UNASSIGNED: Antenatal depression is associated with long-term disability in both mothers and new-borns. Inadequate data and research can constrain resource allocation and exacerbate the condition\'s symptoms.
UNASSIGNED: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of prenatal depression and the characteristics associated with it among women receiving prenatal care at Chelstone First Level Hospital in Lusaka.
UNASSIGNED: A cross-sectional survey of 281 pregnant women receiving prenatal care at Chelstone First Level Hospital was conducted using systematic random sampling. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess participants\' depression, and related data were collected using a structured, pretested, and interviewer-administered questionnaire.
UNASSIGNED: Prenatal depression was identified in 26.3 percent of pregnant women surveyed (95 CI: 21% -32%), with antenatal depression being significantly more prevalent in women who did not have a satisfactory relationship with their partner/significant other (OR=1.70, 95CI: 1.40-3.10). Unemployment was found to be a risk factor for antenatal depression, with a 1.3 (95 CI:1.04-1.5) fold increased risk compared to employed women.
UNASSIGNED: Depressive symptoms are common among pregnant women seeking antenatal care in primary care, and unemployment, as well as a lack of relationship satisfaction with the spouse/significant other, increases the risk of depression.

UNASSIGNED: COVID-19 pandemic has affected the pregnant women both physically and mentally. This study is conducted to assess, the impact on COVID-19 pandemic on psychiatric symptoms among pregnancy and to compare them with non-pregnant women.
UNASSIGNED: An observational study was conducted at Govt. Medical College & Hospital, Ooty (Udhagamandalam). A validated Edinburgh Depression Scale was used to screen the mental health status. Categorical variables were analysed using Chi-square test and continuous variables by independent t test. A Pearson\'s correlation analysis was performed to check the association of Edinburgh postnatal depression scores with the demographic characteristics. Paired t test was conducted to find the difference in EPDS scores at baseline and study conclusion visit. Regression analysis was conducted to predict the outcome variables.
UNASSIGNED: The Edinburgh Depression scores were significantly higher in the pregnant women group, (12.48 ± 3.753 vs. 8.00 ± 2.436; p value = 0.001; 95% CI 3.340-5.627), when compared to non-pregnant women (12.90 ± 3.731 vs. 9.20 ± 2.973; p value = 0.001; 95% CI 2.480-4.920). The Edinburgh Depression scores at the study conclusion visit was statistically significant, (11.05 ± 3.839 vs. 10.24 ± 3.872; p value = 0.008; 95% CI -1.40 to -0.213). Education, income, duration of marriage, body mass index, and suicidal ideation are some of the predictors identified in this study to cause depression among pregnant women.
UNASSIGNED: The findings of the study indicate a clinically significant increase of depressive symptoms among pregnant women. It is recommended to include routine psychological screenings and interventions during pregnancy.

UNASSIGNED: Depression is a major public health problem in middle- and low-income countries. Depression in pregnancy has adverse effects on obstetric outcomes. Maternal depression remains under-recognized, under-diagnosed and undertreated in Thailand. Antenatal screening of depression is an important strategy to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. This problem has rarely been investigated in Thailand, especially in urban areas.
UNASSIGNED: To discover the prevalence, associated factors, and predictive factors of depression in pregnant women living in an urban area.
UNASSIGNED: This cross-sectional study of 402 pregnant women was conducted during antenatal care at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand, from 10 September to 31 November 2019. The participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire that included a demographic profile, obstetric conditions, socio-cultural characteristics, and a Thai language version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale to assess depressive symptoms.
UNASSIGNED: Among a total 402 pregnant women, the prevalence of depressive symptoms in pregnant women in an urban area was 18.9%. Depressive symptoms in pregnant women were significantly associated with divorce (p < 0.001), low family income (p < 0.03), financial insufficiency (p < 0.001), extended family (p < 0.001), history of previous abortion (p = 0.033), history of previous pregnancy complications (p = 0.044), current alcohol use (p = 0.03), current tobacco use (p = 0.009), current substance abuse (p = 0.002), marital conflict (p < 0.001), and family conflict (p < 0.001). The significant factors predicting depression in pregnant women were extended family (AOR 3.0, 95% CI 1.59-5.51, p=0.001) and marital conflict (AOR 4.7, 95% CI 2.37-9.11, p<0.001).
UNASSIGNED: This study revealed that the prevalence of depressive symptoms in pregnant women living in an urban area in Thailand was 18.9%. The significant associated factors of depressive symptoms were divorce, low family income, financial insufficiency, extended family, previous abortion, previous pregnancy complications, current alcohol use, current tobacco use, current substance abuse, marital conflict, and family conflict. Extended family and marital conflict were significant predictive factors for antenatal depressive symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Depression is the most common psychiatric morbidity in pregnancy, affecting more than 13% of pregnant women. Its diagnosis is based on the criteria established by the DSM-5 and the application of validated scales such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. However, there are still errors and shortcomings among healthcare professionals in the recognition, diagnosis and treatment of depression during pregnancy, with the resulting consequences and repercussions on the gestation itself or the foetus.
OBJECTIVE: To present a review of depression in pregnancy, its risk factors, clinical characteristics, complications and treatment.
METHODS: The PubMed and LILACS databases were used to search for manuscripts. Of the 223 articles found, 55 fulfilled the inclusion criteria.
RESULTS: The prevalence of depression in pregnancy in South America is approximately 29% and the most significant risk factors are sexual abuse, pregnancy at an early age and intrafamily violence. Therefore, early diagnosis favours a reduction in risk behaviour, foetal neurodevelopmental disorders and obstetric outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS: Depression in pregnancy is common condition but is underreported as its symptoms are often attributed to the pregnancy itself. The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants, particularly fluoxetine, which has not been associated with teratogenicity, is recommended, in addition to the implementation of non-pharmacological treatment such as psychotherapy, mindfulness and aerobic exercise. Educating healthcare professionals will facilitate the correct diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

Perinatal depression is associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality and may have long-term consequences on child development. The US Preventive Services Task Force has recently recognized the importance of identifying and treating women with depression in the perinatal period. However, screening and accessing appropriate treatment come with logistical challenges. In many areas, there may not be sufficient access to psychiatric care, and, until these resources develop, the burden may inadvertently fall on obstetricians. As a result, understanding the risks of perinatal depression in comparison with the risks of treatment is important. Many studies of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in pregnancy fail to control for underlying depressive illness, which can lead to misinterpretation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor risk by clinicians. This review discusses the risks and benefits of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment in pregnancy within the context of perinatal depression. Whereas selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may be associated with certain risks, the absolute risks are low and may be outweighed by the risks of untreated depression for many women and their offspring.