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Smail MA, Lenz KM. Developmental functions of microglia: Impact of psychosocial and physiological early life stress. Neuropharmacology 2024; 258:110084. [PMID: 39025401 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Microglia play numerous important roles in brain development. From early embryonic stages through adolescence, these immune cells influence neuronal genesis and maturation, guide connectivity, and shape brain circuits. They also interact with other glial cells and structures, influencing the brain's supportive microenvironment. While this central role makes microglia essential, it means that early life perturbations to microglia can have widespread effects on brain development, potentially resulting in long-lasting behavioral impairments. Here, we will focus on the effects of early life psychosocial versus physiological stressors in rodent models. Psychosocial stress refers to perceived threats that lead to stress axes activation, including prenatal stress, or chronic postnatal stress, including maternal separation and resource scarcity. Physiological stress refers to physical threats, including maternal immune activation, postnatal infection, and traumatic brain injury. Differing sources of early life stress have varied impacts on microglia, and these effects are moderated by factors such as developmental age, brain region, and sex. Overall, these stressors appear to either 1) upregulate basal microglia numbers and activity throughout the lifespan, while possibly blunting their responsivity to subsequent stressors, or 2) shift the developmental curve of microglia, resulting in differential timing and function, impacting the critical periods they govern. Either could contribute to behavioral dysfunctions that occur after the resolution of early life stress. Exploring how different stressors impact microglia, as well as how multiple stressors interact to alter microglia's developmental functions, could deepen our understanding of how early life stress changes the brain's developmental trajectory. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Microglia".
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa A Smail
- Department of Psychology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Kathryn M Lenz
- Department of Psychology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Chronic Brain Injury Program, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Bucknor MC, Gururajan A, Dale RC, Hofer MJ. High fat diet consumption and social instability stress impair stress adaptation and maternal care in C57Bl/6 dams. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 169:107168. [PMID: 39146876 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Poor maternal diet and psychosocial stress represent two environmental factors that can significantly impact maternal health during pregnancy. While various mouse models have been developed to study the relationship between maternal and offspring health and behaviour, few incorporate multiple sources of stress that mirror the complexity of human experiences. Maternal high-fat diet (HF) models in rodents are well-established, whereas use of psychosocial stress interventions in female mice are still emerging. The social instability stress (SIS) paradigm, serves as a chronic and unpredictable form of social stress. To evaluate the combined effects of a poor maternal diet and intermittent social stress on maternal health and behaviour, we developed a novel maternal stress model using adult female C57Bl/6 mice. We observed that all HF+ mice demonstrated rapid weight gain, elevated fasting blood glucose levels and impaired glucose tolerance independent of the presence (+) or absence (-) of SIS. Behavioural testing output revealed anxiety-like behaviours remained similar across all groups prior to pregnancy. However, integrated anxiety z-scores revealed a mixed anxious profile amongst HF+/SIS+ females prior to pregnancy. HF+/SIS+ females also did not show reduced plasma ACTH and corticosterone levels that were observed in our other HF+ and HF- stress groups after SIS exposure. Further, HF+/SIS+ females demonstrated significant postpartum maternal neglect, resulting in fewer numbers of live offspring. These findings suggest that prolonged maternal HF diet consumption, coupled with previous exposure to SIS, places a significant burden on the maternal stress response system, resulting in reduced parental investment and negative postpartum behaviour towards offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan C Bucknor
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Anand Gururajan
- Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Russell C Dale
- The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Kids Neuroscience Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Markus J Hofer
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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van Dijk MT, Talati A, Barrios PG, Crandall AJ, Lugo-Candelas C. Prenatal depression outcomes in the next generation: A critical review of recent DOHaD studies and recommendations for future research. Semin Perinatol 2024; 48:151948. [PMID: 39043475 DOI: 10.1016/j.semperi.2024.151948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Prenatal depression, a common pregnancy-related risk with a prevalence of 10-20 %, may affect in utero development and socioemotional and neurodevelopmental outcomes in the next generation. Although there is a growing body of work that suggests prenatal depression has an independent and long-lasting effect on offspring outcomes, important questions remain, and findings often do not converge. The present review examines work carried out in the last decade, with an emphasis on studies focusing on mechanisms and leveraging innovative technologies and study designs to fill in gaps in research. Overall, the past decade of research continues to suggest that prenatal depression increases risk for offspring socioemotional problems and may alter early brain development by affecting maternal-fetal physiology during pregnancy. However, important limitations remain; lack of diversity in study samples, inconsistent consideration of potential confounders (e.g., genetics, postnatal depression, parenting), and restriction of examination to narrow time windows and single exposures. On the other hand, exciting work has begun uncovering potential mechanisms underlying transmission, including alterations in mitochondria functioning, epigenetics, and the prenatal microbiome. We review the evidence to date, identify limitations, and suggest strategies for the next decade of research to detect mechanisms as well as sources of plasticity and resilience to ensure this work translates into meaningful, actionable science that improves the lives of families.
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Affiliation(s)
- M T van Dijk
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, United States; New York State Psychiatric Institute, United States
| | - A Talati
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, United States; New York State Psychiatric Institute, United States
| | | | - A J Crandall
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, United States; New York State Psychiatric Institute, United States
| | - C Lugo-Candelas
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, United States; New York State Psychiatric Institute, United States.
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Abuaish S, Babineau V, Lee S, Tycko B, Champagne FA, Werner E, Monk C. Maternal high BMI: Sex-dimorphic alterations in maternal and offspring stress indices. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 171:107196. [PMID: 39341002 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 09/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024]
Abstract
Maternal body mass index (BMI) influences pregnancy and birth outcomes along with child metabolic and neurodevelopmental health and fetal sex may be a moderating factor in these effects. Alternations in autonomic nervous system (ANS) functioning, identified in heart rate (HR) measurements, could present early markers of these prenatal programming effects in both the mother and the developing fetus. This study examines the associations between pre-pregnancy BMI and maternal and fetal ANS functioning and infant postnatal behavioral outcomes stratified by fetal sex. Pregnant women (N=176) were recruited at gestational week (GW) T1: 12-22 and categorized into Normal (BMI< 25) or High BMI (BMI > 25). Women attended laboratory sessions at T2: GW 23-28, and T3: GW 34-36 to assess maternal and fetal HR and HR variability (HRV) at baseline and after a stressor at T3. Infant behavior was assessed at 4 months using the Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised. Women with high BMI bearing female fetuses had higher HR and lower HRV at both gestational time points. Later in the third trimester, female fetuses of high BMI women exhibited lower HRV when challenged with a stressor. At 4 months, female infants were rated as having lower scores on the Orienting/Regulatory scale. Our findings provide evidence of female sex-specific programming of maternal pre-pregnancy BMI on maternal ANS regulation and neurodevelopment identified in-utero and continuing into early infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameera Abuaish
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O.Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Vanessa Babineau
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Seonjoo Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin Tycko
- Hackensack-Meridian Health Center for Discovery and Innovation, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth Werner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Catherine Monk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Matsuo S, Moriyama Y, Ushida T, Imai K, Tano S, Miki R, Yoshida K, Yokoi A, Kajiyama H, Kotani T. Elevated levels of apolipoprotein A4 in umbilical cord serum from the maternal major depressive disorder. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2024. [PMID: 39319776 DOI: 10.1111/jog.16096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
AIM Prenatal maternal depression is known to affect the neurodevelopment of offspring. This study aimed to investigate the profile of umbilical cord serum in mothers with major depressive disorder (MDD). METHODS Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was conducted using umbilical cord serum from mothers with MDD (n = 5) and controls (control, n = 5). The levels of several differentially expressed proteins in umbilical cord serum were compared between the MDD (n = 10) and control groups (n = 10) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS The proteomic profiles in the umbilical cord serum were different between the MDD and control groups, including the pathways of regulation of plasma lipoprotein particle levels, and synapse organization. Only apolipoprotein A4 (APOA4) was significantly higher in the cord blood of MDD group. APOA4 levels in maternal serum were also significantly higher in the MDD group than those in the control group. The APOA4 levels in the umbilical cord serum were higher than that in the maternal serum. CONCLUSIONS The levels of APOA4, a biomarker of depression, in the umbilical cord serum at birth were elevated in the neonates of MDD mothers. It is, therefore, likely that fetuses of MDD mothers were exposed to higher APOA4 levels in utero and this could have developmental and mental health implications for the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiko Matsuo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Moriyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takafumi Ushida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kenji Imai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Division of Perinatology, Center for Maternal-Neonatal Care, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Sho Tano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Rika Miki
- Laboratory of Bell Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Collaborative Research, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kosuke Yoshida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Akira Yokoi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kajiyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Tomomi Kotani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Division of Perinatology, Center for Maternal-Neonatal Care, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
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Henry RD. Predicting newborn birth outcomes with prenatal maternal health features and correlates in the United States: a machine learning approach using archival data. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:603. [PMID: 39289636 PMCID: PMC11409579 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06812-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Newborns are shaped by prenatal maternal experiences. These include a pregnant person's physical health, prior pregnancy experiences, emotion regulation, and socially determined health markers. We used a series of machine learning models to predict markers of fetal growth and development-specifically, newborn birthweight and head circumference (HC). METHODS We used a pre-registered archival data analytic approach. These data consisted of maternal and newborn characteristics of 594 maternal-infant dyads in the western U.S. Participants also completed a measure of emotion dysregulation. In total, there were 22 predictors of newborn HC and birthweight. We used regularized regression for predictor selection and linear prediction, followed by nonlinear models if linear models were overfit. RESULTS HC was predicted best with a linear model (ridge regression). Newborn sex (male), number of living children, and maternal BMI predicted a larger HC, whereas maternal preeclampsia, number of prior preterm births, and race/ethnicity (Latina) predicted a smaller HC. Birthweight was predicted best with a nonlinear model (support vector machine). Occupational prestige (a marker similar to socioeconomic status) predicted higher birthweight, maternal race/ethnicity (non-White and non-Latina) predicted lower birthweight, and the number of living children, prior preterm births, and difficulty with emotional clarity had nonlinear effects. CONCLUSIONS HC and birthweight were predicted by a variety of variables associated with prenatal stressful experiences, spanning medical, psychological, and social markers of health and stress. These findings may highlight the importance of viewing prenatal maternal health across multiple dimensions. Findings also suggest that assessing difficulties with emotional clarity during standard obstetric care (in the U.S.) may help identify risk for adverse newborn outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert D Henry
- Department of Psychology, Hope College, 35 E 12th St, Office 1159, PO Box 9000, Holland, 49422, MI, USA.
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Çetindağ Karatlı SK, Uğurlu M, Keskin A, Dağcıoğlu BF, Karakaş Uğurlu G, Karatlı S. A Comprehensive and Longitudinal View of Pregnancy from the Perspective of the Couple, Maternal Mental Health and Fetal Growth. Matern Child Health J 2024; 28:1592-1603. [PMID: 38847991 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-024-03953-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigates the impact of both maternal psychopathological factors and adaptive psychological changes within the couple on fetal growth, emphasizing the importance of evaluating pregnancy from the perspectives of the couple, the mother, and the fetus collectively. A "couple" in this context refers to heterosexual partners engaged in the pregnancy process together, whether married or in a stable relationship. METHODS We included 189 pregnant women in their first trimester, tracking maternal depression, anxiety, body appreciation, prenatal attachment, and the couple's adjustment level across each trimester. Fetal growth parameters measured include biparietal diameter, femur length, humerus length, abdomen circumference, head circumference, β-HCG, and amniotic fluid levels, with relationships between these variables being modeled accordingly. RESULTS Our findings indicate stable levels of maternal depression, anxiety, body appreciation, and couple's adjustment throughout the pregnancy, with a significant increase in prenatal attachment levels in each subsequent trimester. Prenatal attachment in the first trimester and maternal depression levels in the second and third trimesters were found to directly influence fetal growth, while other variables exhibited indirect effects. CONCLUSIONS Fetal growth is influenced by a myriad of biopsychosocial factors. Ensuring healthy pregnancy and fetal development necessitates close monitoring and support of the mother's adaptive psychological changes, early identification and treatment of potential psychopathologies, and maintenance of the psychosocial health of the couple.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mustafa Uğurlu
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Ahmet Keskin
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Basri Furkan Dağcıoğlu
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Görkem Karakaş Uğurlu
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Salih Karatlı
- Karabük Training and Research Hospital, Internal Medicine, Karabük, Turkey
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Chua KJ, Knorr DA, Jimenez J, Francia A, Rojas V, Garcia JI, Fox M. What Do Your Neighbors Think About You? How Perceived Neighbor Attitudes Toward Latinos Influence Mental Health Among a Pregnant Latina Cohort. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024; 11:2154-2165. [PMID: 37391606 PMCID: PMC10756922 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01684-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Latina women living in the USA experience disproportionately higher rates of psychological distress compared to their non-Latina White counterparts. Poor maternal mental health during pregnancy can contribute to intergenerational mental health disparities. Through this pathway, mothers' experiences, environments, and exposures (henceforth "exposures") during pregnancy become biologically embodied and can negatively affect the fetus and life-long developmental trajectories of her child. One of the exposures that can affect mother-offspring dyads is the neighborhood. With the goal of integrating anthropological and sociological theories to explain mental health disparities among pregnant Latina women, we explored how perceptions of neighbor attitudes may influence mental health during pregnancy. We analyzed self-reported responses from 239 pregnant Latina women in Southern California (131 foreign-born, 108 US-born) on their mental health and perceived attitudes of their neighbors using multiple linear regression models. Among foreign-born Latina women, living in neighborhoods with more favorable views of Latinos was associated with lower depression scores (pooled β = - .70, SE = .29, p = .019) and lower pregnancy-related anxiety scores (pooled β = - .11, SE = .05, p = .021), but greater state anxiety scores (pooled β = .09, SE = .04, p = .021). Among US-born women, there were no associations between neighbor attitudes and mental health. Overall, results suggest that social environments are correlated with mental health and that foreign-born and US-born Latinas have varied mental health experiences in the USA. Our findings highlight the importance of improving aspects of neighborhood cohesion as part of maternal-fetal care management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine J Chua
- Department of Anthropology, University of California Los Angeles, 341 Haines Hall, 375 Portola Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- California Center for Population Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Delaney A Knorr
- Department of Anthropology, University of California Los Angeles, 341 Haines Hall, 375 Portola Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- California Center for Population Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Janelly Jimenez
- Department of Anthropology, University of California Los Angeles, 341 Haines Hall, 375 Portola Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Arlene Francia
- Department of Anthropology, University of California Los Angeles, 341 Haines Hall, 375 Portola Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Valeria Rojas
- Department of Anthropology, University of California Los Angeles, 341 Haines Hall, 375 Portola Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Jhoana Infante Garcia
- Department of Anthropology, University of California Los Angeles, 341 Haines Hall, 375 Portola Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Molly Fox
- Department of Anthropology, University of California Los Angeles, 341 Haines Hall, 375 Portola Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- California Center for Population Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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Jimènez-Barragan M, Falguera-Puig G, Curto-Garcia JJ, Monistrol O, Coll-Navarro E, Tarragó-Grima M, Ezquerro-Rodriguez O, Ruiz AC, Codina-Capella L, Urquizu X, Pino Gutierrez AD. Prevalence of anxiety and depression and their associated risk factors throughout pregnancy and postpartum: a prospective cross-sectional descriptive multicentred study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:500. [PMID: 39054429 PMCID: PMC11270936 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06695-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression and their associated risk factors throughout the pregnancy and postpartum process using a new screening for the early detection of mental health problems. DESIGN A prospective cross-sectional descriptive multicentred study. Participants were consecutively enrolled at ≥ 12 weeks' gestation and followed at three different time points: at 12-14 weeks of pregnancy, at 29-30 weeks of pregnancy, and 4-6 weeks postpartum. All women completed a mental screening at week 12-14 of pregnancy consisting of two questions from the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-2) and the two Whooley questions. If this screening was positive, the woman completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). SETTING Seven primary care centres coordinated by a Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department in the city of Terrassa (Barcelona) in northern Spain. PARTICIPANTS Pregnant women (N = 335, age 18-45 years), in their first trimester of pregnancy, and receiving prenatal care in the public health system between July 2018 and July 2020. FINDINGS The most relevant factors associated with positive screening for antenatal depression or anxiety during pregnancy, that appear after the first trimester of pregnancy, are systematically repeated throughout the pregnancy, and are maintained in the postpartum period were: a history of previous depression, previous anxiety, abuse, and marital problems. In weeks 12-14 early risk factors for positive depression and anxiety screening and positive EPDS were: age, smoking, educational level, employment status, previous psychological/psychiatric history and treatment, suicide in the family environment, voluntary termination of pregnancy and current planned pregnancy, living with a partner and partner's income. In weeks 29-30 risk factors were: being a skilled worker, a history of previous depression or anxiety, and marital problems. In weeks 4-6 postpartum, risk factors were: age, a history of previous depression or anxiety or psychological/psychiatric treatment, type of treatment, having been mistreated, and marital problems. CONCLUSIONS Early screening for anxiety and depression in pregnancy may enable the creation of more effective healthcare pathways, by acting long before mental health problems in pregnant women worsen or by preventing their onset. Assessment of anxiety and depression symptoms before and after childbirth and emotional support needs to be incorporated into routine practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Jimènez-Barragan
- Universitat de Barcelona, Fundació Assistencial Mútua Terrassa, (Terrassa), Research Group on Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (GRASSIR), (2021-sgr-01489), Barcelona, 08221, Spain.
- ASSIR Fundació Assistencial Mútua Terrassa, Universitat de Barcelona, Plaça Dr. Robert 5, Barcelona, 08221, Spain.
| | - Gemma Falguera-Puig
- Atenció a la Salut Sexual i Reproductiva Metropolitana Nord, Direcció d'Atenció Primària Metropolitana Nord, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain
- Research Group on Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (GRASSIR), (2021-sgr-01489), Barcelona, 08007, Spain
- Institut Universitari d'Investigació en Atenció Primària Jordi Gol (IDIAP Jordi Gol), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Olga Monistrol
- Faculty of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, Iguada, Spain
| | | | - Mercè Tarragó-Grima
- Midwife, Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic (ASSIR) CAP Rambla Terrassa, Mollet, Spain
| | | | - Anna Carmona Ruiz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fundació Sanitària Mollet, Mollet, Spain
| | - Laura Codina-Capella
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fundació Assistencial Mútua Terrassa, Terrassa, Spain
| | - Xavier Urquizu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fundació Sanitària Mollet, Mollet, Spain
| | - Amparo Del Pino Gutierrez
- Departament de Salut Pública, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Salut Mental i Materno-infantil, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Santaguida E, Bergamasco M. A perspective-based analysis of attachment from prenatal period to second year postnatal life. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1296242. [PMID: 38840732 PMCID: PMC11150629 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1296242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Attachment is one of the foundational themes in the history of the psychological development of human beings. For this reason, we assume that it must be approached by taking into account multiple scientific perspectives. The present review aims at analyzing the state of the art regarding the genetic, neurobiological and cognitive mechanisms underlying the development of attachment bonding, considering the child as the frame of reference. We hypothesize that attachment may be present in prototypical forms even in the prenatal period, thus our analysis has a temporal origin in the intrauterine period preceding birth. The intrauterine period is assumed to be a period of maximum sensitivity to stimuli and in particular to those coming from a potential primary caregiver: the biological mother. We conclude with a reframing of the state of the art and propose that future research work would benefit from a superordinate model of attachment, capable of containing and regulating all its components and variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Santaguida
- Institute of Mechanical Intelligence, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
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Hantoushzadeh S, Gargari OK, Jamali M, Farrokh F, Eshraghi N, Asadi F, Mirzamoradi M, Razavi SJ, Ghaemi M, Aski SK, Panhi Z, Habibi GR. The association between increased fetal movements in the third trimester and perinatal outcomes; a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:365. [PMID: 38750467 PMCID: PMC11095027 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06547-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal movement monitoring is one of the strategies used to assess the fetus's health. Until now, most studies focused on the decreased fetal movement and neonatal outcome, although this systematic review and meta-analysis is designed to assess the association between increased fetal movements (IFM) with perinatal outcomes. METHOD The electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE were systematically searched for studies investigating the perinatal outcome of women with increased fetal movements from inception to July 2023. Following that, a random-effect meta-analysis model was used to obtain the combined diagnostic and predictive parameters including perinatal mortality (still birth and early neonatal mortality), operative delivery, Apgar score, neonatal resuscitation at birth and NICU Admission. RESULTS After the initial screening, seven studies examining the association between increased third trimester fetal movement and various perinatal outcomes were included. Meta-analysis revealed a significant reduction in the risk of cesarean delivery among patients with IFM compared to controls, suggesting a potential protective effect during childbirth. However, no statistically significant difference was observed in birth weight, small or large for gestational age births, neonatal intensive care unit admission, maternal age, umbilical cord around the neck, gestational diabetes mellitus, and hypertension, indicating that IFM may not be a major predictor of adverse perinatal outcomes or maternal conditions. Notably, IFM was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of labor induction. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that IFM may have a protective effect against cesarean delivery. Additionally, IFM does not appear to be significantly associated with maternal age, umbilical cord around the neck, gestational diabetes mellitus and hypertension. However, the observed significant association with labor induction warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedigheh Hantoushzadeh
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Omid Kohandel Gargari
- Gene Therapy Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Jamali
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Mahdiyeh Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Farrokh
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Mahdiyeh Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasim Eshraghi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Asadi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Mirzamoradi
- Vali-E-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Family Health Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Jafar Razavi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Marjan Ghaemi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
| | - Sudabeh Kazemi Aski
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Zahra Panhi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Gholam Reza Habibi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
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12
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Phillips AA, Punn R, Algaze C, Blumenfeld YJ, Chock VY, Kwiatkowski DM, Quirin A, Tacy TA, Thorson K, Maskatia SA. Left Ventricular Strain, Arch Angulation, and Velocity-Time Integral Ratio Improve Performance of a Clinical Pathway for Fetal Diagnosis of Neonatal Coarctation of the Aorta. Fetal Diagn Ther 2024; 51:320-334. [PMID: 38621375 PMCID: PMC11318582 DOI: 10.1159/000538550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neonatal presentation of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a potentially life-threatening condition that is difficult to diagnose in fetal life. We therefore sought to validate and compare novel metrics that may add diagnostic value for fetal CoA, including the diastolic to systolic aortic isthmus VTI ratio (VTId:VTIs), ascending aorta to descending aorta angle (AAo-DAo), transverse aorta to descending aorta angle (TAo-DAo), and LV longitudinal strain (LVS), then to evaluate whether these novel metrics improve specificity to identify fetuses at the highest risk for postnatal CoA without compromising sensitivity. METHODS Retrospective cohort study of fetuses followed a prospective clinical pathway and previously classified as mild, moderate, or high-risk for CoA based on standard fetal echo metrics. Novel metrics were retrospectively measured in a blinded manner. RESULTS Among fetuses with prenatal concern for CoA, VTId:VTIs, AAo-DAo angle, TAo-DAo angle, and LVS were significantly different between surgical and non-surgical cases (p < 0.01 for all variables). In the subgroup of moderate- and high-risk fetuses, the standard high-risk criteria (flow reversal at the foramen ovale or aortic arch) did not discriminate effectively between surgical and non-surgical cases. VTId:VTIs, AAo-Dao angle, Tao-DAo angle, and LVS all demonstrated greater discrimination than standard high-risk criteria, with specificity of 100% and PPV (positive predictive value) of 78-100%. CONCLUSIONS The incorporation of novel metrics added diagnostic value to our clinical pathway for fetal CoA with higher specificity than the previous high-risk criteria. The incorporation of these metrics into the evaluation of fetuses at moderate- or high-risk for surgical CoA may improve prenatal counseling, allow for more consistent surgical planning, and ultimately optimize hospital resource allocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Anthony Phillips
- Divisions of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Rajesh Punn
- Divisions of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Fetal and Pregnancy Health Program, Stanford Children’s Health, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Claudia Algaze
- Divisions of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yair J. Blumenfeld
- Fetal and Pregnancy Health Program, Stanford Children’s Health, Stanford, CA, USA
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Valerie Y. Chock
- Neonatology and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - David M. Kwiatkowski
- Divisions of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Amy Quirin
- Divisions of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Neonatology and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Theresa A. Tacy
- Divisions of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Fetal and Pregnancy Health Program, Stanford Children’s Health, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kelly Thorson
- Divisions of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Shiraz A. Maskatia
- Divisions of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Neonatology and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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13
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Zhu Y, Li X, Chen J, Gong W. Perinatal depression trajectories and child development at one year: a study in China. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:176. [PMID: 38448846 PMCID: PMC10918895 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06330-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of the current study was to investigate the correlation between trajectories of maternal perinatal depression (PND) spanning from early pregnancy to one year postpartum and developmental delays observed in one-year-old children. METHODS The dataset under examination encompassed 880 women who took part in a mother-child birth study conducted in China. Latent class growth analysis (LCGA) was employed to identify patterns in Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores of women, spanning from early pregnancy to one year postpartum. To assess the neurodevelopment of one-year-old children, a Chinese version of the Bayley Scale of Infant Development (BSID-CR) was employed. Logistic regression was employed to explore the association between PND trajectories and developmental delays in children, with appropriate covariate adjustments. RESULTS The trajectories of maternal PND identified in this study included a minimal-stable symptom group (n = 155), low-stable symptom group (n = 411), mild-stable symptom group (n = 251), and moderate-stable symptom group (n = 63). Logistic regression analysis revealed that mothers falling into the moderate-stable symptom group exhibited a notably heightened risk of having a child with psychomotor developmental delays at the age of one year. CONCLUSIONS The findings drawn from a representative sample in China provide compelling empirical evidence that bolsters the association between maternal PND and the probability of psychomotor developmental delays in children. It is imperative to develop tailored intervention strategies and meticulously design mother-infant interactive intervention programs for women with PND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhu
- School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- HER Team and Department of Maternal and Child Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Hunan, China
| | - Junyu Chen
- School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenjie Gong
- HER Team and Department of Maternal and Child Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Hunan, China.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA.
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, 172 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, 410006, Hunan, China.
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14
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Vu H. I wish I were born in another time: Unintended consequences of immigration enforcement on birth outcomes. HEALTH ECONOMICS 2024; 33:345-362. [PMID: 37910628 DOI: 10.1002/hec.4775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
This paper studies the effects of Secure Communities (SC), a wide-ranging immigration enforcement program, on infant health outcomes in the United States. Using administrative birth certificate data together with event study and triple-differences designs, I find that SC increases the incidence of very low birth weight by 21% for infants of foreign-born Hispanic mothers, who were most likely to be affected by immigration enforcement. There is suggestive evidence that the results are consistent with (i) changes in maternal stress induced by deportation fear and (ii) inadequate prenatal nutrition. A back-of-the-envelope calculation suggests that this unintended social cost of immigration enforcement ranges from $872 million to $1.59 billion annually.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoa Vu
- School of Education and Social Policy, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
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15
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Amani B, Krzeczkowski JE, Schmidt LA, Van Lieshout RJ. Public health nurse-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for postpartum depression: Assessing the effects of maternal treatment on infant emotion regulation. Dev Psychopathol 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38273706 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579423001566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
The effects of maternal postpartum depression (PPD) on offspring emotion regulation (ER) are particularly deleterious as difficulties with ER predict an increased risk of psychopathology. This study examined the impact of maternal participation in a public health nurse (PHN)-delivered group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention on infant ER. Mothers/birthing parents were ≥ 18 years old with an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score ≥ 10, and infants were < 12 months. Between 2017 and 2020, 141 mother-infant dyads were randomized to experimental or control groups. Infant ER was measured at baseline (T1) and nine weeks later (T2) using two neurophysiological measures (frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) and high-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV)), and informant-report of infant temperament. Mothers were a mean of 30.8 years old (SD = 4.7), 92.3% were married/ common-law, and infants were a mean of 5.4 months old (SD = 2.9) and 52.1% were male. A statistically significant group-by-time interaction was found to predict change in HF-HRV between T1 and T2 (F(1,68.3) = 4.04, p = .04), but no significant interaction predicted change in FAA or temperament. Results suggest that PHN-delivered group CBT for PPD may lead to adaptive changes in a neurophysiological marker of infant ER, highlighting the importance of early maternal intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahar Amani
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | | | - Louis A Schmidt
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Ryan J Van Lieshout
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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16
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Spann MN, Alleyne K, Holland CM, Davids A, Pierre-Louis A, Bang C, Oyeneye V, Kiflom R, Shea E, Cheng B, Peterson BS, Monk C, Scheinost D. The effects of experience of discrimination and acculturation during pregnancy on the developing offspring brain. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:476-485. [PMID: 37968451 PMCID: PMC10724278 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01765-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
The experience of ethnic, racial, and structural inequalities is increasingly recognized as detrimental to health, and early studies suggest that its experience in pregnant mothers may affect the developing fetus. We characterized discrimination and acculturation experiences in a predominantly Hispanic sample of pregnant adolescent women and assessed their association with functional connectivity in their neonate's brain. We collected self-report measures of acculturation, discrimination, maternal distress (i.e., perceived stress, childhood trauma, and depressive symptoms), and socioeconomic status in 165 women. Then, we performed a data-driven clustering of acculturation, discrimination, perceived stress, depressive symptoms, trauma, and socioeconomic status variables during pregnancy to determine whether discrimination or acculturation clustered into distinct factors. Discrimination and acculturation styles loaded onto different factors from perceived stress, depressive symptoms, trauma, and socioeconomic status, suggesting that they were distinct from other factors in our sample. We associated these data-driven maternal phenotypes (discrimination and acculturation styles) with measures of resting-state functional MRI connectivity of the infant amygdala (n = 38). Higher maternal report of assimilation was associated with weaker connectivity between their neonate's amygdala and bilateral fusiform gyrus. Maternal experience of discrimination was associated with weaker connectivity between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex and stronger connectivity between the amygdala and fusiform of their neonate. Cautiously, the results may suggest a similarity to self-contained studies with adults, noting that the experience of discrimination and acculturation may influence amygdala circuitry across generations. Further prospective studies are essential that consider a more diverse population of minoritized individuals and with a comprehensive assessment of ethnic, racial, and structural factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa N Spann
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Kiarra Alleyne
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cristin M Holland
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Antonette Davids
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Arline Pierre-Louis
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Claire Bang
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Eileen Shea
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bin Cheng
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bradley S Peterson
- Institute for the Developing Mind, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Catherine Monk
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
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17
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Shader RI. The Placenta and Psychiatry: Reinforcing Information. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2024; 44:3-4. [PMID: 38011028 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000001779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard I Shader
- From Tufts University School of Medicine (TUSM), The Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development (TUSM), Boston, Massachusetts
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18
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Cooke LM, Moodley S, Paruk L. The profile of adolescent patients presenting to a tertiary maternal mental health clinic. S Afr J Psychiatr 2023; 29:2185. [PMID: 38223306 PMCID: PMC10784263 DOI: 10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v29i0.2185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Between March 2021 and April 2022, there were 90 037 documented adolescent pregnancies in South Africa. Statistics SA reports that this number is growing. Pregnancy places adolescents at greater risk of psychiatry-related morbidity and may have far-reaching consequences for their children. To date, there is no published data describing the patient profile of adolescent pregnancies in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Aim To describe the patient profile (demographics, schooling history and type of accommodation), pregnancy-related factors, substance use habits and contraceptive use in pregnant adolescents seen at a tertiary care maternal mental health clinic (MMHC). Setting The MMHC at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa. Methods A retrospective file review of all pregnant adolescents referred to the MMHC between January and June 2022. Results The mean age of the patients was 15.2 years; 72% attended school and 97.4% planned to return. Most pregnancies were unplanned (97.9%), wanted (84%) and presented in the second (41.24%) and third (51.55%) trimesters. Most did not report using substances (76.7%). Fifty percent of the participants met the criteria for a major depressive disorder. Repeating a grade was an identifiable risk factor for an increased Edinburgh depression score. An unplanned pregnancy was associated with a higher risk factor assessment. Conclusion Pregnant adolescents represent a vulnerable population group. A greater understanding of this patient profile may inform early psychiatric and psychosocial interventions, improved service delivery and help-seeking behaviour. Contribution This study gives significant insights into the challenges faced, as well as the health and social needs of pregnant adolescents. This contributes to wholistic care and opportunities for early intervention, including awareness of contraceptive use and the risks of substance use and adolescent pregnancy on mental health, benefiting all South African adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luzaan M Cooke
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sanushka Moodley
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Laila Paruk
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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19
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Howard S, Houghton CMG, White R, Fallon V, Slade P. The feasibility and acceptability of a single-session Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention to support women self-reporting fear of childbirth in a first pregnancy. Psychol Health 2023; 38:1460-1481. [PMID: 35060404 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2021.2024190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a single-session Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention to help women manage fear of childbirth during a first pregnancy. DESIGN A mixed-methods approach including qualitative feedback and pre/post-intervention self-report measures. Pregnant women (14-37 weeks gestation) were recruited via the UK National Health Service and attended a single-session (<3 hours) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention alongside routine antenatal care. Data were analysed using content and statistical analyses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Fear of childbirth, anxiety and wellbeing were the main outcome measures. Secondary to these, intolerance of uncertainty and valued life domains (e.g. relationships, recreation) as hypothesised mechanisms of change, were also assessed. RESULTS 33 expressions of interest were received, 21 women signed up, 15 participated, and 11 completed follow-up measures (participation rate: 33%). Findings demonstrated clinical and statistical reductions in fear of childbirth and anxiety alongside positive feedback on the intervention. Intolerance of uncertainty and wellbeing were low at baseline and remained unchanged. CONCLUSION A single-session Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention to manage fear of childbirth is potentially feasible and acceptable. A pilot randomised controlled trial is warranted. Further research should explore efficacy and how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy may reduce perinatal distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Howard
- Clinical Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Ross White
- Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Vicky Fallon
- School of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Pauline Slade
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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20
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Abdelhafez M, Ahmed K, Ahmed N, Ismail M, Mohd Daud MNB, Ping NPT, Eldiasty A, Amri MFB, Jeffree MS, Kadir F, pg Baharuddin DM, Bolong MFB, Hayati F, BtAzizan N, Sumpat D, Syed Abdul Rahim SS, Abdel Malek EH. Psychiatric illness and pregnancy: A literature review. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20958. [PMID: 37954333 PMCID: PMC10632674 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Women of reproductive age frequently suffer from psychiatric disorders. The risk of developing anxiety, bipolar, and depressive disorders is especially significant during the perinatal period. Objectives This article aims to identify and discuss the different psychiatric conditions that might affect pregnant women and update the mother's carers about the recent and updated bidirectional relationship between psychiatric disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes, As well as the most updates in diagnostic and management strategies. Methods A thorough analysis of the literature was conducted using database searches in EMBASE, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed to obtain the objectives and aim of the study. Results The presence of maternal mental illness during pregnancy has been linked to preterm delivery, newborn hypoglycemia, poor neurodevelopmental outcomes, and disturbed attachment. Placental anomalies, small-for-gestational-age foetuses, foetal discomfort, and stillbirth are among more undesirable perinatal outcomes. Conclusions Pregnancy-related psychiatric disorders are frequent. The outcomes for pregnant women, infants, and women's health are all improved by proper diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- MohsenM.A. Abdelhafez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia
| | - KarimA.M. Ahmed
- Department of Dermatology, Helios Saint Johannes Klinikum, Duisburg, Germany
| | - NashwaA.M. Ahmed
- Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dental and Oral Surgery, Ahram Canadian University, Egypt
| | - MohdHamdy Ismail
- Owner and Leading Clinician, Ulti Care Dental Clinics, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohd Nazri Bin Mohd Daud
- Family Medicine Unit, Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Nicholas Pang Tze Ping
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia
| | - AyaM. Eldiasty
- Department of Dermatology, Helios Saint Johannes Klinikum, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Mohd Fariz Bin Amri
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Saffree Jeffree
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Fairrul Kadir
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Dg Marshitah pg Baharuddin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Mohammed Firdaus Bin Bolong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Firdaus Hayati
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Nornazirah BtAzizan
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Doreen Sumpat
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia
| | | | - Ehab Helmy Abdel Malek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia
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21
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Kocher K, Bhattacharya S, Niforatos-Andescavage N, Almalvez M, Henderson D, Vilain E, Limperopoulos C, Délot EC. Genome-wide neonatal epigenetic changes associated with maternal exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Med Genomics 2023; 16:268. [PMID: 37899449 PMCID: PMC10614377 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-023-01707-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During gestation, stressors to the fetus, including viral exposure or maternal psychological distress, can fundamentally alter the neonatal epigenome, and may be associated with long-term impaired developmental outcomes. The impact of in utero exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic on the newborn epigenome has yet to be described. METHODS This study aimed to determine whether there are unique epigenetic signatures in newborns who experienced otherwise healthy pregnancies that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic (Project RESCUE). The pre-pandemic control and pandemic cohorts (Project RESCUE) included in this study are part of a prospective observational and longitudinal cohort study that evaluates the impact of elevated prenatal maternal stress during the COVID-19 pandemic on early childhood neurodevelopment. Using buccal swabs collected at birth, differential DNA methylation analysis was performed using the Infinium MethylationEPIC arrays and linear regression analysis. Pathway analysis and gene ontology enrichment were performed on resultant gene lists. RESULTS Widespread differential methylation was found between neonates exposed in utero to the pandemic and pre-pandemic neonates. In contrast, there were no apparent epigenetic differences associated with maternal COVID-19 infection during pregnancy. Differential methylation was observed among genomic sites that underpin important neurological pathways that have been previously reported in the literature to be differentially methylated because of prenatal stress, such as NR3C1. CONCLUSIONS The present study reveals potential associations between exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic during pregnancy and subsequent changes in the newborn epigenome. While this finding warrants further investigation, it is a point that should be considered in any study assessing newborn DNA methylation studies obtained during this period, even in otherwise healthy pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Kocher
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Research & Innovation Campus, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Genomics & Precision Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Surajit Bhattacharya
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Research & Innovation Campus, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Miguel Almalvez
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Diedtra Henderson
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Eric Vilain
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
| | | | - Emmanuèle C Délot
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Research & Innovation Campus, Washington, DC, USA.
- Department of Genomics & Precision Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
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Jagtap A, Jagtap B, Jagtap R, Lamture Y, Gomase K. Effects of Prenatal Stress on Behavior, Cognition, and Psychopathology: A Comprehensive Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e47044. [PMID: 38022302 PMCID: PMC10643752 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal stress is increasingly recognized as a significant factor impacting an individual's life from the beginning. This comprehensive review explores the intricate relationship between prenatal stress and its effects on behaviour, cognition, and psychopathology. Key findings reveal that prenatal stress can lead to a wide range of adverse outcomes in offspring, including neurodevelopmental disorders, emotional dysregulation, cognitive deficits, mood disorders, and an increased risk of psychopathological conditions. These effects' mechanisms involve epigenetic modifications, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation, neurodevelopmental alterations, inflammatory processes, and changes in brain structure and function. Moreover, moderating factors such as maternal stress levels, maternal mental health, socioeconomic status, social support, and early-life adversity can significantly influence the impact of prenatal stress. The review also discusses intervention and prevention strategies, emphasizing the importance of prenatal stress reduction programs, maternal mental health support, nutritional interventions, and targeted early interventions for at-risk populations. These findings have substantial implications for public health and clinical practice, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to prenatal care that prioritizes maternal well-being and mitigates the lasting effects of prenatal stress. Addressing this critical issue promises healthier generations and stronger communities in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniket Jagtap
- Surgery, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Balasaheb Jagtap
- Medical Intern, Annasaheb Chaudaman Patil Memorial Medical College, Dhule, IND
| | - Rajlaxmi Jagtap
- Medical Student, Bharti Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Sangali, IND
| | - Yashwant Lamture
- Surgery, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, wardha, IND
| | - Kavita Gomase
- Obstetric and Gynecological Nursing, Srimati Radhikabai Meghe Memorial College of Nursing, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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23
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Chaudhary R, Rohilla M, Chauhan S, Saini M, Aman S, Singla H, bibi A, Ahmed S, Shriwastav S, Kaur N, Dev J, Chalotra R, Singh TG, Mehta S. The pandemic's unseen wounds: COVID-19's profound effects on mental health. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2023; 85:4954-4963. [PMID: 37811101 PMCID: PMC10552974 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This review aims to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, with a focus on the physiological and psychological consequences, including comorbidities. The goal is to understand the direct and indirect populations affected by mental distress and identify potential interventions. Methodology A comprehensive literature search was conducted using various databases, including Google Scholar, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect, PubMed, PLoS One, and Web of Science. The search utilized relevant keywords to investigate the direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19 on mental health. The selected articles were critically evaluated and analyzed to identify key findings and insights. Main findings Mental health, being an intrinsic component of overall well-being, plays a vital role in physiological functioning. The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the emergence of the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus, has had a devastating global impact. Beyond the respiratory symptoms, individuals recovering from COVID-19 commonly experience additional ailments, such as arrhythmia, depression, anxiety, and fatigue. Healthcare professionals on the frontlines face an elevated risk of mental illness. However, it is crucial to recognize that the general population also grapples with comparable levels of mental distress. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the significance of addressing mental health concerns. Various strategies can help mitigate the impact, including counselling, fostering open lines of communication, providing mental support, ensuring comprehensive patient care, and administering appropriate medications. In severe cases, treatment may involve the supplementation of essential vitamins and antidepressant therapy. By understanding the direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19 on mental health, healthcare providers and policymakers can develop targeted interventions to support individuals and communities affected by the pandemic. Continued research and collaborative efforts are essential to address this pervasive issue effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manni Rohilla
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University
- Swami Vivekanand College of Pharmacy, Rajpura, Punjab
| | | | - Monika Saini
- M.M. College of Pharmacy
- Swami Vivekanand College of Pharmacy, Rajpura, Punjab
| | - Shahbaz Aman
- Department of Microbiology, M.M. Institute of Medical Science and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana
| | | | | | | | - Shalini Shriwastav
- Department of Microbiology, M.M. Institute of Medical Science and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana
| | - Narinder Kaur
- Department of Microbiology, M.M. Institute of Medical Science and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana
| | - Jai Dev
- Department of Microbiology, M.M. Institute of Medical Science and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana
| | - Rishabh Chalotra
- Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India
| | | | - Sachin Mehta
- Birat Medical college Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu University, Nepal
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Nadholta P, Kumar K, Saha PK, Suri V, Singh A, Anand A. Mind-body practice as a primer to maintain psychological health among pregnant women-YOGESTA-a randomized controlled trial. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1201371. [PMID: 37766749 PMCID: PMC10520697 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1201371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of Gestational Yoga-YOGESTA (Gestational Yoga), on the neuropsychology, quality of life, and personality of pregnant women. Design Open label, randomized controlled trial, used allocation concealment to allocate the treatment. Setting Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Neuroscience Research Lab, Department of Neurology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. Participants We recruited a total of 100 pregnant women visiting the Outpatient Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Participants were aged between 18 and 35 with uncomplicated pregnancies and they were randomly assigned to either the Yoga group (YG) or the usual care group (UCG). A total of 77 pregnant women completed both the pre- and post-survey, with 34 participants in the Yoga group and 43 in the Usual care group. Intervention Pregnant women in their second and third trimesters were provided with a 16-week online Prenatal Yoga intervention. The intervention began after enrollment in the 2nd trimester, specifically between the 16th and 20th week, and was conducted 5 days a week until delivery, with an average intervention period of 47.18 ± 2.031 (mean ± SEM) days. Chief outcome measures We measured Perceived stress, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and quality of life by using standard questionnaires. Results A total of 77 participants were included in the analysis, with 34 assigned to the Yoga group and 43 assigned to the control group. Most of the measured parameters demonstrated significant changes. The Yoga group exhibited a noteworthy decrease in perceived stress, depression, anxiety, and psychological stress, as well as an improvement in the psychological and environmental domains of QOL-BREF. Conversely, the control group demonstrated a significant increase in perceived stress, depression, anxiety, and psychological stress, along with a reduction in the physical, psychological, and social domains of QOL-BREF at the follow-up stage. Although the two groups were similar at baseline, the Yoga group showed substantial enhancements in perceived stress, depression, anxiety, physiological stress, and overall quality of life when compared to the control group at follow-up. Conclusion The study's findings indicate that stress, anxiety, and depression are more likely to occur as gestational age progresses during pregnancy. Nevertheless, practicing Prenatal Yoga can effectively manage these changes and enhance the quality of life for expectant mothers.Clinical trial registration: Clinical Trials Registry-India, Identifier CTRI/2021/01/030827.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Nadholta
- Department of Neurology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Krishan Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Pradip Kumar Saha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Vanita Suri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Amit Singh
- Division of Yoga and Life Science, Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, Bengaluru, India
| | - Akshay Anand
- Department of Neurology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
- CCRYN-Collaborative Centre for Mind Body Intervention, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
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25
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Avalos LA, Chandran A, Churchill ML, Gao X, Ames JL, Nozadi SS, Roubinov D, Brennan PA, Bush NR, Camargo CA, Carroll KN, Cioffi CC, Ferrara A, Goldson B, Hedderson MM, Hipwell AE, Kerver JM, O’Connor TG, Porucznik CA, Shuffrey LC, Talavera-Barber MM, Wright RJ, Zhu Y, Croen LA. Prenatal depression and risk of child autism-related traits among participants in the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes program. Autism Res 2023; 16:1825-1835. [PMID: 37526980 PMCID: PMC10857745 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the association between prenatal depression and offspring autism-related traits. The sample comprised 33 prenatal/pediatric cohorts participating in the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes program who contributed information on prenatal depression and autism-related traits. Autism-related traits were assessed continuously and at the diagnostic cut-off using the Social Responsiveness Scale for children up to 12 years of age. Main analyses included 3994 parent-child pairs with prenatal depression diagnoses data; secondary analyses included 1730 parent-child pairs with depression severity data. After confounder adjustment, we observed an increase in autism-related traits among children of individuals with prenatal depression compared to those without (adjusted β = 1.31 95% CI: 0.65, 1.98). Analyses stratified by child sex documented a similar significant association among boys (aβ = 1.34 95%CI: 0.36, 2.32) and girls (aβ = 1.26 95% CI: 0.37, 2.15). Prenatal depression was also associated with increased odds of moderate to severe autism-related traits (adjusted odds ratio: 1.64, 95%CI: 1.09, 2.46), the screening threshold considered high risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. Findings highlight the importance of prenatal depression screening and preventive interventions for children of pregnant individuals with depression to support healthy development. Future research is needed to clarify whether these findings reflect overlap in genetic risk for depression and ASD-related traits or another mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndsay A. Avalos
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland CA
| | | | | | | | - Jennifer L. Ames
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland CA
| | - Sara S. Nozadi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico
| | - Danielle Roubinov
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco
| | | | - Nicole R. Bush
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco
| | | | - Kecia N. Carroll
- Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | | | - Assiamira Ferrara
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland CA
| | - Brandon Goldson
- Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | | | | | - Jean M. Kerver
- Departments of Epidemiology & Biostatistics and Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University
| | - Thomas G. O’Connor
- Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, Neuroscience, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester
| | | | - Lauren C. Shuffrey
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria M. Talavera-Barber
- Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center, Avera Research Institute, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Rosalind J. Wright
- Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Yeyi Zhu
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland CA
| | - Lisa A. Croen
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland CA
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26
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Foyston Z, Higgins L, Smith DM, Wittkowski A. Parents' experiences of life after medicalised conception: a thematic meta-synthesis of the qualitative literature. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:520. [PMID: 37460955 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05727-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medicalised Conception (MAC) assists many couples to achieve pregnancy worldwide. As the impact of MAC has been linked to increased pregnancy-specific anxiety and parenting difficulties, this review aimed to explore parental experiences of pregnancy and early parenting following MAC, identifying parents' psychological, social and health needs. METHOD Five databases were searched systematically from inception to March 2023. Identified articles were screened for eligibility against the inclusion criteria and the results were analysed using thematic synthesis. The Critical Appraisal Skills checklist was employed to appraise methodological quality. RESULTS Twenty qualitative studies, drawing on a total of 19 participant samples, were included in this review, most with samples with history of subfertility. The findings were synthesised into three main themes (consisting of seven subthemes): 1) The vulnerable parent: fear, doubt, uncertainty, 2) the stark realisation of the parental dream, 3) psychosocial needs and support. Parents lacked a sense of safety during pregnancy and reported acting protectively both antenatally and postnatally. Furthermore, their identity transition was complex and non-linear, influenced by sociocultural context. CONCLUSIONS Considerable unmet psychosocial needs were identified including the potential for anxiety in pregnancy, the possibility of feeling excluded and marginalised, and a reluctance to share distress and experiences with healthcare professionals. These findings suggest a need for consistent, holistic care, integrating psychological services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Foyston
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - L Higgins
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - D M Smith
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, the University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, 2nd Floor Zochonis Building, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - A Wittkowski
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, the University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, 2nd Floor Zochonis Building, Manchester, UK.
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27
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Abdul Jafar NK, Tham EKH, Eng DZH, Yeo S, Rifkin-Graboi A, Gooley JJ, Loy SL, Eriksson JG, Chong YS, Tan KH, Chan JKY, Chen H, Shek LPC, Gluckman PD, Yap F, Meaney MJ, Broekman BFP, Kee MZL, Cai S. Preconception sleep quality moderates the association between preconception hair cortisol levels and mental health in pregnant women. J Affect Disord 2023; 334:187-196. [PMID: 37150222 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.04.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor sleep quality may elevate cortisol levels and affect prenatal mental health through altered HPA axis functioning. This study aims to examine whether subjective sleep quality during preconception moderates the association between preconception hair cortisol levels and mental health from preconception to pregnancy trimesters. METHODS Women from a prospective cohort study completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaires during preconception (T0) and at each pregnancy trimesters (T1, T2, and T3). We analyzed 266 of these women who conceived and had fully completed measures at preconception for hair cortisol, sleep quality and either EPDS or STAI-state. Changes in EPDS and STAI-state scores were derived (i.e., T1-T0, T2-T0, T3-T0). Johnson-Neyman technique identified PSQI scores with significant moderation of cortisol on mental health. RESULTS After adjusting for potential covariates, there was a significant positive correlation between preconception hair cortisol levels and depressive symptom at the second trimester (rs (144) = 0.22, p = 0.008), but not the first and third trimesters (all ps > 0.05). The positive association between preconception hair cortisol and change in depressive symptoms between third trimester and preconception was significant only among women with poor preconception sleep quality (PSQI ≥ 7). LIMITATIONS Sleep quality and prenatal mood were derived from self-reported questionnaires, which may be more susceptible to bias. CONCLUSIONS The positive association between preconception hair cortisol and change in prenatal depressive symptoms is significant among women who reported poor sleep quality during preconception. Improving preconception sleep quality can potentially mitigate the association between preconception hair cortisol and depressive symptoms during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur K Abdul Jafar
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore; Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Kandang Kerbau Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | - Elaine K H Tham
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Derric Z H Eng
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Sherwynn Yeo
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Anne Rifkin-Graboi
- Centre for Research in Child Development, Office of Educational Research, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Joshua J Gooley
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - See Ling Loy
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Kandang Kerbau Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Johan G Eriksson
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yap-Seng Chong
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kok Hian Tan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Kandang Kerbau Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore; Paediatrics Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medicine School, Singapore
| | - Jerry Kok Yen Chan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Kandang Kerbau Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Helen Chen
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Kandang Kerbau Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore; Human Potential Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lynette Pei-Chi Shek
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore; Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Peter D Gluckman
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore; Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Fabian Yap
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Human Potential Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michael J Meaney
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore; Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Canada
| | - Birit F P Broekman
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore; Department of Psychiatry, OLVG and Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health, Mental Health Program Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michelle Z L Kee
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Shirong Cai
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore; Human Potential Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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28
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Impact of maternal emotional state during pregnancy on fetal heart rate variability. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2023; 14:100181. [PMID: 36911250 PMCID: PMC9995932 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2023.100181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The fetal autonomic nervous system (ANS) is believed to be negatively affected by maternal adverse emotional states. In this study, we evaluated how depression, anxiety and stress during pregnancy are related to fetal heart rate variability (HRV) as recorded with magnetocardiography (MCG). We also considered metabolic factors such as maternal adiposity and circulating levels of cortisol during gestation. Furthermore, we followed up these fetuses after birth, recording HRV and saliva levels of cortisol in these infants to establish any effects postpartum. Methods We calculated HRV in spontaneous MCG recordings from 32 healthy fetuses between 32 and 38 weeks of gestational age. Maternal emotional state was assessed using standardized questionnaires about anxiety, depression and stress. An overall indicator of maternal well-being was calculated by z-scoring each individual questionnaire and summation. We used a median split to divide the group into high and low z-scores (HZS and LZS), respectively. Standard HRV measures were determined in the time and frequency domain. T-test analyses were performed between LZS and HZS, with the HRV and the metabolic measures as the dependent variables. Results We found an impaired HRV in the HZS group both during pregnancy and after birth. No differences were observed between LZS and HZS for metabolic factors. Depression and anxiety symptoms seem to affect HRV differently. No relationship was found between maternal and infant cortisol levels. Conclusions On the basis of our results on different HRV parameters, we propose that maternal emotional state might affect the development of the fetal nervous system in utero.
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29
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Zimmerman E, Aguiar A, Aung MT, Geiger SD, Hines M, Woodbury ML, Martens A, Huerta-Montanez G, Cordero JF, Meeker JD, Schantz SL, Alshawabkeh AN. Examining the association between prenatal maternal stress and infant non-nutritive suck. Pediatr Res 2023; 93:1285-1293. [PMID: 34916626 PMCID: PMC9200902 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01894-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examined the relationship between prenatal maternal stress (PREMS) and non-nutritive suck (NNS) and tested its robustness across 2 demographically diverse populations. METHODS The study involved 2 prospective birth cohorts participating in the national Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program: Illinois Kids Development Study (IKIDS) and ECHO Puerto Rico (ECHO-PROTECT). PREMS was measured during late pregnancy via the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). NNS was sampled from 1- to 8-week-olds using a custom pacifier for ~5 min. RESULTS Overall, 237 mother-infant dyads completed this study. Despite several significant differences, including race/ethnicity, income, education, and PREMS levels, significant PREMS-NNS associations were found in the 2 cohorts. In adjusted linear regression models, higher PREMS, measured through PSS-10 total scores, related to fewer but longer NNS bursts per minute. CONCLUSIONS A significant association was observed between PREMS and NNS across two diverse cohorts. This finding is important as it may enable the earlier detection of exposure-related deficits and, as a result, earlier intervention, which potentially can optimize outcomes. More research is needed to understand how NNS affects children's neurofunction and development. IMPACT In this double-cohort study, we found that higher maternal perceived stress assessed in late pregnancy was significantly associated with fewer but longer sucking bursts in 1- to 8-week-old infants. This is the first study investigating the association between prenatal maternal stress (PREMS) and infant non-nutritive suck (NNS), an early indicator of central nervous system integrity. Non-nutritive suck is a potential marker of increased prenatal stress in diverse populations. Non-nutritive suck can potentially serve as an early indicator of exposure-related neuropsychological deficits allowing for earlier interventions and thus better prognoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Zimmerman
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Andréa Aguiar
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Max T Aung
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sarah Dee Geiger
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Morgan Hines
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Megan L Woodbury
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Alaina Martens
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - José F Cordero
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - John D Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Susan L Schantz
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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30
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Chen S, Zhuang J, Chen Q, Li W. Pregnant women: psychology, cognitive and behavioral responses, and solutions towards COVID-19. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2023; 28:621-628. [PMID: 35880720 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2022.2104881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019) has spread globally and is highly infectious, causing psychological disturbances such as anxiety, depression, or both. Pregnant women, as a vulnerable population, need further attention. This study aims to evaluate the psychological impact of pregnant women during COVID-19 to constitute base data for solution guidance. Using a self-designed questionnaire, self-rated anxiety scale (SAS), and self-rated depression scale (SDS), we conducted a web-based survey on 1160 pregnant women from February 20 to April 30, 2020. The prevalence of anxiety and depression during pregnancy was shown to be 12.93% and 31.21%, respectively. Besides, younger age, housewives, lower education level, and early pregnancy all contributed to psychological disturbance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results revealed significant variations in cognitive and behavioral responses based on the levels of the COVID-19 pandemic concerns, perceptions of life impacts and family concerns, preparation of personal protection equipment and motherhood, and the need for psychological counseling (P < 0.05). Regarding their primary concerns, 73.2% of the participants worried about the health and safety of childbirth. And 90.6% of respondents anticipated scheduling prenatal appointments to avoid crowds. Pregnant women are susceptible to anxiety/depression during the COVID-19 outbreak, necessitating immediate psychological care and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoqi Chen
- Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiamian Zhuang
- Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingzi Chen
- Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Weiping Li
- Department of Information Engineering, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
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Ponnapalli A, Fisher T, Turner KMT. Exploring Indigenous Community Conceptions of Parent Wellbeing: A Qualitative Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3585. [PMID: 36834284 PMCID: PMC9962906 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Using non-Indigenous perspectives of parental social and emotional wellbeing in the design and application of parent support programs can undermine program effectiveness as it may not account for Indigenous family structures and community values. With a clearer understanding of Indigenous parent wellbeing and its determinants, parenting interventions can be more appropriately designed and tailored to provide support for Indigenous families. This study utilised a community-based participatory action research approach involving collaboration between the research team, participants, and community advisory groups to explore Indigenous parents' and carers' conceptions of wellbeing. Participants' cultural perspectives on parent wellbeing were collected through semi-structured focus groups and in-depth interviews (N = 20). Thematic analysis was undertaken using theory-driven and interpretative phenomenological analysis. Eleven themes emerged as risk and protective factors across three domains: child domain (i.e., school attendance and education, respect, routine, development), parent domain (i.e., role modelling, self-regulation of body, self-regulation of mind and emotions, parenting strategies), and context domain (i.e., connections to family and kinship, community, access to services). It is noteworthy that parents reported three super-ordinate intersecting themes across all domains: connection to culture, Country, and spirituality. In addition, Indigenous parents' and carers' conception of their own wellbeing is closely linked to their children's wellbeing, their lived community context, and expected personal indicators. In recognising and working with this holistic view of Indigenous parent wellbeing, parent support programs can be optimally designed and implemented in Indigenous communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Ponnapalli
- Darling Downs Health, Queensland Health, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Tarita Fisher
- Darling Downs Health, Queensland Health, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia
| | - Karen M. T. Turner
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
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The COVID-19 Pandemic Significantly Impacts Pregnancy Planning and Mental Health of Women With Inflammatory Bowel Disease. J Clin Gastroenterol 2023; 57:178-184. [PMID: 35081079 DOI: 10.1097/mcg.0000000000001672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND GOALS The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted daily life, particularly in those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to determine the impact of the pandemic on the pregnancy planning and mental health of women with IBD. METHODS Women with IBD (age 18 to 45 y) were asked to complete anonymous surveys on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pregnancy planning and mental health symptoms such as stress (Perceived Stress Scale), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7). Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to identify risk factors associated with stress, depression, and anxiety during the pandemic. RESULTS Seventy-three women with IBD were included (mean age: 32.1). Of 39 patients who were preconception, 20 (51.3%) reported a significant impact of the pandemic on pregnancy planning, with common reasons for not planning conception being fear of transmission of the virus to the fetus, lack of social supports, and no desire to be in hospital during pregnancy. Over half of all women reported an increase in stress and depression symptoms during the pandemic, with over half also reporting symptoms of anxiety. On multivariable linear regression analyses, increased anxiety levels were a significant predictor of increased stress and depression symptoms during the pandemic. Urban residence and younger age were significant predictors of increased anxiety symptoms during the pandemic. CONCLUSION A significant proportion of women with IBD experienced an impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pregnancy planning and mental health illnesses such as stress, depression, and anxiety.
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Pop-Tudose ME, Popescu-Spineni DM, Manolescu LSC, Radu MC, Iancu FC, Armean SM. Psychological profile and mood disturbance of women who gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic in Romania. Midwifery 2023; 117:103571. [PMID: 36525894 PMCID: PMC9722231 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2022.103571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to outline the emotional profile and the mood disturbance of women who gave birth during Emergency and Alert states in Covid-19 pandemic. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate how the emergency and alert states due to Covid-19 affected the emotional profile and the mood disturbance of pregnant women who gave birth during these times. We included 244 postpartum women, divided into two groups: 124 women during the State of Emergency and another 120 women during the State of Alert. After expressing their informed consent, they completed an anonymous questionnaire that collected demographic data and the Profile of Mood States Questionnaire, as well as a follow-up survey. Data analysis was performed using the statistical program SPSS 24.0. RESULTS Out of the 300 questionnaires distributed, we collected 244 valid questionnaires. 45.2% of State of Emergency group and 53.3% of State of Alert group experienced Anxiety, 16.9% of State of Emergency group, respectively 18.3% of State of Alert group, Depression, and 25% of State of Emergency group respectively 34.2% of State of Alert group, Distress. Compared to the ideal Iceberg profile, the emotional profile of both groups presented an inverted graph for Anxiety and Depression and much lower values for Vigor. Only 35.5% of State of Emergency group and 16.7% of State of Alert group received information concerning the virus, symptoms, and evolution of the disease from the specialists who monitored their pregnancy and 25.8% of State of Emergency group respectively 11.7% of State of Alert group received information about measures to prevent contamination and infection. Psycho-emotional and mood disturbance was more pronounced among State of Alert group. CONCLUSIONS There was a significant psycho-emotional alteration of surveyed women during the pandemic, worsened by the radical measures of the State of Emergency and associated with the major deficiency of care services in supplying valid information and counseling for pregnant women's safety in the State of Alert. There is a highlighted need to pay more attention to the psychological profile of pregnant women and to modernize the health services in this field and adapt them to pandemic situations with the use of modern virtual techniques. In addition, the Romanian health care system should round off the team responsible for the care of mother and child with midwives, internationally recognized very skilled in informing, monitoring, counseling, and support in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Elena Pop-Tudose
- Buzau County Emergency Hospital, Department of Obstetrics, Victory Street, no.18, Buzau, Romania,“Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Midwifery and Healthcare Assistance, Eroii Sanitari Boulevard, no. 8, Sector 5, 050474 Bucharest, Romania,Corresponding author
| | - Dana Maria Popescu-Spineni
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Midwifery and Healthcare Assistance, Eroii Sanitari Boulevard, no. 8, Sector 5, 050474 Bucharest, Romania,”Francisc I. Rainer” Institute of Anthropology of the Romanian Academy, House of Academy Street, September 13 Boulevard., no 13, 3rd floor, 050725, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Loredana Sabina Cornelia Manolescu
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Midwifery and Healthcare Assistance, Eroii Sanitari Boulevard, no. 8, Sector 5, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Corina Radu
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Midwifery and Healthcare Assistance, Eroii Sanitari Boulevard, no. 8, Sector 5, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Felicia Claudia Iancu
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Midwifery and Healthcare Assistance, Eroii Sanitari Boulevard, no. 8, Sector 5, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sebastian Mihai Armean
- “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, Victor Babeș Street, no. 8, 400000, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Zengeler KE, Shapiro DA, Bruch KR, Lammert CR, Ennerfelt H, Lukens JR. SSRI treatment modifies the effects of maternal inflammation on in utero physiology and offspring neurobiology. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 108:80-97. [PMID: 36343752 PMCID: PMC10291741 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Perturbations to the in utero environment can dramatically change the trajectory of offspring neurodevelopment. Insults commonly encountered in modern human life such as infection, toxins, high-fat diet, prescription medications, and others are increasingly linked to behavioral alterations in prenatally-exposed offspring. While appreciation is expanding for the potential consequence that these triggers can have on embryo development, there is a paucity of information concerning how the crucial maternal-fetal interface (MFI) responds to these various insults and how it may relate to changes in offspring neurodevelopment. Here, we found that the MFI responds both to an inflammatory state and altered serotonergic tone in pregnant mice. Maternal immune activation (MIA) triggered an acute inflammatory response in the MFI dominated by interferon signaling that came at the expense of ordinary development-related transcriptional programs. The major MFI compartments, the decidua and the placenta, each responded in distinct manners to MIA. MFIs exposed to MIA were also found to have disrupted sex-specific gene expression and heightened serotonin levels. We found that offspring exposed to MIA had sex-biased behavioral changes and that microglia were not transcriptionally impacted. Moreover, the combination of maternal inflammation in the presence of pharmacologic inhibition of serotonin reuptake further transformed MFI physiology and offspring neurobiology, impacting immune and serotonin signaling pathways alike. In all, these findings highlight the complexities of evaluating diverse environmental impacts on placental physiology and neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine E Zengeler
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Training Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
| | - Daniel A Shapiro
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Katherine R Bruch
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Catherine R Lammert
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Hannah Ennerfelt
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Training Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - John R Lukens
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Training Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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Parsons MH, Stryjek R, Bebas P, Fendt M, Blumstein DT, Kiyokawa Y, Chrzanowski MM, Munshi-South J. Why are predator cues in the field not more evocative? A ‘real world’ assay elicits subtle, but meaningful, responses by wild rodents to predator scents. Front Ecol Evol 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.1054568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mismatches between highly-standardized laboratory predatory assays and more realistic environmental conditions may lead to different outcomes. Understanding rodents’ natural responses to predator scents is important. Thus, field studies on the same and related species are essential to corroborate laboratory findings to better understand the contexts and motivational drives that affect laboratory responses to predator scents. However, there are too few field assays to enable researchers to study factors that influence these responses in genetically variable populations of wild rodents. Therefore, we placed laboratory-style chambers and remote-sensing devices near multiple colonies of two species of wild mice (Apodemus agrarius and Apodemus flavicollis) to test dual-motivational drives (appetitive and aversive) in a ‘familiar’, yet natural environment. A highly-palatable food reward was offered daily alongside scents from coyotes, lions, rabbits, and both wet and dry controls. In all but two instances (n = 264), animals entered chambers and remained inside for several minutes. Animals initiated flight twice, but they never froze. Rather, they visited chambers more often and stayed inside longer when predatory scents were deployed. The total time spent inside was highest for lion urine (380% longer than the dry control), followed by coyote scent (75% longer), dry control and lastly, herbivore scents (no difference). Once inside the chamber, animals spent more time physically interacting with predatory scents than the herbivore scent or controls. Our findings support the common assumption that rodents fail to respond as overtly to predatory scents in the field compared to what has been observed in the laboratory, possibly due to their varying motivational levels to obtain food. More time spent interacting with scents in the field was likely a function of ‘predator inspection’ (risk assessment) once subjects were in a presumed safe enclosure. We conclude this sort of chamber assay can be useful in understanding the contexts and motivational drives inherent to field studies, and may help interpret laboratory results. Our results also suggest more attention should be given to subtle behaviors such as scent inspection in order to better understand how, and when, environmental stimuli evoke fear in rodents.
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Mareckova K, Mareček R, Jani M, Zackova L, Andryskova L, Brazdil M, Nikolova YS. Association of Maternal Depression During Pregnancy and Recent Stress With Brain Age Among Adult Offspring. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2254581. [PMID: 36716025 PMCID: PMC9887495 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.54581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Maternal mental health problems during pregnancy are associated with altered neurodevelopment in offspring, but the long-term relationship between these prenatal risk factors and offspring brain structure in adulthood remains incompletely understood due to a paucity of longitudinal studies. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between exposure to maternal depression in utero and offspring brain age in the third decade of life, and to evaluate recent stressful life events as potential moderators of this association. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cohort study examined the 30-year follow-up of a Czech prenatal birth cohort with a within-participant design neuroimaging component in young adulthood conducted from 1991 to 2022. Participants from the European Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood prenatal birth cohort were recruited for 2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) follow-ups, one between ages 23 and 24 years (early 20s) and another between ages 28 and 30 years (late 20s). EXPOSURES Maternal depression during pregnancy; stressful life events in the past year experienced by the young adult offspring. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Gap between estimated neuroanatomical vs chronological age at MRI scan (brain age gap estimation [BrainAGE]) calculated once in participants' early 20s and once in their late 20s, and pace of aging calculated as the differences between BrainAGE at the 2 MRI sessions in young adulthood. RESULTS A total of 260 individuals participated in the second neuroimaging follow-up (mean [SD] age, 29.5 [0.6] years; 135 [52%] male); MRI data for both time points and a history of maternal depression were available for 110 participants (mean [SD] age, 29.3 [0.6] years; 56 [51%] male). BrainAGE in participants' early 20s was correlated with BrainAGE in their late 20s (r = 0.7, P < .001), and a previously observed association between maternal depression during pregnancy and BrainAGE in their early 20s persisted in their late 20s (adjusted R2 = 0.04; P = .04). However, no association emerged between maternal depression during pregnancy and the pace of aging between the 2 MRI sessions. The stability of the associations between maternal depression during pregnancy and BrainAGE was also supported by the lack of interactions with recent stress. In contrast, more recent stress was associated with greater pace of aging between the 2 MRI sessions, independent of maternal depression (adjusted R2 = 0.09; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings of this cohort study suggest that maternal depression and recent stress may have independent associations with brain age and the pace of aging, respectively, in young adulthood. Prevention and treatment of depression in pregnant mothers may have long-term implications for offspring brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara Mareckova
- Brain and Mind Research, Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- 1st Department of Neurology, St Anne’s University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, MU, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Mareček
- Brain and Mind Research, Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Jani
- Brain and Mind Research, Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Zackova
- Brain and Mind Research, Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- 1st Department of Neurology, St Anne’s University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, MU, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Andryskova
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Brazdil
- Brain and Mind Research, Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- 1st Department of Neurology, St Anne’s University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, MU, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Yuliya S. Nikolova
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Nazzari S, Grumi S, Biasucci G, Decembrino L, Fazzi E, Giacchero R, Magnani ML, Nacinovich R, Scelsa B, Spinillo A, Capelli E, Roberti E, Provenzi L. Maternal pandemic-related stress during pregnancy associates with infants' socio-cognitive development at 12 months: A longitudinal multi-centric study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284578. [PMID: 37068062 PMCID: PMC10109481 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal maternal stress is a key risk factor for infants' development. Previous research has highlighted consequences for infants' socio-emotional and cognitive outcomes, but less is known for what regards socio-cognitive development. In this study, we report on the effects of maternal prenatal stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic on 12-month-old infants' behavioral markers of socio-cognitive development. METHODS Ninety infants and their mothers provided complete longitudinal data from birth to 12 months. At birth, mothers reported on pandemic-related stress during pregnancy. At infants' 12-month-age, a remote mother-infant interaction was videotaped: after an initial 2-min face-to-face episode, the experimenter remotely played a series of four auditory stimuli (2 human and 2 non-human sounds). The auditory stimuli sequence was counterbalanced among participants and each sound was repeated three times every 10 seconds (Exposure, 30 seconds) while mothers were instructed not to interact with their infants and to display a neutral still-face expression. Infants' orienting, communication, and pointing toward the auditory source was coded micro-analytically and a socio-cognitive score (SCS) was obtained by means of a principal component analysis. RESULTS Infants equally oriented to human and non-human auditory stimuli. All infants oriented toward the sound during the Exposure episode, 80% exhibited any communication directed to the auditory source, and 48% showed at least one pointing toward the sound. Mothers who reported greater prenatal pandemic-related stress had infants with higher probability of showing no communication, t = 2.14 (p = .035), or pointing, t = 1.93 (p = .057). A significant and negative linear association was found between maternal prenatal pandemic-related stress and infants' SCS at 12 months, R2 = .07 (p = .010), while adjusting for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that prenatal maternal stress during the COVID-19 pandemic might have increased the risk of an altered socio-cognitive development in infants as assessed through an observational paradigm at 12 months. Special preventive attention should be devoted to infants born during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nazzari
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Serena Grumi
- Developmental Psychobiology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giacomo Biasucci
- Pediatrics & Neonatology Unit, Ospedale Guglielmo da Saliceto, Piacenza, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Fazzi
- Department of Clinical And Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Unit of Child and Adolescence Neuropsychiatry, Azienda Ospedaliera Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | | | - Renata Nacinovich
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori Monza, Monza, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery and Milan Center for Neuroscience (NeuroMi), Università Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Scelsa
- Unit of Pediatric Neurology, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Arsenio Spinillo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Capelli
- Developmental Psychobiology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisa Roberti
- Developmental Psychobiology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Livio Provenzi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Developmental Psychobiology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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The Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale revised (TPDS-R): Psychometric aspects in a longitudinal cohort study. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 156:511-519. [PMID: 36351306 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.10.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Pregnant women may be specifically prone to experience pregnancy-specific distress, which has been associated with adverse maternal, pregnancy and child outcomes. Accurately identifying pregnancy-specific distress is thus crucial. The Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale (TPDS) - translated into many different languages - was previously developed to measure pregnancy-specific distress, resulting in a 16-item screening scale with a partner involvement dimension (PI) and a negative affect dimension (NA). A critical evaluation of the psychometric properties of the TPDS-NA items and feedback from pregnant women over the last decade has led to the need to revise the TPDS. Therefore, in the current study, we describe the procedure for revision and evaluate the psychometric properties of the revised TPDS (TPDS-R). More specifically, we describe the revision of the TPDS-R-PI (4 items) and the TPDS-R-NA (10 items: five-item pregnancy and five-item childbirth subcomponent). A sample of 1081 pregnant women participating in the Brabant Study completed the TPDS-R at 12, 20 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. An exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, descriptive statistics and repeated measures ANOVA demonstrated good test-retest reliability, concurrent validity, internal consistency, and construct validity of the TPDS-R. The TPDS-R provides a robust screening tool to accurately identify pregnant women at risk of pregnancy-specific distress.
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Chen H, Zou Y, Shi H, Ma H, Huang W, Wang S, Lu J. COVID-19 affects psychological symptoms of pregnant women indirectly by increasing their maternal concerns. J Affect Disord 2022; 317:79-83. [PMID: 36030996 PMCID: PMC9420000 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.08.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnant women themselves are at higher risk for psychological symptoms. The impact of ongoing COVID-19 may increase the risk. However, it is uncertain whether COVID-19 affects pregnant women's psychological symptoms directly or indirectly being mediated. METHODS This survey was conducted in four obstetrics and gynecology hospitals in Beijing from February 28, 2020, to April 26, 2020. Pregnant women who visited the antenatal-care clinic were mobilized to finish the online questionnaires, including the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Connor-Davidson resilience scale, and Insomnia Severity Index. RESULTS A total of 828 pregnant women were included in the analysis. The estimated self-reported rates of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and any of the three were 12.2 %, 24.3 %, 13.3 %, and 33.1 %, respectively. Mediating effect analysis showed that pregnant women's response to COVID-19 was not directly associated with psychological symptoms but indirectly through the mediating effect of maternal concerns, which accounted for 32.35 % of the total effect. Stratified analysis by psychological resilience showed that women's attitude toward COVID-19 (OR, 2.68, 95 % CI: 1.16-6.18) was associated with a higher risk of psychological symptoms in those with poor psychological resilience. LIMITATIONS The study was a non-probability sampling survey, and the causal relationship between maternal concerns and psychological symptoms could not be determined due to the study's design. CONCLUSIONS Under public health emergencies such as COVID-19, routine antenatal care should still be prioritized, and concerns related to childbirth-related caused by such emergencies should also be addressed, especially for those with weak psychological resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongguang Chen
- Peking University Sixth Hospital (Institute of Mental Health), Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yusong Zou
- Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Hui Shi
- Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Hongyan Ma
- Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Wenyang Huang
- Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Shuzhen Wang
- Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Junli Lu
- Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China.
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Jeličić L, Veselinović A, Ćirović M, Jakovljević V, Raičević S, Subotić M. Maternal Distress during Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period: Underlying Mechanisms and Child's Developmental Outcomes-A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213932. [PMID: 36430406 PMCID: PMC9692872 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal mental health may be considered a determining factor influencing fetal and child development. An essential factor with potentially negative consequences for a child's psychophysiological development is the presence of maternal distress during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The review is organized and presented to explore and describe the effects of anxiety, stress, and depression in pregnancy and the postpartum period on adverse child developmental outcomes. The neurobiology of maternal distress and the transmission mechanisms at the molecular level to the fetus and child are noted. In addition, the paper discusses the findings of longitudinal studies in which early child development is monitored concerning the presence of maternal distress in pregnancy and the postpartum period. This topic gained importance in the COVID-19 pandemic context, during which a higher frequency of maternal psychological disorders was observed. The need for further interdisciplinary research on the relationship between maternal mental health and fetal/child development was highlighted, especially on the biological mechanisms underlying the transmission of maternal distress to the (unborn) child, to achieve positive developmental outcomes and improve maternal and child well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ljiljana Jeličić
- Cognitive Neuroscience Department, Research and Development Institute “Life Activities Advancement Institute”, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Institute for Experimental Phonetics and Speech Pathology, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +381-11-3208-519; Fax: +381-11-2624-168
| | - Aleksandra Veselinović
- Cognitive Neuroscience Department, Research and Development Institute “Life Activities Advancement Institute”, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Institute for Experimental Phonetics and Speech Pathology, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milica Ćirović
- Cognitive Neuroscience Department, Research and Development Institute “Life Activities Advancement Institute”, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Institute for Experimental Phonetics and Speech Pathology, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vladimir Jakovljević
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
- Department of Human Pathology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Saša Raičević
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro
- Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Center of Montenegro, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - Miško Subotić
- Cognitive Neuroscience Department, Research and Development Institute “Life Activities Advancement Institute”, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Favre G, Kunz C, Schwank S, Chung HF, Radan AP, Raio L, Fluri M, Winterfeld U, Baud D, Pomar L. Mental health in pregnant individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic based on a Swiss online survey. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18448. [PMID: 36323687 PMCID: PMC9628478 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21881-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of our study was to evaluate the mental health of pregnant individuals during the early COVID-19 pandemic and the potential factors associated. A Swiss online survey was proposed to individuals who gave birth during the pandemic period from March 2020. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 questions (GAD-7), and Impact Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) were evaluated and used to defined mental health impairment as a composite outcome. From October, 2020 to February, 2021, 736 participants responded. The anxiety GAD-7 score was moderate in 9.6% and severe in 2.0%. The EPDS was moderate in 21.5% and severe in 32.9%. The IES-R was moderate in 10.3% and severe in 3.9%. Mental health impairment was reported in 37.0%. The association between the risk of mental health impairment and foreign nationality was significant (OR = 1.48; 95%CI [1.06-2.05]) as well as fetal and pregnancy worries because of coronavirus (OR = 1.46; 95% CI [1.08-1.98]) and 1.65; 95% CI [1.22-2.24]). Adjusted ORs were significant for foreign nationality (aOR = 1.51; 95%CI [1.07-2.13]) and pregnancy worries because of coronavirus (aOR = 1.62; 95%CI [1.10-2.40]). Pregnant people and especially foreign national have a high risk of mental health impairment during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Favre
- Materno-Fetal and Obstetrics Research Unit, Department Woman-Mother-Child, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Materno-Fetal & Obstetrics Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Cléa Kunz
- Materno-Fetal and Obstetrics Research Unit, Department Woman-Mother-Child, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Simone Schwank
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research, New York, USA
| | - Ho-Fung Chung
- Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Anthropology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Anda Petronela Radan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Bern and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Luigi Raio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Bern and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mihaela Fluri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Bern and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ursula Winterfeld
- Swiss Teratogen Information Service, Clinical Pharmacology Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - David Baud
- Materno-Fetal and Obstetrics Research Unit, Department Woman-Mother-Child, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Léo Pomar
- Materno-Fetal and Obstetrics Research Unit, Department Woman-Mother-Child, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- School of Health Sciences (HESAV), University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Knorr DA, Fox M. An evolutionary perspective on the association between grandmother-mother relationships and maternal mental health among a cohort of pregnant Latina women. EVOL HUM BEHAV 2022; 44:30-38. [PMID: 37065817 PMCID: PMC10100916 DOI: 10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2022.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Grandmothers are often critical helpers during a mother's reproductive career. Studies on the developmental origins of health and disease demonstrate how maternal psychological distress can negatively influence fetal development and birth outcomes, highlighting an area in which soon-to-be grandmothers (henceforth "grandmothers") can invest to improve both mother and offspring well-being. Here, we examine if and how a pregnant woman's mental health- specifically, depression, state-anxiety, and pregnancy-related anxiety- is influenced by her relationship with her fetus' maternal and paternal grandmother, controlling for relationship characteristics with her fetus' father. In a cohort of pregnant Latina women in Southern California (N = 216), we assessed social support, geographic proximity, and communication between the fetus' grandmothers and pregnant mother. We assessed maternal mental health with validated questionnaire-based instruments. We find that both social support from and communication with the maternal grandmother were statistically associated with less depression, while no paternal grandmother relationship characteristics were statistically significant in association with any mental health variable. These results align with the idea that maternal grandmothers are more adaptively incentivized to invest in their daughters' well-being during pregnancy than paternal grandmothers are for their daughters-in-law. Results suggest that the positive association of maternal grandmothers with mothers' mental health may not hinge on geographic proximity, but rather, potentially function through emotional support. This work represents a novel perspective describing a psychological and prenatal grandmaternal effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delaney A. Knorr
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States of America
- Corresponding author at: 375 Portola Plaza, 341 Haines Hall, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States of America. (D.A. Knorr)
| | - Molly Fox
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States of America
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Gustafsson H, Hammond J, Spicer J, Kuzava S, Werner E, Spann M, Marsh R, Feng T, Lee S, Monk C. Third Trimester Fetuses Demonstrate Priming, a Form of Implicit Memory, In Utero. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9111670. [PMID: 36360397 PMCID: PMC9688725 DOI: 10.3390/children9111670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Research examinations of changes in fetal heart rate (HR) to operationalize fetal memory suggests that human memory capacities emerge in utero. However, there is little evidence for a form of implicit memory or priming. The present aim was to determine if priming is evident in utero. Fetal HR, maternal HR and maternal respiratory rate (RR) were examined in 105 women during the third trimester of pregnancy. Women experienced two counterbalanced laboratory tasks, the Stroop task and the paced breathing task, and their cardiorespiratory activity functioned as a stimulus for fetuses. Repeated measures ANOVAs revealed maternal HR increased during the Stroop task but only when the Stroop task was presented first (89.64 bpm to 92.39 bpm) (p = 0.04). Maternal RR increased during the Stroop task, regardless of task order (17.72 bpm to 21.11 bpm; 18.50 bpm to 22.60 bpm) (p < 0.01). Fetal HR increased during the paced breathing task, but only when it followed maternal exposure to the Stroop task (141.13 bpm to 143.97 bpm) (p < 0.01). Fetuses registered maternal HR and RR reactivity to the Stroop task, which influenced their response during maternal engagement with a related task, suggesting priming. Further study of fetal memory may suggest another pathway by which prenatal exposures impact future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Gustafsson
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Jennifer Hammond
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Julie Spicer
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Sierra Kuzava
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Elizabeth Werner
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Marisa Spann
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Rachel Marsh
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Tianshu Feng
- Department of Biostatistics (in Psychiatry), Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Seonjoo Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Biostatistics (in Psychiatry), Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Catherine Monk
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Chen J, Zhang ZZ, Luo BL, Yang QG, Ni MZ, Wu QT, Li Y, Li XW, Chen GH. Prenatal exposure to inflammation increases anxiety-like behaviors in F1 and F2 generations: possible links to decreased FABP7 in hippocampus. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:973069. [PMID: 36299292 PMCID: PMC9588974 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.973069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorder has a high prevalence, and the risk of anxiety increases with age. Prenatal inflammation during key developmental timepoints can result in long-term changes in anxiety phenotype, even over a lifetime and across generations. However, whether maternal inflammation exposure during late gestation has intergenerational transmission effects on age-related anxiety-like behaviors and the possible underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Fatty acid binding protein 7 (FABP7) is critical in hippocampal neurogenesis and is closely related to neuropsychiatric diseases, including anxiety disorder. The current study investigated the effects of maternal (F0 generation) lipopolysaccharide administration (50 μg/kg, i.p.) during late gestation on anxiety-like behaviors and FABP7 expression in F1 and F2 offspring, as well as the potential sex-specificity of intergenerational effects. Anxiety-like behaviors were evaluated using open field (OF), elevated plus maze, and black–white alley (BWA) tests at 3 and 13 months of age. The protein and messenger RNA levels of FABP7 in the hippocampus were measured using Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. Overall, gestational LPS exposure in the F0 generation increased anxiety levels and decreased FABP7 expression levels in the F1 generation, which carried over to the F2 generation, and the intergenerational effects were mainly transferred via the maternal lineage. Moreover, hippocampal FABP7 expression was significantly correlated with performance in the battery of anxiety tests. The present study suggested that prenatal inflammation could increase age-related anxiety-like behaviors both in F1 and F2 offspring, and these effects possibly link to the FABP7 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorders), The Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhe-Zhe Zhang
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorders), The Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Bao-Ling Luo
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorders), The Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Qi-Gang Yang
- Department of Neurology or Department of Critical Care, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ming-Zhu Ni
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorders), The Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Qi-Tao Wu
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorders), The Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yun Li
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorders), The Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xue-Wei Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- *Correspondence: Gui-Hai Chen Xue-Wei Li
| | - Gui-Hai Chen
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorders), The Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Gui-Hai Chen Xue-Wei Li
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Weiss SJ, Musana JW. Symptoms of maternal psychological distress during pregnancy: sex-specific effects for neonatal morbidity. J Perinat Med 2022; 50:878-886. [PMID: 35421290 PMCID: PMC9464044 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2021-0340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Maternal psychological distress during pregnancy has been associated with preterm birth. However, little is known about the relationship of a woman's psychological symptoms during pregnancy to the infant's morbidity at birth or any differential effects of these symptoms on female vs. male fetuses. Our research aims addressed these gaps. METHODS A total of 186 women were enrolled between 24 and 34 weeks gestation when demographic information was acquired and they completed the Brief Symptom Inventory to measure psychological distress. Data on gestational age at birth, fetal sex, and neonatal morbidity was extracted from the medical record. To control for their effects, obstetric complications were also identified. Multiple linear regressions were computed to examine the aims, including interaction terms to measure moderating effects of fetal sex. RESULTS Symptoms of maternal psychological distress were a significant predictor of neonatal morbidity but were not associated with gestational age. The interaction between symptom distress and fetal/infant sex was also significant for neonatal morbidity but not for gestational age. For boys, high levels of maternal symptom distress during pregnancy were associated with neonatal resuscitation, ventilatory assistance, and infection. Maternal distress was not associated with neonatal morbidity for girls. CONCLUSIONS The male fetus may be more sensitive to effects of mothers' psychological symptoms than the female fetus. Further research is needed to confirm our findings and identify potential biological mechanisms that may be responsible for these sex differences. Findings suggest the importance of symptom screening and early intervention to reduce maternal distress and risk of neonatal morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra J. Weiss
- Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joseph W. Musana
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
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Mbiydzenyuy NE, Hemmings SMJ, Qulu L. Prenatal maternal stress and offspring aggressive behavior: Intergenerational and transgenerational inheritance. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:977416. [PMID: 36212196 PMCID: PMC9539686 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.977416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Even though studies have shown that prenatal maternal stress is associated with increased reactivity of the HPA axis, the association between prenatal maternal stress and fetal glucocorticoid exposure is complex and most likely dependent on unidentified and poorly understood variables including nature and timing of prenatal insults. The precise mechanisms in which prenatal maternal stress influence neuroendocrine signaling between the maternal-placental-fetal interface are still unclear. The aim of this review article is to bring comprehensive basic concepts about prenatal maternal stress and mechanisms of transmission of maternal stress to the fetus. This review covers recent studies showing associations between maternal stress and alterations in offspring aggressive behavior, as well as the possible pathways for the “transmission” of maternal stress to the fetus: (1) maternal-fetal HPA axis dysregulation; (2) intrauterine environment disruption due to variations in uterine artery flow; (3) epigenetic modifications of genes implicated in aggressive behavior. Here, we present evidence for the phenomenon of intergenerational and transgenerational transmission, to better understands the mechanism(s) of transmission from parent to offspring. We discuss studies showing associations between maternal stress and alterations in offspring taking note of neuroendocrine, brain architecture and epigenetic changes that may suggest risk for aggressive behavior. We highlight animal and human studies that focus on intergenerational transmission following exposure to stress from a biological mechanistic point of view, and maternal stress-induced epigenetic modifications that have potential to impact on aggressive behavior in later generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngala Elvis Mbiydzenyuy
- Department of Basic Science, School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia
- Division of Medical Physiology, Biomedical Science Research Institute, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Ngala Elvis Mbiydzenyuy,
| | - Sian Megan Joanna Hemmings
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lihle Qulu
- Division of Medical Physiology, Biomedical Science Research Institute, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Kusumawati Y, Widyawati W, Dewi FST. [Vulnerable to mental health problems: Pregnant women and husband's perception in Surakarta, Indonesia]. ENFERMERIA CLINICA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2022; 32:334-343. [PMID: 36084999 DOI: 10.1016/j.enfcle.2021.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore the perception of women and their husbands on the vulnerability of pregnant women to mental health disorders. METHOD Qualitative study using a phenomenological approach. The inclusion criteria were pregnant women of the second and third-trimester gestation (13-35 weeks). The exclusion criteria were pregnant women with complications and who had a family record of mental disorders. Data was collected using focus group discussion and in-depth interviews at four Primary Health Cares in Surakarta, Indonesia. Then, the data were analyzed through thematic analysis, which was supported by the OpenCode 4.02® software. RESULTS This study uncovered two main topics, firstly the factors that trigger the vulnerability of pregnant women to experience mental disorders and secondly perceived barriers to managing mental health during pregnancy and postpartum. Pregnant women and husbands recognize that they need to get mental health information. CONCLUSION Unstable emotions during pregnancy are considered normal and neglected by their surroundings. Lack of knowledge about mental health in pregnancy justifies the need to increase education in this area in order to prevent prenatal and postpartum depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuli Kusumawati
- Public Health Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia.
| | - Widyawati Widyawati
- Department of Pediatric and Maternity Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Fatwa Sari Tetra Dewi
- Department of Health Behavior, Environment and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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Deoni SC, Beauchemin J, Volpe A, Dâ Sa V. The COVID-19 Pandemic and Early Child Cognitive Development: A Comparison of Development in Children Born During the Pandemic and Historical References. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2022:2021.08.10.21261846. [PMID: 34401887 PMCID: PMC8366807 DOI: 10.1101/2021.08.10.21261846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Objective To characterize cognitive function in young children under 3 years of age over the past decade, and test whether children exhibit different cognitive development profiles through the COVID-19 pandemic. Study Design Neurocognitive data (Mullen Scales of Early Learning, MSEL) were drawn from 700 healthy and neurotypically developing children between 2011 to 2021 without reported positive tests or clinical diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We compared MSEL composite measures (general cognition, verbal, and non-verbal development) to test if those measured during 2020 and 2021 differed significantly from historical 2011-2019 values. We also compared MSEL values in a sub-cohort comprising infants 0-16 months of age born during the pandemic vs. infants born prior. In all analyses, we also included measures of socioeconomic status, birth outcome history, and maternal stress. Results A significant decrease in mean population MSEL measures was observed in 2021 compared to historical references. Infants born during the pandemic exhibited significantly reduced verbal, non-verbal, and overall cognitive performance compared to children born pre-pandemic. Maternal stress was not found to be associated with observed declines but a higher socioeconomic status was found to be protective. Conclusions Results reveal a striking decline in cognitive performance since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic with infants born since mid-2020 showing an average decrease of 27-37 points. Further work is merited to understand the underlying causative factors.
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Witek K, Wydra K, Filip M. A High-Sugar Diet Consumption, Metabolism and Health Impacts with a Focus on the Development of Substance Use Disorder: A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2022; 14:2940. [PMID: 35889898 PMCID: PMC9323357 DOI: 10.3390/nu14142940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Carbohydrates are important macronutrients in human and rodent diet patterns that play a key role in crucial metabolic pathways and provide the necessary energy for proper body functioning. Sugar homeostasis and intake require complex hormonal and nervous control to proper body energy balance. Added sugar in processed food results in metabolic, cardiovascular, and nervous disorders. Epidemiological reports have shown enhanced consumption of sweet products in children and adults, especially in reproductive age and in pregnant women, which can lead to the susceptibility of offspring's health to diseases in early life or in adulthood and proneness to mental disorders. In this review, we discuss the impacts of high-sugar diet (HSD) or sugar intake during the perinatal and/or postnatal periods on neural and behavioural disturbances as well as on the development of substance use disorder (SUD). Since several emotional behavioural disturbances are recognized as predictors of SUD, we also present how HSD enhances impulsive behaviour, stress, anxiety and depression. Apart from the influence of HSD on these mood disturbances, added sugar can render food addiction. Both food and addictive substances change the sensitivity of the brain rewarding neurotransmission signalling. The results of the collected studies could be important in assessing sugar intake, especially via maternal dietary patterns, from the clinical perspective of SUD prevention or pre-existing emotional disorders. Methodology: This narrative review focuses on the roles of a high-sugar diet (HSD) and added sugar in foods and on the impacts of glucose and fructose on the development of substance use disorder (SUD) and on the behavioural predictors of drugs abuse. The literature was reviewed by two authors independently according to the topic of the review. We searched the PubMed and Scopus databases and Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute open access scientific journals using the following keyword search strategy depending on the theme of the chapter: "high-sugar diet" OR "high-carbohydrate diet" OR "sugar" OR "glucose" OR "fructose" OR "added sugar" AND keywords. We excluded inaccessible or pay-walled articles, abstracts, conference papers, editorials, letters, commentary, and short notes. Reviews, experimental studies, and epidemiological data, published since 1990s, were searched and collected depending on the chapter structure. After the search, all duplicates are thrown out and full texts were read, and findings were rescreened. After the selection process, appropriate papers were included to present in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Małgorzata Filip
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna Street 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (K.W.); (K.W.)
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50
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Sharma R, Frasch MG, Zelgert C, Zimmermann P, Fabre B, Wilson R, Waldenberger M, MacDonald JW, Bammler TK, Lobmaier SM, Antonelli MC. Maternal-fetal stress and DNA methylation signatures in neonatal saliva: an epigenome-wide association study. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:87. [PMID: 35836289 PMCID: PMC9281078 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01310-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal stress before, during and after pregnancy has profound effects on the development and lifelong function of the infant's neurocognitive development. We hypothesized that the programming of the central nervous system (CNS), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and autonomic nervous system (ANS) induced by prenatal stress (PS) is reflected in electrophysiological and epigenetic biomarkers. In this study, we aimed to find noninvasive epigenetic biomarkers of PS in the newborn salivary DNA. RESULTS A total of 728 pregnant women were screened for stress exposure using Cohen Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), 164 women were enrolled, and 114 dyads were analyzed. Prenatal Distress Questionnaire (PDQ) was also administered to assess specific pregnancy worries. Transabdominal fetal electrocardiograms (taECG) were recorded to derive coupling between maternal and fetal heart rates resulting in a 'Fetal Stress Index' (FSI). Upon delivery, we collected maternal hair strands for cortisol measurements and newborn's saliva for epigenetic analyses. DNA was extracted from saliva samples, and DNA methylation was measured using EPIC BeadChip array (850 k CpG sites). Linear regression was used to identify associations between PSS/PDQ/FSI/Cortisol and DNA methylation. We found epigenome-wide significant associations for 5 CpG with PDQ and cortisol at FDR < 5%. Three CpGs were annotated to genes (Illumina Gene annotation file): YAP1, TOMM20 and CSMD1, and two CpGs were located approximately lay at 50 kb from SSBP4 and SCAMP1. In addition, two differentiated methylation regions (DMR) related to maternal stress measures PDQ and cortisol were found: DAXX and ARL4D. CONCLUSIONS Genes annotated to these CpGs were found to be involved in secretion and transportation, nuclear signaling, Hippo signaling pathways, apoptosis, intracellular trafficking and neuronal signaling. Moreover, some CpGs are annotated to genes related to autism, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and schizophrenia. However, our results should be viewed as hypothesis generating until replicated in a larger sample. Early assessment of such noninvasive PS biomarkers will allow timelier detection of babies at risk and a more effective allocation of resources for early intervention programs to improve child development. A biomarker-guided early intervention strategy is the first step in the prevention of future health problems, reducing their personal and societal impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritika Sharma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Research Unit of Molecular Epidemiology, Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin G Frasch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center On Human Development and Disability (CHDD), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Camila Zelgert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Zimmermann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bibiana Fabre
- Instituto de Fisiopatología y Bioquímica Clínica (INFIBIOC), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rory Wilson
- Research Unit of Molecular Epidemiology, Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Melanie Waldenberger
- Research Unit of Molecular Epidemiology, Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - James W MacDonald
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Theo K Bammler
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Silvia M Lobmaier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marta C Antonelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Prof. E. De Robertis", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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