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Maternal Stress: Contributors, Protective Factors, and Impacts across the Life...
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Maternal Stress: Contributors, Protective Factors, and Impacts across the Life Course

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Women's Health Care".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (29 February 2024) | Viewed by 6148

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Fathima Wakeel

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Health, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
Interests: maternal and child health; community health; women’s mental health; health disparities

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Despite rapid advances in healthcare and technology, infant and maternal mortality rates in many countries, including developed countries such as the United States (U.S.), remain unacceptably high. Further, glaring disparities in negative obstetric outcomes, based on factors such as race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geographical location, persist. For example, women of color in the U.S., specifically African American and Native American women, are at least two times more likely than non-Hispanic White women to die during the perinatal period or deliver infants who are low birthweight, preterm, or die within the first year of life. Importantly, widespread evidence has indicated that maternal stress before and during pregnancy is a critical risk factor for adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes.

Though the literature has extensively explored maternal stress during pregnancy, it has not adequately examined the multilevel contributors to maternal stress over the life course or its long-term impacts on maternal and child health outcomes. Additionally, though research has mainly focused on the risks, such as maternal stress, that predict poor obstetric outcomes, a growing body of literature has explored protective factors that contribute to healthy maternal and child health outcomes. There is also a dearth of literature regarding maternal stress and protective factors among women of color, such as Native American women, as well as among women with intersectional vulnerable identities (e.g., being a racial/ethnic minority with a disability who is part of the LGBTQ+ community).

Accordingly, this Special Issue seeks review and original research articles showcasing empirical research that examines maternal stress over the life course, on topics including but not limited to:

  • Multilevel contributors to maternal stress over the life course, such as childhood and adolescent trauma, experiences of racism and other forms of discrimination, social isolation, and social determinants of health, specifically for women of color and individuals with intersectional vulnerable identities.
  • Impacts of maternal stress over the life course, including long-term physical, behavioral, social and psychological health outcomes for mothers and offspring, particularly among individuals of color and intersectional vulnerable identities.
  • Protective factors over the life course, such as personal characteristics, social support, and community resources, that potentially reduce women’s exposure to or help them cope with stress before and during pregnancy.
  • Measurement of maternal stress and resilience using a life course approach.

Dr. Fathima Wakeel
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • maternal stress
  • life course approach
  • communities of color
  • maternal and child health outcomes
  • protective factors
  • social determinants of health
  • adverse obstetric outcomes

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 323 KiB  
Article
The Emotional Experience of Mexican Women with SARS-CoV-2 during Pregnancy―A Qualitative Study
by María Eugenia Gómez-López, Vania Aldrete-Cortez, Aline González-Carpinteiro, Rosa Mendizábal-Espinosa and Liliana Bobadilla
Healthcare 2023, 11(20), 2785; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11202785 - 21 Oct 2023
Viewed by 907
Abstract
Pregnant women have been considered a high-risk group for SARS-CoV-2 infection; the impact of the disease on the health of a mother and her child is still being studied. The emotional impact of the pandemic on pregnant women has been extensively studied. Emotional [...] Read more.
Pregnant women have been considered a high-risk group for SARS-CoV-2 infection; the impact of the disease on the health of a mother and her child is still being studied. The emotional impact of the pandemic on pregnant women has been extensively studied. Emotional distress is proposed as a perspective to explain the emotional manifestations in women during this stage as something common rather than pathological. The objective of this study was to explore the emotional experience of women who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 towards the end of their pregnancy, during the first and second waves of COVID-19 in Mexico. A qualitative study was carried out: 18 pregnant women with COVID-19 were interviewed. A thematic analysis of the data was performed, resulting in 3 main themes and 14 subthemes. The COVID-19-infected mothers-to-be experienced mild to moderate emotional distress. It was more intense for those with comorbidities. This distress was aggravated during obstetrical complications and comorbidities, as well as during COVID-19 and postpartum. The emotional distress was appeased by both the perception of medical care and social support. The emotional distress of pregnant women with COVID-19 requires emotional support to reduce its impact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal Stress: Contributors, Protective Factors, and Impacts across the Life Course)
14 pages, 295 KiB  
Article
Risk of Postpartum Depression: The Considerable Role of Maternal Health Status and Lifestyle
by Haya S. Zedan, Baian A. Baattaiah, Shoug Alashmali and Arwa S. Almasaudi
Healthcare 2023, 11(14), 2074; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11142074 - 20 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1493
Abstract
Women’s health issues are complex and require collaborative efforts to unravel some of these complexities. This study aims to identify the incidence risk of Postpartum Depression (PPD) in a national sample of women in Saudi Arabia and the relationship with several health status, [...] Read more.
Women’s health issues are complex and require collaborative efforts to unravel some of these complexities. This study aims to identify the incidence risk of Postpartum Depression (PPD) in a national sample of women in Saudi Arabia and the relationship with several health status, lifestyle, and sociodemographic factors. A cross-sectional study with an online questionnaire format assessed the risk of postpartum depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and included several questions on postpartum health status and lifestyle factors. Of the 550 women who responded to the survey 75% scored within range of risk for PPD (≥12). We found significant associations between family income, younger baby age, birth difficulty, having family support, level of physical activity, and the risk for PPD (p < 0.05). Urgent attention and resources should be directed towards screening and treatment for PPD in the healthcare system. The development of programs for awareness, education, and support of postpartum mothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is also required. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal Stress: Contributors, Protective Factors, and Impacts across the Life Course)
15 pages, 499 KiB  
Article
Aging Mother–Adult Daughter Differentiation, Psychological Well-Being, and Parental Status
by Sesong Jeon
Healthcare 2023, 11(13), 1865; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11131865 - 27 Jun 2023
Viewed by 991
Abstract
Despite the understanding that differentiation is a lifelong process crucial for psychological adaptation, there is limited knowledge regarding how parent–child differentiation in adulthood is associated with the psychological well-being of both parents and adult children. Furthermore, empirical research has yielded inconclusive results regarding [...] Read more.
Despite the understanding that differentiation is a lifelong process crucial for psychological adaptation, there is limited knowledge regarding how parent–child differentiation in adulthood is associated with the psychological well-being of both parents and adult children. Furthermore, empirical research has yielded inconclusive results regarding whether the parental status of adult children influences the parent–child relationship. Consequently, the current study focuses on the moderating effect of adult daughters’ parental status on the association between aging mother–adult daughter differentiation and psychological well-being. The study utilized data from 167 pairs of Korean aging mothers and adult daughters to examine two main aspects: (1) the relationship between aging mother–adult daughter differentiation and psychological well-being; and (2) the moderating role of adult daughters’ parental status on the relationship between aging mother–adult daughter differentiation and psychological well-being. The findings revealed that both the differentiation of adult daughters and mothers was positively associated with their respective psychological well-being. However, no significant cross-interactional effects of aging mother–adult daughter differentiation on psychological well-being were observed. Notably, there was a positive moderating effect of the adult daughter’s parental status on the association between aging mother–adult daughter differentiation and psychological well-being for aging mothers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal Stress: Contributors, Protective Factors, and Impacts across the Life Course)
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18 pages, 2497 KiB  
Article
Investigating Maternal Stress, Depression, and Breastfeeding: A Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (2016–2019) Analysis
by Shubhecchha Dhaurali, Vickie Dugat, Tayler Whittler, Shikhar Shrestha, Marwah Kiani, Maria Gabriela Ruiz, Iman Ali, Courtney Enge and Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha
Healthcare 2023, 11(12), 1691; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11121691 - 09 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1328
Abstract
Breastfeeding is invaluable for postpartum physical healing and mental wellbeing, but psychosocial stress and depression impede such recovery processes. To inform future interventions and policies, associations between breastfeeding, maternal stress, and depression were examined. Data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) [...] Read more.
Breastfeeding is invaluable for postpartum physical healing and mental wellbeing, but psychosocial stress and depression impede such recovery processes. To inform future interventions and policies, associations between breastfeeding, maternal stress, and depression were examined. Data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) were analyzed (2016–2019). Logistic regression models were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Of the total sample (n = 95,820), approximately 88% of participants attempted breastfeeding. Our findings indicate that participants who experienced any form of stress had a slightly higher likelihood of breastfeeding compared to those without stress. Specifically, partner-related and financial-related stressors were significantly associated with increased odds of breastfeeding. However, no significant associations were observed trauma-related or emotional-related stressors and breastfeeding. Additionally, no significant association was found between depression at different stages (preconception, prenatal, and postpartum) and breastfeeding. A significant interaction effect was noted between having experienced any of the 13 stressors and Black race/ethnicity on breastfeeding odds. Similarly, significant interaction effects were observed between partner-related, trauma, financial, or emotional stressors and Black race/ethnicity. These findings emphasize the importance of considering various factors when promoting breastfeeding in diverse populations, and screening for psychosocial stress during postpartum visits. Our study recommends tailoring breastfeeding interventions to address the needs of Black mothers which could significantly improve maternal health and breastfeeding outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal Stress: Contributors, Protective Factors, and Impacts across the Life Course)
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Review

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20 pages, 474 KiB  
Review
A Critical Look at Omega-3 Supplementation: A Thematic Review
by Yamil Liscano and Natalia Sanchez-Palacio
Healthcare 2023, 11(23), 3065; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11233065 - 29 Nov 2023
Viewed by 875
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) affects 10–20% of women. Traditional treatments have raised concerns, but omega-3 fatty acids show potential as an alternative. This thematic review, sourced from databases like PubMed and Scopus between 1 February 2023 and 15 March 2023, seeks to delve into [...] Read more.
Postpartum depression (PPD) affects 10–20% of women. Traditional treatments have raised concerns, but omega-3 fatty acids show potential as an alternative. This thematic review, sourced from databases like PubMed and Scopus between 1 February 2023 and 15 March 2023, seeks to delve into the various perspectives on omega-3 supplementation for PPD. The criteria included studies detailing depressive symptoms, social functioning, and neurobiological variables. The review includes research with women showing PPD symptoms, randomized clinical trials, and articles in Spanish, English, and French. Exclusions were studies lacking proper control comparisons and other interventions besides omega-3. Data extraction was performed independently. Two key studies provide contrasting findings on omega-3’s impact on PPD symptoms. In the study comparing DHA supplementation to a placebo, significant differences were not found in the EPDS scale, but differences were observed in the BDI scale. In contrast, another study recorded a significant decrease in depression scores in all dose groups, with reductions of 51.5% in the EPDS scale and 48.8% in the HRSD scale. Other studies, encompassing both prenatal and postpartum periods, underscore the differentiation between prenatal depression and PPD. Despite shared diagnostic criteria, PPD presents unique symptoms like restlessness, emotional lability, and baby-related concerns. It is crucial to address biases and obtain specific results, recommending exclusive PPD-focused studies. This review emphasizes the need for continuous exploration of omega-3’s relationship with PPD to enhance the life quality of pregnant women and their families. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal Stress: Contributors, Protective Factors, and Impacts across the Life Course)
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