Tackling prenatal depression in mothers could lead to longer pregnancies, researchers say

A cohort of researchers led by the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and the University of Denver highlight the importance of prenatal maternal mental health, suggesting that prenatal depression intervention may lead to longer gestation, healthier babies and intergenerational benefits .

A joint study, published in the news eClinical Medicinehighlights the breadth of existing research that underlines the impact that shortened gestational age has on newborn health, identifying maternal prenatal depression as linked to preterm birth. Despite the volume of evidence, researchers say there is a lack of progress in reducing the number of premature births.

“Rates of prenatal depression in mothers are higher than rates of postpartum depression, but are not as targeted, despite the well-documented impact it can have on the duration of pregnancy,” said Elysia Davis, Ph.D., associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, professor at the University of Denver and first author. “The prenatal care needed for pregnant individuals provides an opportunity to address mental health concerns by requiring routine visits to their health care provider when they may not otherwise interact with the health care system.”

The study involves a randomized clinical trial in which 226 pregnant individuals received either enhanced usual care or interpersonal psychotherapy during routine antenatal care appointments. The results indicate that participants reported a reduction in depression and were more likely to have a longer pregnancy.

“What this suggests is that by reducing maternal depression during pregnancy, we can increase the number of babies born to term, which could ultimately impact morbidity and mortality rates among newborns,” says Davis.

“These findings really provide proof of concept that low-cost, safe, and effective intervention programs can benefit families intergenerationally,” said Catherine Demers, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and co- author of the study. .

“This safe intervention is relatively easy to implement and targets pregnancy as a vulnerable time, emphasizing improved communication skills and psychoeducation as ways to increase interpersonal support.”