The Relationship Between Women’s Intention to Request a Labor Epidural Analgesia, Actually Delivering With Labor Epidural Analgesia, and Postpartum Depression at 6 Weeks

The role of anesthesiologists in postpartum depression: current perspectives and future directions

Postpartum depression is a common complication of childbirth that can seriously affect women, infants, and families. In 2020, the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China mandated depression and anxiety screenings during pregnancy and postpartum visits to ensure timely medical intervention and referrals to appropriate behavioral health resources. Anesthesiologists are indispensable members in obstetric practice. Optimal peripartum pain control can reduce stress response; promote breastfeeding; and lower maternal anxiety and depression. Recently, the discovery of the rapid and sustained antidepressant properties of ketamine and emerging evidence supporting the effectiveness of anesthetic drugs in the treatment of depressive disorders have positioned anesthesiologists on a new frontier for treating neuropsychiatric disorders. This review aimed to explore the impact of labor epidural analgesia, obstetric anesthesia, and anesthetic drugs on postpartum depression while discussing the emerging role of anesthesiologists in its prevention and treatment based on recent evidence.

Factors affecting womens' attitude towards labor epidural analgesia in a culturally diverse population: a prospective patient-reported outcome study

BACKGROUND

To evaluate pregnant women's intentions to deliver with labor epidural analgesia (LEA) and identify factors influencing decision-making in a diverse population in northern Israel.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted at Galilee Medical Center from February to July 2024. Women completed pre- and post-labor questionnaires assessing demographics, religiosity, prior experience, prenatal education, attitude towards LEA, reasons for not intending to deliver with and actual LEA use. Statistical analysis included multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

The LEA rate among participants was 83.5% (380/455) (83.5%); 257 (56.5%) had indented to deliver with. Among those not intending to deliver with LEA, 66.7% (132/198) eventually delivered with. There were 297 (65.3%) Arab and 158 (34.7%) Jewish women; 180 (39.6%) identified as Muslim, 158 (34.7%) Jewish, 92 (20.2%) Druze, and 25 (5.5%) Christian. Factors associated with intention to deliver with LEA were nulliparity (P=0.024), childbirth preparation course (P=0.002), internet as source of information (P=0.016), and previous delivery with LEA (P <0.001). Factors associated with not intending to deliver with but ultimately delivering with LEA were nulliparity (P=0.033), partner presence (P <0.001), labor induction (P=0.044), and previous delivery with LEA (P <0.001).

CONCLUSION

Attitudes toward LEA are shaped by culture, knowledge, prior experiences, and social support. In our cohort, the most important factors for delivering with LEA when not intending to were previous delivery with LEA and partner presence. Factors associated with not delivering with LEA were preference for natural childbirth and fear of LEA-associated side effects. Promoting evidence-based information through language-adapted platforms can further improve informed decision-making about LEA.

Associations between maternal birth complications and postpartum depressive symptoms: A systematic narrative review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Nearly half of people report birth-related complications, which is thought to be a risk factor for postpartum depression (PPD).

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this systematic narrative review and meta-analysis was to provide an updated examination of the literature linking specific maternal birth complications and PPD.

DESIGN

A systematic review was conducted focused on studies examining associations between specific maternal birth complications and PPD symptoms/and or diagnoses, along with meta-analyses to quantify the magnitude of associations for specific experiences. The review protocol was not pre-registered.

METHODS

Searches were completed using PsycINFO and PubMed databases. We used four eligibility criteria: (a) article available in English, (b) study included a measure of dimensional or diagnostic depression, (c) include discrete experience of birth-related complication, and (d) included a statistical test of the bivariate association between depression in the postpartum period and a measure of birth-related complication. We excluded studies of newborn intensive care or infant health conditions, rather than maternal birth complications directly impacting the pregnant person's health. All analyses were conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software. We considered patterns in sampling, measurement, and analytic designs. To address publication bias, we examined funnel plots and calculated Egger's test.

RESULTS

The review (61 studies; 1,853,282 total participants) revealed four categories of maternal birth complications (i.e., cesarean, preterm birth, pain, laceration). Both the narrative review and meta-analysis support positive associations between maternal birth complications overall and PPD symptoms and diagnoses (odds ratio, OR = 1.47, p < 0.001), with specific associations observed for cesarean deliveries (non-emergency: 1,792,725 participants; OR = 1.30, p < 0.001; emergency: 14,199 participants; OR = 1.48, p = 0.001), preterm birth (39,291 participants; OR = 1.97, p < 0.001), and pain (3,708 participants; OR = 1.75, p = 0.009). ORs were small-to-medium in magnitude. Laceration alone was not significantly associated with PPD (3,356 participants; OR = 1.18, p = 0.692).

CONCLUSIONS

This study expands upon previous research and provides nuanced perspective on the relationship between different types of maternal birth complications and PPD. This review was supported by a Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship and 1F31MH135650-01.

The association between epidural labour analgesia and postpartum depression: a randomised controlled trial

There is conflicting evidence regarding the association between epidural labour analgesia and risk of postpartum depression. Most previous studies were observational trials with limited ability to account for confounders. We aimed to determine if epidural analgesia was associated with a significant change in the incidence of postpartum depression in this randomised controlled trial. We enrolled women aged 21-50 years old with a singleton fetus ≥ 36 weeks gestation. Patients were advised regarding available labour analgesic modalities during enrolment (epidural block; intramuscular pethidine; nitrous oxide; or intravenous remifentanil). On request for analgesia, patients were offered the modality that they had been allocated randomly to first. Blinded investigators recorded patient and obstetric characteristics within 24 h of delivery and assessed for postpartum depression at 6-10 weeks following delivery using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (score ≥ 13 considered positive for postpartum depression). The modified intention-to-treat population consisted of all patients who received any form of labour analgesia, while per-protocol consisted of patients who received their randomised modality as their first form of labour analgesia. Of 881 parturients allocated randomly (epidural n = 441, non-epidural n = 440), we analysed 773 (epidural n = 389, non-epidural n = 384); 62 (15.9%) of women allocated to epidural group developed postpartum depression compared with 65 (16.9%) women allocate to the non-epidural group. There were no significant differences in the incidence of postpartum depression between the two groups (adjusted risk difference (95%CI) 1.6 (-3.0-6.3%), p = 0.49). Similar results were obtained with per-protocol analysis (adjusted risk difference (95%CI) -1.0 (-8.3-6.3%), p = 0.79). We found no significant difference in the risk of postpartum depression between patients who received epidural labour analgesia and those who utilised non-epidural analgesic modalities.

Perioperative Adjunctive Esketamine for Postpartum Depression Among Women Undergoing Elective Cesarean Delivery: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common mental health conditions during the perinatal and postpartum periods, which can have adverse effects on both mother and infant.

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of perioperative adjunctive esketamine administration after cesarean deliveries in the prevention of PPD.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A single-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial was conducted from January 1, 2022, to January 1, 2023, at Fujian Provincial Hospital among 298 women aged 18 to 40 years, with an American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I to III classification and singleton full-term pregnancies who were scheduled for elective cesarean deliveries. Primary analyses were performed on a modified intention-to-treat basis.

Interventions

Patients were randomly assigned to the esketamine (n = 148) and control (n = 150) groups. Those in the esketamine group received a single intravenous injection of 0.25 mg/kg of esketamine immediately after fetal delivery, followed by 50 mg of esketamine as an adjuvant in patient-controlled intravenous analgesia for 48 hours after surgery. Saline was given to the control group of patients.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was assessments of PPD symptoms by using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at postpartum day 7. Positive screening for PPD was defined as a score of 10 or more points on the EPDS. In addition, the EPDS was analyzed as a continuous variable to evaluate depressive symptoms. Secondary outcomes included the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) of postoperative pain, along with safety evaluations including adverse events and clinical assessments at postpartum days 14, 28, and 42.

Results

A total of 298 pregnant women were included, with 150 in the control group (median age, 31.0 years [IQR, 29.0-34.0 years]) and 148 in the esketamine group (median age, 31.0 years [IQR, 28.0-34.0 years]). The prevalence of depression symptoms was significantly lower among patients given esketamine compared with controls (23.0% [34 of 148] vs 35.3% [53 of 150]; odds ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.33-0.91; P = .02) on postpartum day 7. In addition, the esketamine group also showed a significantly lower change in EPDS scores (difference of least-squares means [SE], -1.17 [0.44]; 95% CI, -2.04 to -0.31; effect size, 0.74; P = .008). However, there were no differences between the groups in the incidence of positive screening results for PPD or in changes from the baseline EPDS scores at postpartum days 14, 28, and 42. There were no differences in NRS scores at rest and on movement except on movement at 72 hours postoperatively, when scores were significantly lower in the esketamine group (median, 3.0 [IQR, 2.0-3.0] vs 3.0 [IQR, 3.0-3.5]; median difference, 0 [95% CI, 0-0]; P = .03).

Conclusions and Relevance

These results suggest that intravenous administration of esketamine during the perioperative period of elective cesarean delivery can improve depression symptoms during the early postpartum period. However, this antidepression effect may not be universally applicable to patients with low EPDS scores.

Trial Registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR2100054199.

The association between labour epidural analgesia and postpartum depression in primiparous patients: a historical cohort study

PURPOSE

Peripartum pain has been associated with postpartum depression (PPD), and labour epidural analgesia (LEA) may be able to modify this risk. The objective of this historical cohort study was to examine the association between LEA and PPD among primiparous patients.

METHODS

With institutional research ethics board approval, a provincial perinatal database was searched for primiparous patients who delivered a liveborn singleton infant between 2004 and 2018. Those patients who experienced PPD following their first delivery were identified by a history of PPD in the perinatal records of their second pregnancy. We used logistic regression to compute odds ratios (ORs) for the association between LEA and PPD and performed an adjusted analysis to control for confounding variables.

RESULTS

A total of 35,437 primiparous patients were identified, 67% (n = 23,599) of whom received LEA. In the cohort, 3.7% (n = 1,296) of patients developed PPD. Patients who received LEA had increased odds of developing PPD compared with patients who did not receive LEA (adjusted OR, 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12 to 1.48). In a multivariable regression model, LEA remained a significant predictor for PPD, as did body mass index, pre-existing anxiety, and maternal antidepressant use.

CONCLUSION

This historical cohort study found an association between LEA and PPD among primiparous patients who subsequently had a second pregnancy in the same province. The findings call into question the hypothesis that LEA decreases the risk for PPD and further illustrates the complexities of PPD.

Association of inpatient postpartum quality of recovery with postpartum depression: A prospective observational study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between Obstetric Quality of Recovery survey (ObsQoR-10-Heb) and Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) measured 6 weeks after delivery, adjusted for potential confounding factors.

DESIGN

Prospective, longitudinal cohort study.

SETTING

Large postpartum department, 13,000 annual deliveries, quaternary medical center in Israel.

PATIENTS

Women ≥18 years old, gestational age ≥ 37 weeks after term delivery (spontaneous vaginal, operative vaginal, planned, and unplanned cesarean delivery), with non-anomalous neonates not requiring special support after delivery or at the time of recruitment. Written informed consent was provided. Women unable to read or understand Hebrew were excluded.

INTERVENTIONS

No interventions were done.

MEASUREMENTS

We investigated the relationship between inpatient postpartum recovery and positive postpartum depression (PPD) screening at 6 weeks postpartum. Enrolled women completed the validated Hebrew version of ObsQoR-10 survey (ObsQoR-10-Heb; scored between 0 and 100 with 0 and 100 representing worst and best possible recovery) from 24 to 48 h after delivery, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at 6- and 12 weeks postpartum. We assessed the univariate association between ObsQoR-10-Heb; patient factors; obstetric factors; and positive PPD screening at 6 weeks postpartum. Potential confounders were adjusted in a multiple logistic regression model.

MAIN RESULTS

Inpatient ObsQoR-10-Heb has been completed by 325 postpartum women; 270 (83.1%) and 253 (77.9%) completed the 6- and 12 weeks EPDS respectively. Lower ObsQoR-10-Heb (aOR 0.95 (95% CI 0.92, 0.98); p = 0.001); depression or anxiety before delivery (aOR 4.53 (95% CI 1.88, 10.90); p = 0.001); and hospital readmission (aOR 9.08 (95% CI 1.23, 67.14); p = 0.031) were associated with positive screening for postpartum depression at 6 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that worse inpatient postpartum recovery is an independent risk factor for positive PPD screening at 6 weeks postpartum. Other risk factors found in our study were maternal hospital readmission and a previous history of anxiety or depression.

Association between the use of epidural analgesia during labour and incidence of postpartum depression

INTRODUCTION

Postpartum depression is a significant episode of depression beginning after giving birth. The prevalence of postpartum depression is approximately 20% in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Epidural analgesia is the gold standard for labour pain management. Conflicting results exist regarding the association between postpartum depression and epidural analgesia use during labour. Accordingly, this study assessed the association between epidural analgesia use and postpartum depression incidence.

METHODS

A prospective observational study of 170 mothers was conducted, with surveys administered after labour and at six weeks postpartum. Surveys included the following: mothers' demographics, obstetric history, postpartum depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), and pain severity (Visual Analogue Scale).

RESULTS

In the final analysis, 91 patients were enrolled. Epidural analgesia was administered to 48.4% of mothers during labour. Nearly two-thirds of mothers learned about EA via sources including family members and social media. However, more than half reported worries regarding epidural analgesia. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores showed that 38 mothers (41.8%) likely had depressive symptoms within two days following delivery. Further, 35 (38.5%) met criteria for postpartum depression at six weeks postpartum. For both groups regardless use of analgesia, the mean Visual Analogue Scale score at two days postpartum was 4.16 ± 2.13. Data revealed no correlation between epidural analgesia use and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale within two days and at six weeks postpartum. Multiple regression analysis showed Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores correlated with Visual Analogue Scale scores but not epidural analgesia use at 1-2 days postpartum.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that depressive symptoms resolved in three percent of participants. This suggests that institutions should increase postpartum depression awareness during the antenatal period and implement effective post-delivery screening systems for postpartum depression.

Factors associated with the intention of pregnant women to give birth with epidural analgesia: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

In Belgium most women receive epidural analgesia during labour. Although, it offers satisfactory pain relief during labour, the risk on a series of adverse advents has been reported. The objective of this study was to determine factors associated with the intention of pregnant women, anticipating a vaginal birth, of requesting epidural analgesia during labour.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study, using an online self-report questionnaire was performed, including socio-demographic and personal details. Associated factors were examined with the HEXACO-60 questionnaire, the Mental Health Inventory-5, the Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale and the Labour Pain Relief Attitude Questionnaire for pregnant women. The level of intention to request epidural analgesia was based on two questions: Do you intend to ask for epidural analgesia (1) at the start of your labour; (2) at some point during labour? Data were collected predominantly during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Descriptive analysis and a multiple linear regression analysis were performed.

RESULTS

949 nulliparous (45.9%) and multiparous (54.1%) pregnant women, living in Flanders (Dutch-speaking part of Belgium) anticipating a vaginal birth completed the questionnaires. Birth-related anxiety (ß 0.096, p < 0.001), the attitude that because of the impact of pregnancy on the body, asking for pain relief is normal (ß 0.397, p < 0.001) and feeling more self-confident during labour when having pain relief (ß 0.034, p < 0.001) show a significant positive relationship with the intention for intrapartum epidural analgesia. The length of the gestational period (ß - 0.056, p 0.015), having a midwife as the primary care giver during pregnancy (ß - 0.048, p 0.044), and considering the partner in decision-making about pain relief (ß - 0.112, p < 0.001) show a significant negative relationship with the intention level of epidural analgesia. The explained variability by the multiple regression model is 54%.

CONCLUSIONS

A discussion during pregnancy about the underlying reason for epidural analgesia allows maternity care providers and partners to support women with pain management that is in line with women's preferences. Because women's intentions vary during the gestational period, pain relief should be an issue of conversation throughout pregnancy.

Investigating the association between maternal childbirth intention, labor epidural analgesia, and postpartum depression: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a general depressive episode after childbirth. Studies have shown that unmatched analgesic intention increases the risk of PPD, but the use of labor epidural analgesia (LEA) during childbirth can reduce this risk. We aimed to investigate the association between maternal childbirth intention, LEA, and PPD and risk factors that may be related to PPD.

METHODS

A total of 590 mothers were included in this prospective cohort study. Demographic, prenatal, intrapartum and postpartum data were recorded. We investigated the association between childbirth intention, LEA and PPD and assessed the interactions between two factors. Logistic regression analysis was used to screen variables that might be associated with the occurrence of PPD.

RESULTS

Overall, 130 of 451 women completing the study at 3 months had PPD (28.8 %). We did not find an association between unmatched childbirth intention, use of LEA and PPD (adjustOR = 0.684 CI 0.335-1.396, p = 0.296; adjustOR = 0.892, CI 0.508-1.565, p = 0.690). Chronic pain affecting daily life, prenatal EPDS, SAS, SSRS score, family accompaniment during labor, and 1-day numerical rating scale (NRS) score were significantly associated with PPD (p < 0.05).

LIMITATIONS

In the 3-month follow-up, we only recorded the EPDS score, not the pain score, and did not evaluate the association between postpartum chronic pain and PPD.

CONCLUSIONS

The association between maternal childbirth intention, LEA and PPD was not significant. Chronic pain affecting daily life, prenatal EPDS, SAS, SSRS score, family accompaniment during labor, and 1-day NRS score were significantly related to the occurrence of PPD (p < 0.05).

Neuraxial analgesia during labor and postpartum depression: Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Severe pain has been linked to depression, which raises the question of whether neuraxial analgesia during childbirth is associated with a reduced risk of postpartum depression. This association has been explored, but previous studies did not control or analyze relevant confounders. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the association between neuraxial analgesia and postpartum depression.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Studies that tested the effect of neuraxial analgesia during labor on depression or depressive symptoms in the first year postpartum were included. Relevant articles were extracted independently by 2 authors.

RESULTS

In total, 14 studies (86,231 women) were included. The association between neuraxial analgesia and the long-term incidence of postpartum depression after childbirth was the risk ratio = 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.56-1.00, P = .05; I2 = 79%, P < .00001. There was a significant association (pooled risk ratio = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.34-0.90, P = .02; I2 = 55%, P = .06) between neuraxial analgesia and the incidence of postpartum depression in the first week after delivery. The subgroup analysis showed a trend suggesting that in Asian populations, those who received neuraxial analgesia had lower postpartum depression rates than those who received non-neuraxial analgesia (risk ratio = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.38-0.86; P = .008; I2 = 82%) at ≥4 weeks after delivery.

CONCLUSION

Neuraxial analgesia may be beneficial for the short-term and long-term mental effects of parturient women, especially for short term after delivery. High-quality studies addressing the role of neuraxial analgesia during labor and its impact on postpartum depression remain necessary.

LABOUR ANALGESIA AND THE RISK OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

OBJECTIVE

The aim: To find association between postpostpartum depression incidence and mode of labour analgesia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and methods: This is a prospective observational study conducted at the Kyiv City Maternity Hospital №5 (from March 2020 to May 2021). Using google-form and face-to-face interviews, 321 women completed Childbirth Experience Questionnaire on the 2- 3-rd day in the postpartum period. After the first survey, only 35% of women agreed to screen for postpartum depression (PPD) by Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Univariate logistic regression method was used to assess the risk relation between PPD and factors.

RESULTS

Results: Women who used nitrous oxide (50:50) and non-pharmacological methods of labour analgesia were associated with the decreased risk of PPD (p = 0,044), OR = 2.83 (95% CI 1,03-7,79), compared to women with patient-control epidural analgesia. On the other hand, there are factors which do not have impact on the risk of depressive symptoms, such as age (p = 0,266); parity (p = 0,713); mode of delivery (p=0,959); pain intensity (p=0,931).

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: Our findings confirmed the association between nitrous oxide and the alternative methods of labour analgesia usage and decreased risk of development PPD.

Obstetric anesthesia clinic childbirth course combined with labor epidural analgesia is associated with a decreased risk of postpartum depression : a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious complication commonly seen in postnatal women. In this paper, an investigation was conducted to see if obstetric anesthesia clinic childbirth course combined with labor epidural analgesia (LEA) was associated with a decreased risk of PPD.

METHODS

Six hundred fifty-five nulliparous women were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. The parturients were divided into 4 groups, with Group C being the control group, Group AC received the obstetric anesthesia clinic childbirth course only, Group LEA received LEA only, and Group AC + LEA received both the obstetric anesthesia clinic childbirth course and LEA. Maternal and neonatal variables in the perinatal period were recorded. PPD at 6 weeks was assessed using the Chinese version of the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), where a score ≥ 10 is the threshold for PPD. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between obstetric anesthesia clinic childbirth course combined with LEA and postpartum depression.

RESULTS

A total of 124 maternities had EPDS ≥10 points, the incidence of PPD was 18.9%。The incidence of PPD and EPDS scores were significantly lower in Group AC + LEA than in Group C (12.1% vs 26.8%, P <  0.05; 6 (5, 7) vs 7 (5, 11), P <  0.05). Received an anesthesia clinic childbirth course combined with LEA was associated with a decreased risk of PPD (OR 0.273, 95% CI, 0.100-0.743, P = 0.013). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified 5 other independent factors for PPD, including maternal SAS score in the delivery room, W-DEQ score in the delivery room, living in a confinement center, EPDS score at 1st week postpartum and perinatal care satisfaction .

CONCLUSIONS

Received an obstetrics anesthesia clinic childbirth course combined with LEA for nulliparous women with a single term cephalic pregnancy was associated with a decreased risk of PPD at 6 weeks.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000039163. Registered on 20/10/2020.

Childbirth Pain, Labor Epidural Analgesia, and Postpartum Depression: Recent Evidence and Future Directions

Pregnancy and childbirth are major life events for women and their families, characterized by physical, psychological, and emotional changes that can trigger anxiety, depression, and mental disorders in susceptible individuals. Acute labor pain is an independent risk factor for persistent pain in the postpartum period and is associated with depressive disorders. Epidural analgesia is a well-established technique that has commonly been regarded as the gold standard in pain management during labor. Although the relationships between labor pain, labor epidural analgesia, and postpartum depression have been studied by many investigators, the results of these studies are conflicting. Some literature suggest that labor epidural analgesia is associated with a reduction in the incidence of postpartum depression; however, other studies have failed to demonstrate this association. Unmet analgesic needs expectations, unmet birth expectations, and/or the quality of social support during labor may contribute to postpartum depression. The limitations of the published studies included differential misclassification of study variables and residual confounding, variations in the diagnosis of depression, and incomplete history data. Thus, future studies should include information on sociodemographic and patient-level variables and assessments of pain during labor or in the postpartum period. Better management of labor pain should be provided to prevent long-term morbidity and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Anesthesiologists could collaboratively work with obstetricians and perinatal psychiatrists to ensure that hospitals prioritize screening and treatment for postpartum depression.

Unexpected changes in birth experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic: Implications for maternal mental health

PURPOSE

This study examined the rates of unexpected birth experiences due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with women's postpartum mental health symptoms (depression, generalized anxiety, and PTSD).

METHODS

Our cross-sectional analysis included postpartum women (N = 506) who reported on birth plan changes attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic through the PEACE (Perinatal Experiences and COVID-19 Effects) Study, an online survey that took place between May 2020 and May 2021. Covariates included sociodemographic variables, number of days since the pandemic, pre-pregnancy mental health history, and protective factors such as social support, distress tolerance, and resilience.

RESULTS

Prevalent COVID-19 pandemic changes in the birth experience included not having support people (e.g., partners and friends) permitted to participate in the baby's delivery (33.5%), reduced access to preferred medications before or after delivery (9.7%), unavailable health care providers for the baby's birth as planned (9.6%), and other changes (13.8%). The reduced access to medications was associated with those reporting higher levels of depressive (β = .10, p < .01) and PTSD symptoms (β = .07, p < .05). Separation from their baby for a long period after delivery (β = .10, p < .05) and other changes (β = .10, p < .01) were associated with higher levels of PTSD symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Unexpected changes to the birth experience due to the COVID-19 pandemic may have small but persistent effects on depressive and PTSD symptoms. Given increased vigilance and its association with subsequent PTSD, acknowledging any fear of viral contagion within the hospital setting but informing women the plans for ensuring safety may be preventive for later mental health symptomatology.

Association between neuraxial labor analgesia and postpartum depression: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Labor and delivery complications, particularly pain, are important risk factors for postpartum depression (PPD). Neuraxial labor analgesia can effectively relieve labor pain; however, the association between neuraxial labor analgesia and PPD, if any, has not been established.

METHODS

PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Library were searched. The incidence of PPD was the primary outcome. The secondary outcome was the difference in postpartum Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale scores between the neuraxial labor analgesia and control groups. Subgroup analyses and post-hoc meta-regression were performed.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies with a total of 8758 parturients were identified. Neuraxial labor analgesia did not decrease PPD risk compared to the control group (OR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.58-1.23); however, after being stratified by PPD prevalence, neuraxial labor analgesia decreased the risk for PPD in the high prevalence (>14%) subgroup (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.39-0.94) and increased the risk for PPD in the low prevalence (<14%) subgroup (OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.16-2.10) compared to the control group. Meta-regression analysis showed that the association between neuraxial labor analgesia and PPD was influenced by PPD prevalence. There was no difference in the postpartum Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale scores between the neuraxial labor analgesia and control groups (WMD = -0.11, 95% CI: -0.56-0.34).

LIMITATION

Heterogeneity and a limited number of randomized controlled trials may bias the interpretation of the results.

CONCLUSION

Neuraxial labor analgesia had a protective effect when administered to parturients in the region with a high prevalence of PPD, but became a risk factor when administered to parturients in the region with a low prevalence of PPD.

Association between labor and delivery pain and postpartum pain with symptoms and clinical diagnosis of postpartum depression in patients with overweight and obesity

Purpose

Childbirth pain has been associated with the risk for postpartum depression. However, existing studies have been limited by the use of depression screening tools as outcomes, and none to date have used a structured clinical interview for DSM-V (SCID), which is considered the gold standard for psychiatric diagnoses. This study aimed to quantify the relationships between labor and postpartum pain and postpartum depression diagnosis detected by SCID, as well as depression symptoms detected by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD) screening tool, among a high-risk cohort.

Methods

The study was a secondary analysis of a prospective observational study of a cohort of women enriched for high risk for depression, i.e., pregnant women originally enrolled in a prospective study investigating factors leading to excessive gestational weight gain. Subjects were assessed prospectively for depression using both SCID and CESD at the third trimester and at 6 months postpartum. Overweight and obesity were defined as pre-gravid body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2. Both vaginal and cesarean deliveries were included in the cohort. Pain scores (0–10 numeric rating scale) during childbirth and after delivery were correlated with CESD and SCID. Propensity score matching was performed with propensity groups defined as those with low–moderate postpartum pain and those with high postpartum pain. The relationships between pain measures and 6-month postpartum depression diagnosis by SCID, and between pain measures and 6-month postpartum depression symptoms by CESD, were assessed by unweighted logistic regression and by logistic regression weighted by propensity score derived by average treatment effect (ATE) adjusted for baseline covariates.

Results

There were 237 subjects in the cohort for analysis. Labor and postpartum pain were not associated with depression diagnosis by SCID at 6 months postpartum. However, postpartum pain, but not labor pain, was associated with depressive symptoms on the CESD at 6 months postpartum. Women with higher maximum postpartum pain scores had significantly higher odds of developing clinically significant postpartum depressive symptoms at 6 months, compared to those with lower pain scores in the unweighted model (OR: 1.3, 95% CI 1.0, 1.5; P = 0.005) and ATE-weighted models (OR: 1.2, 95% CI 1.0, 1.5; P = 0.03). Consistent with prior work, SCID and CESD were strongly associated, and 92.9% (13/14) of participants with postpartum depression diagnosis by 6-month SCID also showed high CESD symptomology, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Although labor and postpartum pain were not associated with clinical diagnosis of depression (SCID) at 6 months postpartum, postpartum pain was linked to 6-month postpartum depression symptoms. Depressive symptoms are more likely to be exhibited in women with higher postpartum pain, potentially reflecting poorer birth recovery. The contribution of postpartum pain and depressive symptoms to overall patterns of poor recovery after childbirth should be assessed further.

Inadequate neuraxial anaesthesia in patients undergoing elective caesarean section: a systematic review

Neuraxial anaesthesia is widely utilised for elective caesarean section, but the prevalence of inadequate intra-operative anaesthesia is unclear. We aimed to determine the prevalence of inadequate neuraxial anaesthesia for elective caesarean section; prevalence of conversion from neuraxial anaesthesia to general anaesthesia following inadequate neuraxial anaesthesia; and the effect of mode of anaesthesia. We searched studies reporting inadequate neuraxial anaesthesia that used ≥ ED95 doses (effective dose in 95% of the population) of neuraxial local anaesthetic agents. Our primary outcome was the prevalence of inadequate neuraxial anaesthesia, defined as the need to convert to general anaesthesia; the need to repeat or abandon a planned primary neuraxial technique following incision; unplanned administration of intra-operative analgesia (excluding sedatives); or unplanned epidural drug supplementation. Fifty-four randomised controlled trials were included (3497 patients). The overall prevalence of requirement for supplemental analgesia or anaesthesia was 14.6% (95%CI 13.3-15.9%); 510 out of 3497 patients. The prevalence of general anaesthesia conversion was 2 out of 3497 patients (0.06% (95%CI 0.0-0.2%)). Spinal/combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia was associated with a lower overall prevalence of inadequate neuraxial anaesthesia than epidural anaesthesia (10.2% (95%CI 9.0-11.4%), 278 out of 2732 patients vs. 30.3% (95%CI 26.5-34.5%), 232 out of 765 patients). Further studies are needed to identify risk factors, optimise detection and management strategies and to determine long-term effects of inadequate neuraxial anaesthesia.

The association between epidural analgesia during labor and mother-infant bonding

STUDY OBJECTIVE

This study was aimed to assess the association between the use of epidural analgesia during labor and mother-infant bonding.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Maternity ward at Soroka University Medical Center during 2020.

PATIENTS

Women who delivered a singleton live-born infant vaginally in their immediate post-partum period.

INTERVENTIONS

Women completed questionnaires. 25 items post-partum bonding questionnaire (PBQ) to assess mother-infant bonding (A high score on the PBQ indicates impaired mother-infant bonding) and the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) questionnaire to assess risk for post-partum depression.

MEASUREMENTS

The study used PBQ questionnaire and four sub-scales to assess mother-infant bonding and the EPDS questionnaire to assess risk for post- partum depression. Generalized linear regression models (gamma) were constructed to examine the association between epidural analgesia and mother-infant bonding total score and impaired bonding sub- scale, while adjusting for confounders Additional information such as pregnancy complications and sociodemographic data was drawn from women's medical records.

MAIN RESULTS

A total of 234 women were included in the final analysis, of them 126 (53.8%) delivered with epidural analgesia. The total PBQ score was significantly lower among women who received epidural analgesia compared to women without epidural analgesia (7.6 vs. 10.2, p = 0.024), demonstrating a better mother -infant bonding. Using two multivariable linear regression models, controlling for confounders such as maternal age and educational status, epidural analgesia during labor was independently associated with a better mother -infant bonding total score and better impaired bonding sub-scale score (Beta coefficient-0.252, 95% CI -0.5; -0.006, p = 0.045 and Beta coefficient - 0.34, 95% CI -0.52; -0.08, p = 0.01 for mother-infant bonding total score and sub-scale score, respectively). No differences in post-partum depression risks were found between the groups (EDPS≥13, 5.7% vs. 13%, p = 0.058).

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated better mother -infant bonding among women delivering with epidural analgesia.

The complex effects of maternal expectations on postpartum depressive symptoms: when does a protective factor become a risk factor?

PURPOSE

The present study assessed the effects of several prenatal maternal expectations on postpartum depression (PPD), while considering two relevant factors - incongruence between planned and actual birth and the rigidity of the birth plan - that can affect whether maternal expectations act as protective factors or risk factors for PPD.

METHODS

Primiparous women (N = 527) were recruited to a longitudinal study about women's birth choices and experiences. At time 1, during pregnancy, women completed a questionnaire assessing prenatal depression, preferred birth plan, birth plan flexibility-rigidity and maternal expectations (i.e. Natural-Fulfillment, Infant-Reflects-Mothering, Sacrifice). At time 2, two-months post-partum, they reported their actual birth mode and answered a questionnaire assessing their PPD symptoms.

RESULTS

Natural-fulfillment maternal expectations were negatively related to PPD symptoms. Yet, the interaction of high natural-fulfillment expectations with an unfulfilled birth plan and the rigidity of the birth plan, served as a risk factor for PPD symptomatology.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding the conditions under which specific prenatal maternal expectations serve as a risk factor for PPD, can help healthcare providers identify women who are at high risk for developing PPD symptoms and plan preemptive interventions.

The associations of subjective appraisal of birth pain and provider-patient communication with postpartum-onset PTSD

Childbirth-related PTSD is generally believed to result from multiple factors, including negative objective and subjective experiences and patient predisposing factors. There is conflicting evidence regarding whether severe childbirth pain affects development of PTSD. We hypothesize that a woman's retrospective subjective appraisal of birth pain is a greater predictor of postpartum-onset PTSD than medically documented measures of pain, and that a positive subjective experience communicating with medical providers during labor also reduces risk for postpartum-onset PTSD. A sample of 112 women, who screened positive for psychopathology within a year postpartum, were interviewed probing for their subjective labor experiences. Interviews were coded for subjective labor pain perception and quality of provider communication. Regression analyses tested associations between subjective labor pain perception and quality of provider communication with postpartum PTSD. Pain scores recorded during labor were not significantly associated to probable PTSD at any recorded time point up to 12 months postpartum. Positive perception of birth pain was associated with reduced risk of probable PTSD at 6 weeks postpartum (aOR = 0.34, p = 0.03). Positive provider communication was associated with reduced risk of probable PTSD at 6 months (aOR = 0.29, p = 0.02) and 12 months (aOR = 0.2, p = 0.03) postpartum. Pain recorded during childbirth is not necessarily a negative experience leading to trauma. For some women, even severe pain may be seen positively, and lacks traumatizing elements. Interventions to positively shift women's childbirth pain appraisal and educate medical workforce in patient-provider communication may reduce rates of postpartum PTSD. ClinicalTrials.gov Indentifier: NCT03004872.

Anxiety, Depression, and Pain in the Perinatal Period: A Review for Obstetric Care Providers

Importance

Maternal depression and anxiety may not only increase vulnerability for the development of postpartum depression and anxiety but may increase the perception of obstetric pain.

Objective

This review focuses on the relationship among depression, anxiety, and pain during pregnancy and postpartum. We will first review common clinical screening tools for depression, anxiety, and pain. Then, the existing evidence describing the relationship of depression, anxiety, and pain will be covered.

Evidence Acquisition

Queries for publications in PubMed, Google Scholar, and the CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) were completed. Both searches were limited to publications within the last 20 years. Literatures on subtopics obtained from the references of publications identified in the initial search were not limited by publication year.

Results

A total of 19 total publications were identified regarding postpartum depression and pain; 17 were identified in the initial search, and 2 related to postpartum depression, anxiety, and pain were found by reviewing references. Eleven studies were identified regarding postpartum anxiety and pain; 4 were found in the original search, and 7 were identified by reviewing the references.

Conclusions and Relevance

The relationship between postpartum depression and pain is well characterized in the literature. However, the relationship between postpartum anxiety and pain is less well defined, and further research is needed. The interaction between maternal mental health and pain emphasizes the importance of screening for these conditions and also counseling and educating patients about expectations regarding intrapartum and postpartum pain.

The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on birth satisfaction in a prospective cohort of 2,341 U.S. women

PROBLEM

Birth satisfaction is an important health outcome that is related to postpartum mood, infant caretaking, and future pregnancy intention.

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected antenatal care and intrapartum practices that may reduce birth satisfaction.

AIM

To investigate the extent to which pandemic-related factors predicted lower birth satisfaction.

METHODS

2341 women who were recruited prenatally in April-May 2020 and reported a live birth between April-October 2020 were included in the current analysis. Hierarchical linear regression to predict birth satisfaction from well-established predictors of birth satisfaction (step 1) and from pandemic-related factors (step 2) was conducted. Additionally, the indirect associations of pandemic-related stress with birth satisfaction were investigated.

FINDINGS

The first step of the regression explained 35% of variance in birth satisfaction. In the second step, pandemic-related factors explained an additional 3% of variance in birth satisfaction. Maternal stress about feeling unprepared for birth due to the pandemic and restrictions on companions during birth independently predicted lower birth satisfaction beyond the non-pandemic variables. Pandemic-related unpreparedness stress was associated with more medicalized birth and greater incongruence with birth preference, thus also indirectly influencing birth satisfaction through a mediation process.

DISCUSSION

Well-established contributors to birth satisfaction remained potent during the pandemic. In addition, maternal stress and restriction on accompaniment to birth were associated with a small but significant reduction in birth satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

Study findings suggest that helping women set flexible and reasonable expectations for birth and allowing at least one intrapartum support person can improve birth satisfaction.

Are labor pain and birth experience associated with persistent pain and postpartum depression? A prospective cohort study

Background and aims A considerable research-literature focuses on pain during labor and associations with postpartum persistent pain and depression, with findings pointing in various directions. The aim of this study was to examine the role of labor pain and overall birth experience in the development of pain and depression 8 weeks after delivery. Methods The study sample was drawn from the Akershus Birth Cohort. Data from multiple sources were used, including the hospital's birth record (n = 4,391), questionnaire data from gestational week 17 of pregnancy (n = 3,752), 8 weeks postpartum (n = 2,217), and two questions about pain and birth experience asked within 48 h after delivery (n = 1,221). The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to measure postpartum depression, a single question was used to measure persistent pain 8 weeks postpartum, while pain and birth experience were measured by numeric rating scales. A history of pre-pregnant depression and chronic pain were measured through self-report questions in gestational week 17. A total of 645 women had complete data from all sources. We applied multiple imputation techniques to handle missing responses on the two questions about pain and birth experience. Results The results showed that neither labor pain nor birth experience were associated with persistent pain 8 weeks postpartum, whereas pain before pregnancy (OR 3.70; 95% CI 2.71-5.04) and a history of depression (OR 2.31; 95% CI 1.85-2.88) were statistically significant predictors of persistent pain. A negative birth experience was significantly (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.04-1.29) associated with postpartum depression, whereas labor pain intensity was not. A history of depression (OR 3.95; 95% CI 2.92-5.34) and pre-pregnancy pain (OR 2.03; 95% CI 1.37-3.01) were important predictors of postpartum depression 8 weeks after delivery. Conclusions and implications Whilst the relationship between labor pain intensity and postpartum pain and depression remain unclear, our results do imply the need to screen for previous depression and chronic pain conditions in pregnant women, as well as consider preventive measures in those who screen positive.

Childbirth Pain and Post-Partum Depression: Does Labor Epidural Analgesia Decrease This Risk?

Post-partum depression (PPD) is a common complication of pregnancy worldwide with a prevalence as high as 15% in some countries. Pain has been identified as a risk factor for major depression; however, the relationship between labor-related pain and PPD is less understood. This article sought out to examine the relationship between pain and PPD, examining whether there is a correlation that reducing pain through epidural analgesia can lower the risk for PPD. A PubMed database search was performed using the keywords “post-partum depression” and “labor epidural”. Multiple articles including 2 meta-analyses were evaluated for the association between post-partum depression and epidural analgesia for labor. Although there is evidence supporting labor epidural analgesia reducing PPD, many studies including the meta-analyses did not uphold the hypothesis. More well-designed studies on this topic need to be investigated in order to substantiate the current evidence in the literature.

Perinatal depression

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Perinatal depression is a common and debilitating complication of pregnancy and childbirth. Recent studies have elucidated relationships between acute birth events on depression risk, and novel treatments for postpartum depression have been discovered and approved. This article reviews current understandings about birth events on depression, new screening standards, and novel treatments for postpartum depression.

RECENT FINDINGS

Pain, analgesia, and depression are complex traits that are inter-related during and after pregnancy. Certain individuals may benefit more than others from addressing pain and suffering around childbirth. Exposures to general anesthesia or postdural puncture headache are associated with postpartum depression symptoms, although a causal relationship is unlikely. Brexanolone, ketamine and its related compounds, and nonpharmacologic options offer new or alternative therapies for depression, although safety information for some of these treatments in pregnancy and lactation are needed. Maternal health bundles call for close attention to perinatal mental health screening with validated instruments, and for timely treatment referrals in the 'fourth trimester'.

SUMMARY

Clinical monitoring and timely treatment of depression in the perinatal and postpartum periods is critical for maternal postpartum health and recovery. Perinatal specialists and researchers should continue to focus on tailored treatments specific to this special population.

Preeclampsia and Its Complications Exacerbate Development of Postpartum Depression: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

Hypertensive disorders were proved to be associated with the development of depression. But it is unclear if pregnancy-induced hypertensive diseases, especially preeclampsia (PE), will affect postpartum moods. We aimed to determine the incidence rate of postpartum depression (PPD) in PE patients and comprehensively evaluate the association between PPD and PE, including its severity and complications.

Methods

425 participants including 130 PE mothers were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Each woman was asked to complete a questionnaire integrating the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Leakage Index Questionnaire, and a pain scale questionnaire within 6 weeks after delivery. The EPDS cut-off score above 13 was recognized as screening positive for PPD. Data between groups were compared by bivariate analysis.

Results

PE mothers showed a direct tendency to PPD development. The positive screening for PPD in the PE group was significantly higher than that of the control group (30.77% vs. 14.58%). Based on the results of the regression model, women diagnosed with severe PE and fetal growth restriction were more inclined to develop PPD than normal ones (AOR: 2.759, 95% CI: 1.206-6.315 and AOR: 3.450, 95% CI: 1.596-7.458). It is also indicated that postpartum pain exacerbated the odds of PPD in PE patients (AOR: 1.509, 95% CI: 1.078-2.114).

Conclusions

PE was an independent risk factor for PPD. Its severity and complications exacerbate the development of PPD. Doctors and society should pay more attention to PE patients after delivery against the development of PPD.

The association between labour epidural analgesia and postpartum depressive symptoms: a longitudinal cohort study

BACKGROUND

Pain is a risk factor for postpartum depression (PPD) and labour epidural analgesia (LEA) may lower the incidence of PPD. We evaluated depressive symptoms risk at three, six, and 12 months postpartum in women with LEA compared with women without LEA.

METHODS

With ethics approval, hypotheses were tested using data from a longitudinal prospective observational cohort study between January 2015 and January 2019 in nulliparous women aged ≥ 18 yr with uncomplicated, singleton pregnancies. Email surveys were completed at baseline (18-20 weeks' gestation) and at three-, six- and 12 months postpartum, including the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS). Maternal, infant, and anesthesia characteristics were abstracted from electronic databases. The EPDS scores at three, six, and 12 months postpartum were analyzed using generalized estimating equations with and without covariates.

RESULTS

Of the 909 women who consented to participate, 709 women were included in the study. Antenatal EPDS scores, not LEA, predicted postpartum depressive symptom risk (P < 0.001). The adjusted 95% confidence intervals suggest mean EPDS scores differ from 1.0 point lower in the LEA group at 12 months to 1.5 points higher in the no LEA group at three months on its 0-30 scale. All the confidence intervals included zero at three, six, and 12 months, so were considered non-significant (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study did not identify an association between LEA and risk of depressive symptoms postpartum, although small mean differences between groups cannot be ruled out. Future studies should focus on other modifiable variables that influence the development of PPD.

Association of postpartum depression and epidural analgesia in women during labor: an observational study

Background and objectives

Postpartum depression affects women, manifesting with depressed mood, insomnia, psychomotor retardation, and suicidal thoughts. Our study examined if there is an association between epidural analgesia use and postpartum depression.

Methods

Patients were divided into two groups. One group received epidural analgesia during labor while the second group did not. The Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) was administered to patients prior to birth and 6 weeks postpartum. Pain severity was assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) during labor and at 24 hours postpartum.

Results

Of the 92 patients analyzed, 47.8% (n = 44) received epidural analgesia. We detected significantly higher VAS score during labor (p =  0.007) and 24 hours postpartum (p = 0.0001) in the group without epidural analgesia. At 6 weeks postpartum, a significant difference was observed between the EPDS scores of both groups (p =  0.0001). Regression analysis revealed higher depression scores in patients experiencing higher levels of pain during labor (OR = 0.572, p =  0.039). Epidural analgesia strongly correlated with lower scores of depression (OR = 0.29, p =  0.0001).

Conclusion

The group that received epidural analgesia had lower pain scores. A high correlation between epidural analgesia and lower depression levels was found. Pregnant women giving birth via the vaginal route and having high pain scores could reduce postnatal depression scores using epidural labor analgesia. Pregnant women should opt for epidural analgesia during labor to lessen postpartum depression levels.

Associations of rooming-in with maternal postpartum bonding: the impact of mothers' pre-delivery intentions

OBJECTIVE

Full rooming-in, that is, mother and baby staying together for 24 hours per day after birth in the hospital, has been suggested as beneficial for positive maternal bonding. However, it has never been studied directly. We aimed to examine the association of full versus partial rooming-in and maternal bonding to her infant during the post-childbirth hospital stay.

STUDY DESIGN

Longitudinal questionnaire study.

SETTING

Maternity ward of a large tertiary health care center in Israel.

PARTICIPANTS

The sample consisted of postpartum women (N = 293) in a maternity ward of a tertiary health care center who were fully or partially rooming-in.

MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS

Questionnaires were administered at two time points, immediately after childbirth (T1; days 1-4) and 2 months postpartum (T2). The Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ), breastfeeding questions, and the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) were administered at T1; the PBQ was repeated at T2. Regression analysis revealed that the rooming-in mode did not significantly predict bonding at 1-4 days postpartum. However, the rooming-in mode was a significant predictor of bonding at two months postpartum only for women who practiced the rooming-in mode they had initially planned (Beta = 0.12, p < .05), while controlling for other demographic as well as obstetric variables. Women who chose and practiced partial rooming-in manifested more bonding difficulties than those who chose and practiced full rooming-in. These distinctions in bonding were not manifested when including in the analysis women who partially rooming-in, but not in accordance with their intentions.

CONCLUSIONS

Mother-infant bonding may be optimally supported when women's pre-labor desires to participate in full rooming-in are fulfilled.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Hospital staff should be aware of the mothers' intentions regarding full rooming-in requests and make sincere efforts to accommodate and support their wishes.

Long-term psychological and physical outcomes of women after postdural puncture headache: A retrospective, cohort study

BACKGROUND

Postdural puncture headache after accidental dural puncture during labour may lead to chronic sequalae.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to measure the incidence of postpartum depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, chronic headache, backache and breastfeeding rates after a postdural puncture headache.

DESIGN

A retrospective, case-matched cohort study.

SETTING

A review of documented cases of dural puncture and matched case controls occurring at Rabin Medical Center and Shamir Medical Center from 01 January 2012 to 30 September 2018.

PATIENTS

The study cohort consisted of women with a documented postdural puncture headache and the controls were women with uneventful labour epidurals in the same 24-h period. Women were interviewed by telephone.

PRIMARY OUTCOMES MEASURE

The primary outcome measure was the incidence of postpartum depression after a postdural puncture headache.

RESULTS

Women with postdural puncture headache (n = 132) and controls (n = 276) had similar demographic data. The incidence of postpartum depression was 67/128 (52.3%) versus 31/276 (11.2%) for controls, P < 0.0001, 95% confidence intervals of the difference 31.5 to 50.2. Posttraumatic stress disorder was more frequent among women with postdural puncture headache, 17/132 (12.8%) versus controls 1/276 (0.4%), P < 0.0001, 95% confidence intervals of the difference 7.6 to 19.5. Women with postdural puncture headache breastfed less, 74/126 (54.5%) versus controls 212/276 (76.8%), P < 0.0001, 95% confidence intervals of the difference 33.1 to 55.2. Current headache and backache were significantly more frequent among women with postdural puncture headache [current headache 42/129 (32.6%) versus controls 42/276 (15.2%) P < 0.00001, 95% confidence intervals 0.085 to 0.266; current backache 58/129 (43.9%) versus controls 58/275 (21%) P < 0.0001, 95% confidence intervals 14.1 to 33.5].

CONCLUSION

We report an increased incidence of postpartum depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, chronic headache and backache and decreased breastfeeding following a postdural puncture headache. Our findings emphasise the need for postpartum follow-up for women with postdural puncture headache.

TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER

Clinical trial registry number: NCT03550586.

Association of Childbirth Pain with Postnatal Depressive and Anxiety Disorders in Nulliparous Parturients: A Prospective Study

PURPOSE

There is limited knowledge on the relationship between postnatal depression and childbirth pain characteristics associated with childbirth. We investigated whether the characteristics of childbirth pain, as assessed by Short-form-McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2), were associated with postnatal anxiety and depressive disorders.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Nulliparous parturients who received labor epidural analgesia (LEA) and delivered in our institution were invited to have a Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) assessment following their 5-9 weeks post-delivery follow-up phone survey of a larger study. Parturients' demographics, pre-delivery questionnaires on pain and psychological vulnerabilities, LEA data, maternal and neonatal outcomes, postnatal follow-up survey on pain and psychological vulnerabilities, pain and breastfeeding were collected accordingly. The primary outcome was the binary variable (yes/no) of the presence of postnatal depression and/or anxiety disorders based on the post-delivery MINI assessment.

RESULTS

Among the 107 parturients who participated in the post-delivery MINI assessment, a total of 40 (42.5%) patients were found to have postnatal anxiety and depressive disorders. A greater pre-delivery SF-MPQ-2 neuropathic pain mean subscale score (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.32, 95% CI 1.00-1.73, p=0.0482) and greater post-delivery Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at 5-9 weeks post-delivery (adjusted OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.13-1.50, p=0.0002) were independently associated with the presence of postnatal anxiety and/or depressive disorders (receiver operating characteristic (ROC) = 0.7489).

CONCLUSION

Patients with greater pre-delivery neuropathic pain and higher EPDS scores at 5-9 weeks post-delivery are more likely to have postnatal depression and/or anxiety disorders, suggesting possible associations between pain and psychological vulnerability in the development of postnatal mental disorders.

Exposure to General Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery and Odds of Severe Postpartum Depression Requiring Hospitalization

BACKGROUND

Previous research suggests that, compared with regional anesthesia, general anesthesia is associated with increased odds of postoperative depressive disorders. No study has specifically evaluated the possible protective effect of neuraxial anesthesia for cesarean delivery on maternal mental health compared with general anesthesia. This exploratory study was designed to test the hypothesis that general anesthesia for cesarean delivery is associated with increased odds of severe postpartum depression (PPD) requiring hospitalization compared with neuraxial anesthesia.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included cesarean delivery cases performed in New York State hospitals between January 2006 and December 2013. Exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) having >1 cesarean delivery during the study period; (2) residing outside of New York State; (3) having a general anesthetic for other surgery or delivery in the previous year or in the year after the index case. The primary outcome was the occurrence of PPD, and the secondary outcomes were: (1) the composite of suicidal ideation or self-inflicted injury (ie, suicidality); (2) anxiety disorders; and (3) posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD). Primary and secondary outcomes were identified during the delivery hospitalization and up to 1 year after delivery. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of adverse psychiatric outcomes associated with general anesthesia were estimated using propensity score matching.

RESULTS

Of the 428,204 cesarean delivery cases included, 34,356 had general anesthesia (8.0%). Severe PPD requiring hospitalization was recorded in 1158 women (2.7/1000; 95% CI, 2.5-2.9); of them, 60% were identified during readmission, with a median of 164 days after discharge. Relative to neuraxial anesthesia, general anesthesia in cesarean delivery was associated with a 54% increased odds of PPD (aOR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.21-1.95) and a 91% increased odds of suicidal ideation or self-inflicted injury (aOR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.12-3.25). There was insufficient evidence in these data that general anesthesia was associated with anxiety disorders (aOR, 1.37; 95% CI, 0.97-1.95) or PTSD (aOR, 1.50; 95% CI, 0.50-4.47).

CONCLUSIONS

General anesthesia for cesarean delivery is associated with increased odds of severe PPD requiring hospitalization, suicidal ideation, and self-inflicted injury. If confirmed, these preliminary findings underscore the need to avoid the use of general anesthesia for cesarean delivery whenever possible, and to provide mental health screening, counseling, and other follow-up services to obstetric patients exposed to general anesthesia.

A systematic review of the association between postpartum depression and neuraxial labor analgesia

BACKGROUND

Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common complication after childbirth, affecting 10-15% of women. It is associated with serious long-term consequences for the mother and family. Whether or not neuraxial labor analgesia mitigates the risk is uncertain and controversial. The purpose of this review was to summarize studies investigating the association between neuraxial labor analgesia and the incidence of PPD.

METHODS

A systematic literature search for randomized controlled trials and cohort studies reporting the incidence of PPD among parturients who received neuraxial analgesia compared with non-neuraxial or no analgesia. The primary outcome was the incidence of PPD between 5 and 12 weeks' postpartum. Depression was diagnosed using a cutoff score of ≥10 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression scale, a validated screening tool. The risk of bias of each study was evaluated, and odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals calculated from raw data or reported as adjusted odds ratios.

RESULTS

Eleven observational studies involving 5717 patients were included. Three studies had a critical risk, three a serious risk, and five a moderate risk of bias. Two studies reported significantly lower odds for PPD associated with neuraxial analgesia compared with non-neuraxial or no analgesia, whereas the odds ratios in the remaining nine studies were not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS

Our systematic review did not find compelling evidence for an association between PPD and labor analgesia. Studies were heterogenous in nature and had a high risk of bias. Further research controlling for confounding factors is recommended to determine if a relationship exists.

Pain, stress, analgesia and postpartum depression: Revisiting the controversy with a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Pain and depression are associated, but it is uncertain if effective pain relief during labor by labor analgesia reduces the incidence of postpartum depression (PPD). This randomized, controlled study assessed whether combined spinal-epidural (CSE) labor analgesia is associated with a decreased risk of PPD. Other reported risk factors for PPD were also assessed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Parturients were randomly assigned to either CSE labor analgesia or normal vaginal delivery (n = 65 each). CSE parturients received 0.5 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine intrathecally and PCEA with continuous infusion of 0.1% levobupivacaine and 2 μg/ml fentanyl @5 ml/h along with patient-controlled boluses with a lockout interval of 15 min. Parturients of both the groups were assessed using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) for depressive symptoms at day 3 and PPD at 6 weeks (primary outcome; defined as EPDS score ≥10 at 6 weeks postpartum). Secondary outcomes included pain scores, maternal satisfaction, and Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min. Parturients were also screened for several risk factors for PPD.

RESULTS

Incidence of PPD was 22.3%. The difference in incidence of PPD between the CSE group vs. control group was not significant (27.7% vs. 16.9%; Fisher's exact P = 0.103). Of all the risk factors analyzed in logistic regression model, perceived stress during pregnancy was the only significant predictor of the development of PPD (adjusted Odds Ratio 11.17, 95% Confidence interval 2.86-43.55; P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

CSE analgesia in laboring parturients does not reduce PPD at 6 weeks. Instead, perceived high stress during pregnancy appears to be the most important factor.

Relationship between postpartum mood disorder and birth experience: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

This study aims to investigate the relationship between the birth experience and the risk of developing postpartum depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.

METHODS

In this prospective, longitudinal, observational study, women were assessed at different time points for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. The risk of depression or post-traumatic stress disorder based on patient characteristics and specific birth events was assessed within three months postpartum.

RESULTS

We enrolled 600 women; 426 were eligible for postpartum assessment. At six weeks and three months postpartum, 15.9% and 12.7% screened positive for depression respectively. Positive post-traumatic stress disorder screenings at six weeks and three months postpartum were 6.2% and 5.1% respectively. Twenty-seven women (8.3%) with a negative screening at six weeks converted to a positive depression or post-traumatic stress disorder screening at three months. A pre-existing history of anxiety or depression was associated with an increased risk of developing depression (aOR 2.12, 95% CI 1.30 to 3.47) and post-traumatic stress (aOR 3.15, 95% CI 1.42 to 7.02) within three months postpartum. The risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder within three months postpartum was also increased among patients experiencing their first delivery (aOR 2.55, 95% CI 1.10 to 5.88) or operative management of postpartum hemorrhage (aOR 4.44, 95% CI 1.16 to 17.02).

CONCLUSION

Depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms either persisted or had new onset at three months postpartum. Mental health screening and postpartum follow-up after six weeks should be considered in high-risk patients who have a history of psychopathology, nulliparity, or undergo operative management of postpartum hemorrhage.

Gerard W. Ostheimer Lecture: What's New in Obstetric Anesthesia 2018

This article summarizes the Gerard W. Ostheimer Lecture given at the 2019 Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology annual meeting. The article summarizes key articles published in 2018 that were presented in the 2019 Ostheimer Lecture, with a focus on maternal mortality, maternal complications, analgesic and anesthetic management of vaginal and cesarean deliveries, postpartum care, and the impact of anesthesia on maternal outcomes. The reviewed literature highlights many opportunities for anesthesiologists to impact maternal care and outcomes. The major themes presented in this manuscript are maternal mortality including amniotic fluid and cardiac arrest; postpartum hemorrhage; venous thromboembolism; management of spinal-induced hypotension; postpartum care including opioid use, postcesarean analgesia, and postpartum depression. A proposed list of action items and research topics based on the literature from 2018 is also presented. Specifically, anesthesiologists should use prophylactic vasopressor infusions during elective cesarean delivery; use a structured algorithm to diagnose pulmonary embolus, and reevaluate the use of D-dimer measurements; target postpartum opioid analgesia and prescribing; use multimodal postcesarean delivery analgesia, preferably with neuraxial hydrophilic opioids; and study any association between labor analgesia on postpartum depression.

The association between labor epidural analgesia and postpartum depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated that appropriate treatment for postoperative pain can lead to improvement in depressive symptoms, however the association between adequate intrapartum pain control and the development of postpartum depression is not clear. The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of labor epidural analgesia and postpartum depression.

METHODS

We performed a quantitative systematic review in compliance with the PRISMA statement. We conducted a search of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Google Scholar databases. The primary outcome was a positive screen of postpartum depression among women who received labor epidural analgesia up to 3 months into the postpartum period. Meta-analysis was performed using the random effect model.

RESULTS

Of the 148 studies available, 9 studies with 4442 patients were included in the analysis. The use of labor analgesia on positive depression screen compared to control revealed no significant effect, OR (95% CI) of 1.02 (0.62 to 1.66, P = 0.94).

CONCLUSION

Based on current literature, the use of epidural analgesia for pain relief during labor doesn't appear to affect the likelihood of postpartum depression. Future studies are warranted to further investigate these findings and identity other possible preventative interventions that reduce postpartum depression.

Pharmacologic labour analgesia and its relationship to postpartum psychiatric disorders: a scoping review

PURPOSE

This scoping review aimed to summarize the current literature on postpartum psychiatric disorders (e.g., postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder) and the possible relationship of these disorders to the use of pharmacologic labour analgesia (e.g., epidural analgesia, nitrous oxide, parenteral opioids) to identify knowledge gaps that may aid in the planning of future research.

SOURCES

PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and EMBASE were searched from inception to November 9, 2018 for studies that included both labour analgesia and the postpartum psychiatric disorders specified above.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Two reviewers assessed the studies and extracted the data. Of the 990 identified citations, 17 studies were included for analysis. Existing studies have small sample sizes and are observational cohorts in design. Patient psychiatric risk factors, method of delivery, and type of labour analgesia received were inconsistent among studies. Most studies relied on screening tests for diagnosing postpartum psychiatric illness and did not assess the impact of labour analgesia on postpartum psychiatric illness as the primary study objective.

CONCLUSIONS

Future studies should correlate screen-positive findings with clinical diagnosis; consider adjusting the timing of screening to include the antepartum period, early postpartum, and late postpartum periods; and consider the degree of labour pain relief and the specific pharmacologic labour analgesia used when evaluating postpartum psychiatric disorders.

Obstetric pain correlates with postpartum depression symptoms: a pilot prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Data linking labor pain and postpartum depression are emerging. Robust, prospective evaluations of this relationship while factoring other important variables are lacking. We assessed perinatal pain and other factors predicting postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms.

METHODS

Third trimester women, stratified by a priori plan to receive or avoid labor epidural analgesia, were longitudinally followed from the prenatal period through labor and delivery, until 6 weeks and 3 months postpartum. Electronic pain data was collected hourly during labor in real time, capturing pain unpleasantness, intensity, pain management satisfaction, and expectations. Prenatal and postpartum data included anxiety, depression, the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), pain catastrophizing, resiliency, and perceived social support and stress. The primary outcome was Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score (EPDS) as a marker of PPD symptoms. The primary pain variable of interest was labor pain emotional valence (unpleasantness burden, area under the curve for entire labor duration). Single and multivariable linear regressions examined perinatal pain variables in relation to EPDS.

RESULTS

Of 72 subjects included, 55 planned/received labor epidural analgesia and 17 planned avoidance/avoided it. In the planned epidural group, the emotional valence of labor pain independently predicted six-week EPDS (labor pain unpleasantness burden, R² = 0.42, P = 0.002). In addition to labor pain, prenatal and postpartum pain variables from the BPI independently predicted six-week EPDS. Three-month depression scores were linked to labor and acute pain (6 weeks postpartum), but not to chronic (3 months postpartum) pain variables. Intrapartum pain management satisfaction and expectations were largely met or exceeded and did not differ between analgesia groups.

CONCLUSION

For susceptible women, pain at all perinatal time points-prenatal, labor, and postpartum-appear to be independently linked to depression scores at 6 weeks postpartum. The relationships are true, even though satisfaction and expectations regarding labor pain management were met or exceeded. These data support the concept that labor and acute postpartum pain influences both acute and long-term PPD symptoms, although additional data are needed to assess how analgesia preference interacts with these relationships.