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Antenatal depression linked to development problems

Friday, June 27, 2008

Children born to mothers who suffered from depression during pregnancy appear to be more likely to experience problems with development, new research suggests.

Experts at the University of the West of England and the University of Bristol found that the risk of child development problems increased by more than a third if the mother suffered from persistent antenatal depression.

In women who continued to suffer from depression after the birth, the risk of their child experiencing development problems increased by 50 per cent.

Professor Philip Steer, editor-in-chief of BJOG journal, in which the study is published, said that the findings are important.

"Maternal depression, both antenatally and postnatally, has a significant impact on women and their families," he pointed out.

"It is essential for doctors, midwives and other healthcare professionals to be aware and play an active role in assessing and identifying maternal depression, so that those at-risk can receive appropriate support and care during pregnancy and post-birth."

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