The role of prenatal posttraumatic stress symptoms among trauma exposed women in predicting postpartum depression

Rebecca Grekin; Emily B K Thomas; Michelle L Miller; Michael W O'Hara

doi:10.1002/smi.3100

Back

The role of prenatal posttraumatic stress symptoms among trauma exposed women in predicting postpartum depression

Journal article

Peer reviewed

The role of prenatal posttraumatic stress symptoms among trauma exposed women in predicting postpartum depression

Rebecca Grekin, Emily B K Thomas, Michelle L Miller and Michael W O'Hara

Stress and health, Vol.38(3), pp.610-614

10/07/2021

DOI: 10.1002/smi.3100

PMCID: PMC8986883

PMID: 34617661

Files and links (1)

url

https://scholarworks.indianapolis.iu.edu/bitstreams/9adabbb2-e891-43ad-9924-44059b7fd391/downloadView

Open Access

Abstract

Research suggests that a history of trauma and prenatal posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) are predictive of postpartum depression (PPD). Pregnant women at risk for PPD are often identified through depression symptom measures, while PTSS also may help to identify those at increased risk. Women who do not endorse depressive symptoms, though experience PTSS, may be missed when screening is exclusively based on depressive symptoms. The current study aimed to determine if prenatal PTSS were associated with PPD at 4- and 12-week postpartum in trauma-exposed women. Pregnant women (N = 230) in their third trimester were assessed for depression and PTSS at pregnancy, 4 and 12 weeks postpartum. Traumatic life events were assessed during pregnancy. Hierarchical regression analyses examined predictors of PPD, including history of depression, number of past traumas, and symptoms from the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Checklist short-form (PCL-6). At 4 and 12 weeks postpartum, history of trauma and depression did not predict depressive symptoms, however, irritability and unwanted intrusive memories of trauma were predictive of increased depressive symptoms. Prenatal irritability and unwanted memories may be predictive of elevated PPD symptoms. Future research should examine whether these symptoms represent increased risk of postpartum depressive symptoms to improve screening, prevention, and treatment efforts.

Trauma

perinatal posttraumatic stress

postpartum depression

Details

Title: Subtitle: The role of prenatal posttraumatic stress symptoms among trauma exposed women in predicting postpartum depression
Creators: Rebecca Grekin - Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
Emily B K Thomas - Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
Michelle L Miller - Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Michael W O'Hara - Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Stress and health, Vol.38(3), pp.610-614
DOI: 10.1002/smi.3100
PMID: 34617661
PMCID: PMC8986883
NLM abbreviation: Stress Health
ISSN: 1532-3005
eISSN: 1532-2998
Grant note: UL1TR002537 / National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 10/07/2021
Academic Unit: Psychological and Brain Sciences
Record Identifier: 9984213397302771

Metrics

10 Record Views

10 Times Cited - Web of Science