Title: The Impact of Delivery Mode and Antenatal Fear of Childbirth on Postpartum Depression, PTSD and Fear of Childbirth in Iranian Nulliparous Women: A Prospective Longitudinal Study

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

1 Assistant professor, Department of Psychology, Sadjad University, Mashhad, Iran

2 MSc of Psychology, Department of Psychology, Shandiz institute of Higher Education, Mashhad, Iran

10.22038/jmrh.2024.70723.2082

Abstract

Background and aim: In Iran, the diagnosis and treatment of delivery anxiety have been neglected. The objective of this study was to evaluate postpartum fear, depression, and PTSD in nulliparous women based on their antenatal fear and delivery mode.
Methods: For this prospective longitudinal study, 148 Iranian nulliparous women were selected using a convenient sampling method from January to September 2021. Participants' fear of childbirth was assessed for its severity for the first time during the final month of their pregnancy. These women were evaluated for their mode of delivery, delivery fears, depression, and PTSD at their second appointment, which took place 4 to 6 weeks following delivery. Participants completed the questionnaires within time 1 and 2. The Wijma Delivery Expectancy and Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ) (A and B versions), the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Perinatal PTSD Questionnaire were administered. The data were analyzed using two-way MANOVA and ANOVA.
Results: Postpartum fear of childbirth was more prevalent among women with clinical antenatal fear of childbirth and vaginal delivery than in other women (F (4, 139) = 2.86, p = 0.02). Postpartum depression and PTSD symptoms were more prevalent among women who had an emergency cesarean compared to both the vaginal delivery group (p<0.0001) and elective cesarean group (p = 0.003), irrespective of the severity of their antenatal fear of childbirth.
Conclusion: Ensuring the diagnosis and treatment of clinical antenatal fear of childbirth is essential. A follow-up program for women with emergency cesarean can help identify individuals at risk for depression and PTSD.

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Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 07 February 2024

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