Researchers from the Irish Obstetrics Services in conjunction with Trinity College Dublin have released the findings of their latest study, demonstrating that one in six pregnant women in Ireland is at probable risk of depression.
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Well Before Birth study, which was carried out by the Irish Obstetric Services and the TCD REDEEM research group between January and September this year, used the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) as a screening tool. The researchers found that 16% of pregnant women are at a "probable risk" of depression during their pregnancy, with varying probabilities for depression depending on women's age, socio-economic status and what stage of pregnancy they were at. The risk of prenatal depression was even higher for women under 18 at 22%.
The study also looked at the prevalence of depression by trimester, and found rates of 13.8% and 17.2% in the second and third trimesters respectively. This is the first study of its kind looking at women giving birth in Irish hospitals despite the fact that Ireland currently has one of the highest birthrates in Europe.
With an average of 68,000 births a year in Ireland, the study reveals that over 11,000 women could be affected by prenatal depression. Previous scientific research has linked maternal anxiety and depression with complications for both mum and baby. Pregnant women who experience increased anxiety levels and prenatal depression are at higher risk for excessive vomiting and nausea during pregnancy (Hyperemesis Gravidarum), delivery complications, postpartum depression and other postnatal psychiatric illnesses. Other studies have also found that depression during pregnancy increases the risk of pre-term labour and low birth weight.
Well Before Birth lead researcher and Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College, Veronica O'Kane, called for Irish perinatal psychiatry services to be urgently addressed in the National Maternity Strategy in light of the findings.
Does this surprise you? Do you think mental health services for expectant mums in Ireland are up to scratch? Let us know in the comments or tweet us at @Herfamilydotie
