Maternal mental health and impact on the newborn during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The deterioration of mental health in the general population has been one of the main consequences of the COVID-19 health crisis, with differences in diverse groups. Specifically, recent studies report an increased risk for the development of symptoms of anxiety and depression during the perinatal period, as well as a negative impact on the newborn. 

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the differences in mental health, infant and obstetric variables, and childbirth experience in the public and private health systems in Chilean primiparous women before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Subjects and Method: This quantitative study compared two cohorts. The first one included mothers with babies born before the COVID-19 pandemic (N = 81) and the second one involved mothers who delivered during the pandemic (N = 71). Sociodemographic and obstetric history, depression, anxiety, and stress were evaluated in both groups using self-report questionnaires (EPDS, DASS-21). Differences between groups were assessed with ANCOVA, t-tests, and chi-square tests. 

Results: Women who delivered during the pandemic reported greater depressive symptoms and their babies were smaller and had less weeks of gestation than babies born before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this group maintained exclusive breastfeeding for a longer period. There were no differences in the experience of childbirth between the groups, but there were differences in relation to the public or private nature of the hospital where the mothers were seen. 

Conclusions: The pandemic negatively affected the mental health of mothers, posing significant challenges to promoting the emotional well-being of mothers and their infants.