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Prenatal anxiety and depression

3 important questions on Prenatal anxiety and depression

Possible effects prenatal symptoms of anxiety and/or depression (PSAD) can have

- increased risk of preterm birth
- increased risk of preterm depression & adverse maternal health behavior
- risk of lower birth weight for baby
- may negatively affect psychomotor and behavior development during infancy

What are the most common reasons for women to not receive treatment

- thinking it's a natural part of pregnancy to feel this way
- not regarding feelings severe enough to seek professional help
- there a reason why i feel like this
- thinking mood will get better on its own without help
- would rather receive help from friends, family
- thinking i can handle my problems on my own
- not regarding feelings to be problem
- finding it uncomfortable/scary to ask for help

What were the important findings of this research

- a midwife specifically asking a woman whether she experiences anxious/depressive feelings improves chance of self-disclosure

- for women who desired treatment, receiving referral from midwives was main facilitating factor for engaging in treatment

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

Early Development

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