Sensory sensitivity and partner support shape perinatal depression trajectories

Sensory sensitivity and partner support shape perinatal depression trajectories

Persistent sadness, fatigue, changes in sleep and appetite, or loss of interest are common symptoms in mothers suffering from perinatal depression.

What leads some mothers to perinatal depression?

Persistent sadness, fatigue, changes in sleep and appetite, or loss of interest are common symptoms in mothers suffering from perinatal depression. How do these symptoms evolve? A pioneering study followed the paths of mothers with this condition. It concluded that high sensitivity to internal and external stimuli can increase the risk of depression, while partner support during pregnancy has a protective effect.

Why do some mothers experience perinatal depression?

A pioneering study followed mothers with perinatal depression to understand how these symptoms evolve and the impact of infants’ temperament The World Health Organization defines perinatal depression as the interval of time that begins at the 22nd week of pregnancy and ends seven days after the infant is born. This period is marked by significant physiological and psychological changes, making it a difficult time for many women. Between 10% and …

A new way to measure perinatal mortality — and why it matters

The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) has adopted a new, broader definition of perinatal mortality — deaths that occur around the time of birth. Until now, perinatal mortality included fetal deaths at 28 weeks of pregnancy or later and infant deaths within the first 7 days. The new definition lowers the threshold to include fetal deaths starting at 20 weeks. Under the previous definition (called Definition I), only about 61% of all pe…