthweight and preterm birth, although these links have been examined rarely among Australian Aboriginal populations. We aimed to evaluate the association between maternal mental disorders and adverse perinatal outcomes among Aboriginal births.

METHODS

We used whole population-based linked data to conduct a retrospective cohort study (N = 38,592) using all Western Australia singleton Aboriginal births (1990-2015). Maternal mental disorders were identified based on the International Classification of Diseases diagnoses and grouped into six broad diagnostic categories. The perinatal outcomes evaluated were preterm birth, small for gestational age, perinatal death, major congenital anomalies, foetal distress, low birthweight and 5-minute Apgar score. We employed log-binomial/-Poisson models to calculate risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

After adjustment for sociodemographic factors and pre-existing medical conditions, having a maternal mental disorder in the five years before the birth was associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, with risk ratios (95% confidence intervals) ranging from 1.26 [1.17, 1.36] for foetal distress to 2.00 [1.87, 2.15] for low birthweight. We found similar associations for each maternal mental illness category and neonatal outcomes, with slightly stronger associations when maternal mental illnesses were reported within 1 year rather than 5 years before birth and for substance use disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

This large population-based study demonstrated an increased risk of several adverse birth outcomes among Aboriginal women with mental disorders. Holistic perinatal care, treatment and support for women with mental disorders may reduce the burden of adverse birth outcomes.

Paternal and maternal psychiatric history and risk of preterm and early term birth: A nationwide study using Swedish registers

BACKGROUND

Women with psychiatric diagnoses are at increased risk of preterm birth (PTB), with potential life-long impact on offspring health. Less is known about the risk of PTB in offspring of fathers with psychiatric diagnoses, and for couples where both parents were diagnosed. In a nationwide birth cohort, we examined the association between psychiatric history in fathers, mothers, and both parents and gestational age.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

We included all infants live-born to Nordic parents in 1997 to 2016 in Sweden. Psychiatric diagnoses were obtained from the National Patient Register. Data on gestational age were retrieved from the Medical Birth Register. Associations between parental psychiatric history and PTB were quantified by relative risk (RR) and two-sided 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from log-binomial regressions, by psychiatric disorders overall and by diagnostic categories. We extended the analysis beyond PTB by calculating risks over the whole distribution of gestational age, including "early term" (37 to 38 weeks). Among the 1,488,920 infants born throughout the study period, 1,268,507 were born to parents without a psychiatric diagnosis, of whom 73,094 (5.8%) were born preterm. 4,597 of 73,500 (6.3%) infants were born preterm to fathers with a psychiatric diagnosis, 8,917 of 122,611 (7.3%) infants were born preterm to mothers with a pscyhiatric diagnosis, and 2,026 of 24,302 (8.3%) infants were born preterm to both parents with a pscyhiatric diagnosis. We observed a shift towards earlier gestational age in offspring of parents with psychiatric history. The risks of PTB associated with paternal and maternal psychiatric diagnoses were similar for different psychiatric disorders. The risks for PTB were estimated at RR 1.12 (95% CI [1.08, 1.15] p < 0.001) for paternal diagnoses, at RR 1.31 (95% CI [1.28, 1.34] p < 0.001) for maternal diagnoses, and at RR 1.52 (95% CI [1.46, 1.59] p < 0.001) when both parents were diagnosed with any psychiatric disorder, compared to when neither parent had a psychiatric diagnosis. Stress-related disorders were associated with the highest risks of PTB with corresponding RRs estimated at 1.23 (95% CI [1.16, 1.31] p < 0.001) for a psychiatry history in fathers, at 1.47 (95% CI [1.42, 1.53] p < 0.001) for mothers, and at 1.90 (95% CI [1.64, 2.20] p < 0.001) for both parents. The risks for early term were similar to PTB. Co-occurring diagnoses from different diagnostic categories increased risk; for fathers: RR 1.10 (95% CI [1.07, 1.13] p < 0.001), 1.15 (95% CI [1.09, 1.21] p < 0.001), and 1.33 (95% CI [1.23, 1.43] p < 0.001), for diagnoses in 1, 2, and ≥3 categories; for mothers: RR 1.25 (95% CI [1.22, 1.28] p < 0.001), 1.39 (95% CI [1.34, 1.44] p < 0.001) and 1.65 (95% CI [1.56, 1.74] p < 0.001). Despite the large sample size, statistical precision was limited in subgroups, mainly where both parents had specific psychiatric subtypes. Pathophysiology and genetics underlying different psychiatric diagnoses can be heterogeneous.

CONCLUSIONS

Paternal and maternal psychiatric history were associated with a shift to earlier gestational age and increased risk of births before full term. The risk consistently increased when fathers had a positive history of different psychiatric disorders, increased further when mothers were diagnosed and was highest when both parents were diagnosed.

Perinatal psychotropic dispensing: A descriptive population-based study in New Zealand

INTRODUCTION

Decisions about using psychotropics during pregnancy are complex as risks of untreated illness are balanced against risks of fetal exposure to medication. The objective was to describe perinatal psychotropic dispensing patterns in New Zealand.

METHODS

Nationwide data from the New Zealand National Maternity Collection between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2017 identified 399 715 pregnancies. These were linked with dispensing records to determine the proportion of pregnancies during which at least 1 psychotropic was dispensed. Proportions were calculated separately for each class, year, pregnancy period, and across maternal characteristics. The pattern of dispensing (including discontinuations) was also determined for the 25 841 women who were dispensed at least 1 psychotropic drug prior to pregnancy.

RESULTS

From the 399 715 pregnancies in the study cohort, 6.6% were dispensed at least 1 psychotropic during pregnancy. Antidepressants (5.1%) were the most dispensed, followed by hypnotics (1.2%), anxiolytics (0.7%), and antipsychotics (0.7%). From the 25 841 pregnancies during which a psychotropic was dispensed pre-pregnancy, 91% and 90% discontinued hypnotics and anxiolytics respectively, prior to or during pregnancy. This was followed by lithium (71%), antipsychotics (66%), and antidepressants (66%).

DISCUSSION

Dispensing of psychotropics during pregnancy occurs in approximately 6.6% of pregnancies in New Zealand. Two-thirds of women (66%) on antidepressants or antipsychotics discontinue dispensing before or during pregnancy. This may have implications for maternal mental health, suggesting there is a need to investigate how healthcare providers and women are making decisions about psychotropic use during pregnancy.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and preeclampsia: A quality assessment and meta-analysis

Serotonin modulates vascular, immune, and neurophysiology and is dysregulated in preeclampsia. Despite biological plausibility that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) prevent preeclampsia pathophysiology, observational studies have indicated increased risk and providers may be hesitant. The objective of this meta-analysis and quality assessment was to evaluate the evidence linking SSRI use in pregnancy to preeclampsia/gestational hypertension. PubMed was searched through June 5, 2020 manually and using combinations of terms: "preeclampsia", "serotonin", and "SSRI". This review followed MOOSE guidelines. Inclusion criteria were: 1) Observational cohort or population study, 2) exposure defined as SSRI use during pregnancy, 3) cases defined as preeclampsia or gestational hypertension, and 4) human participants. Studies were selected that addressed the hypothesis that gestational SSRI use modulates preeclampsia and/or gestational hypertension risk. Review Manager Web was used to synthesize study findings. Articles were read and scored (Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale) for quality by two independent reviewers. Publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot and the Egger test. Of 179 screened studies, nine were included. The pooled risk ratio (random effects model) was 1.43 (95 % CI: 1.15-1.78, P < 0.001; range 0.96-4.86). Two studies were rated as moderate quality (both with total score of 6); others were high quality. Heterogeneity was high (I2 = 88 %) and funnel asymmetry was significant (p < 0.00001). Despite evidence for increased preeclampsia risk with SSRIs, shared risk factors and other variables are poorly controlled. Depression treatment should not be withheld due to perceived gestational hypertension risk. Mechanistic evidence for serotonin modulation in preeclampsia demonstrates a need for future research.

Effects of psychiatric disorders on ultrasound measurements and adverse perinatal outcomes in Chinese pregnant women: A ten-year retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Placental health and serial fetal ultrasound parameters deficits in fetal development in women with psychiatric disorders have yet to be understood. This study aimed to examine the effects of psychiatric disorders on placental health, ultrasound measurements, and adverse perinatal outcomes among Chinese pregnant women.

METHODS

All the pregnant women with psychiatric disorders who delivered at Women's Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China, between 2010 and 2020 were included. A total of 992 women (716 in the healthy control group and 276 in the psychiatric disorders group) were recruited. Outcomes include maternal and neonatal birth outcomes. Linear and logistic regression models were used to determine the beta (β) and odds ratios (OR) across 2 models after adjusting for multiple covariates.

RESULTS

For women with psychiatric diagnoses, the mean placental measurements and serial fetal ultrasound parameters, and neonatal birth weight were lower than general pregnant women. After controlling the use of psychotropic medication during pregnancy, women with psychiatric diagnoses showed higher rates of placental implantation abnormalities or placental adhesion (OR = 5.724, 95% CI = [1.805, 15.408]), gestational diabetes mellitus (OR = 3.861, 95% CI = [2.109, 7.068]), anemia in pregnancy (OR = 4.944, 95% CI = [2.306, 10.598]), preterm birth <37 weeks' gestation (OR = 3.200, 95% CI = [1.702, 6.016]), low birth weight (OR = 11.299, 95% CI = [4.068, 31.386]), and neonatal intensive care unit admission (OR = 3.143, 95% CI = [1.656, 5.962]) compared to women in the healthy control group.

CONCLUSION

Pregnant women with psychiatric disorders were more likely to have poor placental outcomes, more ultrasound parameter abnormalities and obstetrical complications, and a higher risk for adverse birth outcomes.

Prepregnancy Emergency Department Use and Risks of Severe Maternal and Neonatal Morbidity in Canada

IMPORTANCE

Emergency department (ED) use during pregnancy may be associated with worse obstetrical outcomes, possibly because of differences in access to health care. It is not known whether ED use before pregnancy is associated with serious adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To study the association between prepregnancy ED use and adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This population-based cohort study was conducted in Ontario, Canada, and included all livebirths and stillbirths from April 2003 to January 2020.

EXPOSURES

Main exposure was any ED encounter within 90 days preceding the start of the index pregnancy.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Primary outcome was a composite of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) from 20 weeks' gestation to 42 days' post partum. Secondary outcomes included severe neonatal morbidity (SNM) from 0 to 27 days, neonatal death, and stillbirth. Relative risks (RRs) were adjusted for maternal age, income, and rurality.

RESULTS

Of 2 130 245 births, there were 2 119 335 livebirths (99.5%) and 10 910 stillbirths (0.5%). The mean (SD) maternal age was 29.6 (5.4) years, 212 478 (9.9%) were rural dwelling, and 498 219 (23%) had 3 or more comorbidities. Among all births, 218 011 (9.7%) had a prepregnancy ED visit. The rate of SMM was higher among women with a prepregnancy ED visit than those without (22.3 vs 16.5 per 1000 births), with an RR of 1.34 (95% CI, 1.30-1.38) and an adjusted RR (aRR) of 1.37 (95% CI, 1.33-1.42). Compared with no prepregnancy ED visit, the aRR was higher in those with 1 (1.29; 95% CI, 1.24-1.34), 2 (1.51; 95% CI, 1.42-1.61), and 3 or more (1.74; 95% CI, 1.61-1.90) ED visits. Prepregnancy ED visits for a hematological (aRR, 13.60; 95% CI, 10.48-17.64), endocrine (aRR, 4.96; 95% CI, 3.72-6.62), and circulatory (aRR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.68-3.07) conditions were associated with the highest aRRs for SMM. The rate of SNM was higher among newborns whose mother visited the ED within 90 days before pregnancy (68.2 vs 55.4 per 1000 births; aRR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.22-1.26) as was the risk of neonatal death (aRR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.16-1.37) and stillbirth (aRR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.11-1.25).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this study, ED use was common before pregnancy. These findings suggest that ED use may not only reflect a woman's access to prepregnancy care but also higher future risk of severe maternal and perinatal morbidity, potentially offering a useful trigger for health system interventions to decrease adverse pregnancy outcomes.

The Changing Climate and Pregnancy Health

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Climate change is the biggest public health threat of the twenty-first century but its impact on the perinatal period has only recently received attention. This review summarizes recent literature regarding the impacts of climate change and related environmental disasters on pregnancy health and provides recommendations to inform future adaptation and mitigation efforts.

RECENT FINDINGS

Accumulating evidence suggests that the changing climate affects pregnancy health directly via discrete environmental disasters (i.e., wildfire, extreme heat, hurricane, flood, and drought), and indirectly through changes in the natural and social environment. Although studies vary greatly in design, analytic methods, and assessment strategies, they generally converge to suggest that climate-related disasters are associated with increased risk of gestational complication, pregnancy loss, restricted fetal growth, low birthweight, preterm birth, and selected delivery/newborn complications. Window(s) of exposure with the highest sensitivity are not clear, but both acute and chronic exposures appear important. Furthermore, socioeconomically disadvantaged populations may be more vulnerable. Policy, clinical, and research strategies for adaptation and mitigation should be continued, strengthened, and expanded with cross-disciplinary efforts. Top priorities should include (a) reinforcing and expanding policies to further reduce emission, (b) increasing awareness and education resources for healthcare providers and the public, (c) facilitating access to quality population-based data in low-resource areas, and (d) research efforts to better understand mechanisms of effects, identify susceptible populations and windows of exposure, explore interactive impacts of multiple exposures, and develop novel methods to better quantify pregnancy health impacts.

Evaluating depression and anxiety throughout pregnancy and after birth: impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic presents unique social, economic, and psychological challenges for individuals globally. Thus, women who are pregnant face unprecedented mental health challenges.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine the impact of the pandemic on perinatal depression and anxiety in a longitudinal pregnancy cohort. We hypothesized increased depression and anxiety scores in women during pregnancy and after birth in the pandemic at all time points.

STUDY DESIGN

Participants were enrolled in the Ontario Birth Study, a pregnancy cohort embedded in clinical care at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada. Perinatal depression and anxiety were assessed using the 2-Item Patient Health Questionnaire and 2-Item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire in early pregnancy, whereas the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and 2-Item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire were used in late pregnancy and after birth. Logistic regression models were created to examine the association of the pandemic with clinically elevated mental health scores in the prepandemic group vs pandemic group while adjusting for covariates.

RESULTS

A total of 1159 survey responses from 649 participants between March 1, 2019, and February 28, 2021, were used to conduct this study. Participants were assessed in early pregnancy (n=416), in late pregnancy (n=373), and after birth (n=370). Responses received on or before February 29, 2020, were considered the “prepandemic” responses, whereas responses after the aforementioned date were considered the “pandemic” responses. Mean rank scores of depression and anxiety were significantly higher in the pandemic group (P=.02 and P=.003, respectively) in the postpartum period. There was no significant association between pandemic time and antenatal scores. However, postnatally, mothers were 2.6 times more likely to score ≥13 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale during the pandemic than before the pandemic (95% confidence interval, 1.2–5.7; P=.02). Adjustment for ethnicity and income strengthened this association as the odds ratio increased to 3.3 (95% confidence interval, 1.4–8.0; P=.007).

CONCLUSION

Pandemic-associated increases in depression and anxiety scores were confined to the postpartum period, highlighting a need for increased screening and interventions for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders postnatally as this pandemic continues.

Severe mental illness and pregnancy outcomes in Australia. A population-based study of 595 792 singleton births 2009-2016

BACKGROUND

Women with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) may have more complex pregnancies and pregnancy outcomes that require different care and management, but this has not been extensively studied. The aim of this study was to explore associations between SMI and adverse maternal and infant outcomes in the state of Victoria, Australia.

METHODS

Our sample included all reported live singleton births in Victoria 2009-2016 (N = 595 792). Associations between SMI and adverse pregnancy outcomes were explored using Odds Ratios (OR), adjusted for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, and co-morbidities, including any other mental illness.

RESULTS

Of all singleton births, 2046 (0.34%) were to a mother diagnosed with a SMI. We found evidence of an association between SMI and a range of adverse maternal and infant outcomes. Compared to women without SMI, women with a SMI had higher adjusted odds of being admitted to a High Dependency Unit or Intensive Care Unit (aOR 1.83, 1.37-2.43), having gestational diabetes mellitus (1.57, 1.34-1.84), undergoing an unplanned caesarean section (1.17, 1.02-1.33), induction of labour (1.17, 1.05-1.30) and postpartum haemorrhage (1.15, 1.03-1.29). Newborns of women with SMI had higher adjusted odds of being admitted to Special Care Nursery (aOR 1.61, 1.43-1.80), a low Apgar score at 5 minutes (1.50, 1.19-1.90), preterm birth (1.40, 1.20-1.63), and low birthweight (1.26, 1.06-1.49).

CONCLUSION

Women with SMI are at higher risk for a range of adverse maternal and infant outcomes and are a population that may benefit from targeted early identification and enhanced antenatal care.

Schizophrenia pregnancies should be given greater health priority in the global health agenda: results from a large-scale meta-analysis of 43,611 deliveries of women with schizophrenia and 40,948,272 controls

Women with schizophrenia and their newborns are at risk of adverse pregnancy, delivery, neonatal and child outcomes. However, robust and informative epidemiological estimates are lacking to guide health policies to prioritise and organise perinatal services. For the first time, we carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesise the accumulating evidence on pregnancy, delivery, neonatal complications, and infant mortality among women with schizophrenia and their newborns (N = 43,611) vs. controls (N = 40,948,272) between 1999 and 2021 (26 population-based studies from 11 high-income countries) using random effects. Women with schizophrenia had higher odds (OR) of gestational diabetes (2.35, 95% CI: [1.57-3.52]), gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (OR 1.55, 95% CI: [1.02-2.36]; 1.85, 95% CI: [1.52-2.25]), antepartum and postpartum haemorrhage (OR 2.28, 95% CI: [1.58-3.29]; 1.14, 95% CI: [1.04-1.24]), placenta abruption, threatened preterm labour, and premature rupture of membrane (OR 2.20, 95% CI: [2.02-2.39]; 2.91, 95% CI: [1.57-5.40]; 1.29, 95% CI: [1.06-1.58]), c-section (OR 1.33, 95% CI: [1.22-1.45]), foetal distress (OR 1.80, 95% CI: [1.43-2.26]), preterm and very preterm delivery (OR 1.79, 95% CI: [1.62-1.98]; 2.31, 95% CI: [1.78-2.98]), small for gestational age and low birth weight (OR 1.63, 95% CI: [1.48-1.80]; 1.75, 95% CI: [1.46-2.11]), congenital malformations (OR 1.86, 95% CI: [1.71-2.03]), and stillbirths (OR 2.06, 95% CI: [1.83-2.31]). Their newborns had higher odds of neonatal death (OR 1.41, 95% CI: [1.03-1.94]), post-neonatal death (OR 2.87, 95% CI: [2.11-3.89]) and infant mortality (OR 2.33, 95% CI: [1.81-3.01]). This large-scale meta-analysis confirms that schizophrenia is associated with a substantially increased risk of very preterm delivery, stillbirth, and infant mortality, and metabolic risk in mothers. No population-based study has been carried out in low- and middle-income countries in which health problems of women with schizophrenia are probably more pronounced. More research is needed to better understand the complex needs of women with schizophrenia and their newborns, determine how care delivery could be optimised, and define best practices. Study registration: PROSPERO CRD42020197446.

Burden of severe maternal peripartum mental disorders in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review

Peripartum severe mental disorders (PSMDs) encompass schizophrenia, affective psychosis, and psychotic and non-psychotic forms of bipolar disorders. PSMDs are well documented in high-income countries. However, much less is known about the prevalence of PSMDs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The aim was to review the available literature systematically and estimate the prevalence of PSMDs among women in LMICs. We searched the Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Maternity and Infant Care databases systematically from the date of inception to Dec 31, 2020, for English-language publications with data on the prevalence of PSMDs among women in World Bank-defined LMICs. Selection of studies, extraction of data and assessment of study quality were each undertaken independently by at least two of the investigators. A total of five studies (completed in three countries spanning two continents) met the inclusion criteria. Five studies reported cumulative incidence of postpartum psychosis (ranging from 1.1 to 16.7 per 1000 births). We found no studies on the prevalence of severe mental disorder during pregnancy in these settings. Marked heterogeneity in methodology precluded meta-analysis. These findings indicate that PSMDs occur at a similar prevalence in low- and middle-income to high-income countries. However overall, there is a paucity of high-quality evidence from these settings. There is a need for rigorous studies with standardized methods to increase knowledge of the nature, prevalence, and determinants of PSMDs among women in resource-constrained LMICs to inform policies, service development, program planning and health professional training.

Pregnancy, delivery and neonatal complications in women with schizophrenia: a national population-based cohort study

Background

Existing studies evaluating the association between schizophrenia and complications associated with pregnancy, delivery and neonatal outcomes are based on data prior to 2014 and have reported heterogeneous results. The objective of our study was to determine whether pregnant women with schizophrenia were at increased risk of pregnancy, delivery and neonatal complications compared with women without severe mental disorders.

Methods

We performed a population-based cohort study of all singleton deliveries in France between Jan. 1, 2015, and Dec. 31, 2019. We divided this population into cases (i.e., women with schizophrenia) and controls (i.e., women without a diagnosis of severe mental disorder). Cases and controls were matched (1:4) inside the same hospital and the same year by age, social deprivation, parity, smoking, alcohol and substance addictions, malnutrition, obesity, and comorbidities. Univariate and multivariate models with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (ORs [95% CIs]) were used to estimate the association between schizophrenia and 24 pregnancy, delivery and neonatal outcomes.

Findings

Over 5 years, 3,667,461 singleton deliveries were identified, of which 3,108 occurred in women with schizophrenia. Compared to controls, women with schizophrenia were found to be older; have more frequent smoking, alcohol and substance addictions; suffer from obesity, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; and often be hospitalized in tertiary maternity hospitals. Compared to matched controls, women with schizophrenia had more pregnancy complications (adjusted OR=1.41[95%CI 1.31-1.51]) (i.e., gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, genito-urinary infection, intrauterine growth retardation and threatened preterm labour). They had more delivery complications (aOR=1.18[95%CI 1.09 1.29]) with more still births/medical abortions (aOR=2.17[95%CI 1.62-2.90]) and caesarean sections (aOR=1.15[95%CI 1.05-1.25]). Newborns of women with schizophrenia had more neonatal complications (aOR=1.38[95%CI 1.27-1.50]) with more born preterm (aOR=1.64[95%CI1.42 -1.90]), small for gestational age (aOR=1.34[95%CI 1.19-1.50]) and low birth weight (aOR=1.75[95%CI 1.53-2.00]).

Interpretation

Our results highlight the importance of health disparities between pregnant women with and without schizophrenia, as well as in their newborns. Our study calls for health policy interventions during and before pregnancy, including proportionate intensified care to the level of needs, effective case management and preventive and social determinant approaches.

Funding

No funding.

Sex differences in schizophrenia relevant to clinical care

Introduction: Most medical diagnoses present somewhat differently in men and women, more so at specific periods of life. Treatment effects may also differ. This is true for schizophrenia, where premorbid effects are experienced earlier in life in boys than in girls, and where symptoms and outcomes differ.Areas covered: This review does not cover all the differences that have been reported between men and women but, instead, focuses on the ones that carry important implications for clinical care: effective antipsychotic doses, medication side effects, symptom fluctuation due to hormonal levels, comorbidities, and women's requirements for prenatal, obstetric, postpartum, and parenting support.Expert opinion: Of consequence to schizophrenia, sex-biased genes, epigenetic modifications, and sex steroids all impact the structure and function of the brain. Furthermore, life experiences and social roles exert major sex-specific influences. The co-morbidities that accompany schizophrenia also affect men and women to different degrees. This review offers several examples of sex-specific intervention and concludes that gold standard treatment must look beyond symptoms and address all the physiologic, psychologic, and social role needs of men and women suffering from this psychiatric disorder.

Could Subtle Obstetrical Brachial Plexus Palsy Be Related to Unilateral B Glenoid Osteoarthritis?

Background: Several factors associated with B glenoid are also linked with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy (OBPP). The purpose of this observational study was to determine the incidence of OBPP risk factors in type B patients. Methods: A cohort of 154 patients (68% men, 187 shoulders) aged 63 ± 17 years with type B glenoids completed a questionnaire comprising history of perinatal characteristics related to OBPP. A literature review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) to estimate the incidence of OBPP risk factors in the general population. Results: Twenty-seven patients (18%) reported one or more perinatal OBPP risk factors, including shoulder dystocia (n = 4, 2.6%), macrosomia >4 kg (n = 5, 3.2%), breech delivery (n = 6, 3.9%), fetal distress (n = 8, 5.2%), maternal diabetes (n = 2, 1.3%), clavicular fracture (n = 2, 1.3%), and forceps delivery (n = 4, 2.6%). The comparison with the recent literature suggested that most perinatal OBPP risk factors were within the normal range, although the incidence of shoulder dystocia, forceps and vaginal breech deliveries exceeded the average rates. Conclusion: Perinatal factors related to OBPP did not occur in a higher frequency in patients with Walch type B OA compared to the general population, although some of them were in the high normal range.

The association between mental illness, psychotropic medication use and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy: A multicentre study

OBJECTIVES

Women with severe mental illnesses (SMI) may have elevated rates of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) due to an accumulation of risk factors. This study aims to determine the prevalence rate of HPD within a population of women with SMI and to report on rates within different mental illness diagnoses and types of medication exposure.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective multicentre study of 521 pregnant women attending specialised antenatal clinics for the management of established SMI.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Measures included sociodemographic characteristics, pregnancy complications, mental health diagnosis and psychotropic medication use.

RESULTS

Overall, 14% of women in the study had HDP. Compared to women with non-affective psychotic and other non-psychotic disorders (10.3%), women with depression and anxiety disorders demonstrated an increased risk of having a diagnosis of HDP (18.8%; RR = 1.82 [95% CI: 1.01, 3.29], p = .048). Log-binomial regression demonstrated that both a BMI in the overweight and obese range (RR = 3.37 [95% CI: 1.04, 10.95], p = .044) and continuous SNRI treatment throughout pregnancy (RR = 2.79 [95% CI; 1.33, 5.83], p = .006) were significant predictors of HDP, after adjusting for maternal age, gestational diabetes, and other mental health diagnoses.

CONCLUSION

Women with severe mental illnesses have elevated risk of developing HPD. Management remains complex and should address their comorbid risk profiles, and weigh up the risks and benefits of psychotropic medication use, given these results provide evidence of elevated rates of HDP associated with exposure to SNRI when taken throughout pregnancy.

Maternal post-traumatic stress and depression symptoms and outcomes after NICU discharge in a low-income sample: a cross-sectional study

Background

Having a preterm newborn and the experience of staying in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has the potential to impact a mother’s mental health and overall quality of life. However, currently there are few studies that have examined the association of acute post-traumatic stress (PTS) and depression symptoms and infant and maternal outcomes in low-income populations.

Design/ methods

In a cross-sectional study, we examined adjusted associations between positive screens for PTS and depression using the Perinatal Post-traumatic stress Questionnaire (PPQ) and the Patient Health-Questionnaire 2 (PHQ-2) with outcomes using unconditional logistic and linear regression models.

Results

One hundred sixty-nine parents answered the questionnaire with 150 complete responses. The majority of our sample was Hispanic (68%), non-English speaking (67%) and reported an annual income of <$20,000 (58%). 33% of the participants had a positive PPQ screen and 34% a positive PHQ-2 screen. After adjusting for confounders, we identified that a positive PHQ-2 depression score was associated with a negative unit (95% CI) change on the infant’s Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, second edition of − 9.08 (− 15.6, − 2.6) (p < 0.01). There were no significant associations between maternal stress and depression scores and infant Bayley Scales of Infant Development III scores or re-hospitalizations or emergency room visits. However, positive PPQ and screening score were associated with a negative unit (95% CI) unit change on the maternal Multicultural Quality of Life Index score of − 8.1 (− 12, − 3.9)(p < 0.01) and − 7.7 (− 12, − 3) (p = 0.01) respectively.

Conclusions

More than one-third of the mothers in this sample screened positively for PTS and depression symptoms. Screening scores positive for stress and depression symptoms were associated with a negative change in some infant development scores and maternal quality of life scores. Thoughtful screening programs for maternal stress and depression symptoms should be instituted.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-020-03536-0.

Depressed mood and anxiety as risk factors for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Psychosocial factors have been implicated as both a cause and consequence of hypertension in the general population but are less understood in relation to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). The aims of this review were to (1) synthesize the existing literature examining associations between depression and/or anxiety in pregnancy and HDP and (2) assess if depression and/or anxiety in early pregnancy was a risk factor for HDP.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO was conducted from inception to March 2020 using terms related to 'pregnancy', 'anxiety', 'depression', and 'hypertensive disorders'. English-language cohort and case-control studies were included if they reported: (a) the presence or absence of clinically significant symptoms of depression/anxiety, or a medical record diagnosis of depression or an anxiety disorder in pregnancy; (b) diagnosis of HDP; and/or (c) data comparing the depressed/anxious group to the non-depressed/anxious group on HDP. Data related to depression/anxiety, HDP, study characteristics, and aspects related to study quality were extracted independently by two reviewers. Random-effects meta-analyses of estimated pooled relative risks (RRs) were conducted for depression/anxiety in pregnancy and HDP.

RESULTS

In total, 6291 citations were retrieved, and 44 studies were included across 61.2 million pregnancies. Depression and/or anxiety were associated with HDP [RR = 1.39; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-1.54].

CONCLUSIONS

When measurement of anxiety or depression preceded diagnosis of hypertension, the association remained (RR = 1.27; 95% CI 1.07-1.50). Women experiencing depression or anxiety in pregnancy have an increased prevalence of HDP compared to their non-depressed or non-anxious counterparts.

Rapid repeat pregnancy in women with schizophrenia

AIM

Women with schizophrenia are vulnerable to adverse reproductive health outcomes. Short inter-pregnancy interval, or rapid repeat pregnancy, is associated with maternal and infant complications, and may be preventable. Whether women with schizophrenia are at disproportionate risk for rapid repeat pregnancy is unknown.

METHODS

This population-based cohort study in Ontario, Canada (2002-2013) compared women with and without schizophrenia on their risk of rapid repeat pregnancy, defined as pregnancy within 12 months of an index live birth. Among women with public drug coverage, those with and without schizophrenia were compared on their use of non-barrier contraception (hormonal and surgical) post-delivery.

RESULTS

Women with schizophrenia (n = 1565) were at higher risk for rapid repeat pregnancy than women without schizophrenia (n = 924,657) (6.3% vs. 3.9%, adjusted relative risk, aRR 1.31, 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.07-1.59). They had more rapid repeat pregnancies resulting in live births (aRR 1.85, 95% CI 1.26-2.72), but not pregnancy losses (aRR 1.50, 95% CI 0.99-2.29) or induced abortions (aRR 1.07, 95% CI 0.81-1.42). Post-delivery non-barrier contraception use was similar between groups (43.7% vs. 43.6%, aRR 1.06, 95% CI 0.93-1.20), although women with schizophrenia were more likely to use injectable contraception (14.1% vs. 10.1%, aRR 1.67, 95% CI 1.35-2.07).

DISCUSSION

Women with schizophrenia are at higher risk than their peers for rapid repeat pregnancy, but use non-barrier contraception at similar rates. The postnatal period is an opportune time to initiate targeted interventions designed to optimize planning for any future pregnancies, and contribute to improving maternal and child health in this vulnerable group.