Investigating contributing factors to recurrence of anxiety and/or depression during the perinatal period in women with a history of mental ill-health
Synopsis
Maternal anxiety and depression during pregnancy and the postnatal period can negatively affect the cognitive, social and emotional development of children in infancy, early childhood and even adolescence. One of the strongest predictors of anxiety and/or depression in the perinatal period is anxiety and/or depression before pregnancy. While some women with a history of anxiety and/or depression will experience a recurrence of the condition in the perinatal period, others will remain well. This analysis seeks to identify the differences between the two groups of women to understand how to better support them to stay well.