Sensory sensitivity and partner support Perinatal depression trajectories

Sensory sensitivity and partner support Perinatal depression trajectories

Persistent sadness, fatigue, sleep changes, and loss of appetite or interest are common symptoms in mothers suffering from perinatal depression. How do these symptoms develop? A landmark study followed the journeys of mothers with this condition. It concluded that high sensitivity to internal and external stimuli may increase the risk of depression, while partner support during pregnancy has a protective effect.

The perinatal period is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a time interval in the 22nd week of pregnancy and ends 7 days after the birth of the child. This period is characterized by significant physiological and psychological changes, which makes it difficult for many women. Between 10% and 25% of women are susceptible to perinatal depression, which occurs during pregnancy and can last up to a year after birth. Persistent sadness, fatigue, sleep changes and loss of appetite or interest are common symptoms, with the emotional health of the mother and child being significantly affected.

Although the symptoms of perinatal depression are well identified, there is less knowledge about how these symptoms develop. To expand on this area, a study led by Maria Spinelli with support from the BIAL Foundation was the first to track perinatal depression trajectories at four different time points - late in pregnancy and at 3, 6 and 9 months postpartum.

As part of this work, researchers from the G. d'Annunzio Chieti -Pescara University and the University of Pavia (Italy) conducted a longitudinal study with 88 mothers without a clinical diagnosis, examining the role of individual factors such as SPS - Sensory -processing sensitivity (which lead to larger conversations and reactivity factors related to the increases and increases in the external contract and the disputes of the proprieties and the adjustments of the proprieties.

In the article “Maternal depression during the perinatal period: the role of sensory processing sensitivity and social support and their impact on infant adverse outcomes,” published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Psychology, the researchers revealed that they had also examined the role of infant prenatal depression as an early marker of emotional adjustment.

The results showed that mood declines immediately after birth but improves over time, with mothers with high sensitivity and less partner support being more prone to negative feelings. High sensitivity may therefore increase the risk of depression, while partner support during pregnancy has a protective effect. The research also found that prenatal depression could influence the child's emotional reactivity, particularly the adherence of its abundance to negative effects and as a prenatal stressor.

This study may help create support programs for mothers and promote better emotional adjustment for them and their infants. “

Maria Spinelli

Given its significant impact, “partner participation should be an essential part of parenting programs that promote positive relationships from the beginning of pregnancy and lay the foundations for supportive family dynamics and a healthier transition to parenthood,” emphasizes the researcher.

Regarding the mother-child dyad, improving and promoting interactive touch in the postpartum period can improve the bond between the two and reduce stress, with both the mother's emotional state and the child's emotional adjustment affecting the child's benefits. “The positive role of tactile experience can serve as a basis for intervention programs aimed at promoting safe and supportive relationships in early life,” emphasizes Spinelli.

Find out more about the project “131/20-from inner to dyadic connection: The impact of mindfulness intervention on mother-infant bio-behavioral synchrony” here.

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