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Partner abuse increased risk for postpartum mental health problems

In a nonclinical sample of 100 women, researchers found psychological, physical and sexual abuse experienced before and during pregnancy led to increased instances of postpartum mental health issues.

English-speaking women were recruited no more than 3 months postpartum for one-time interviews on factors that affect women’s health after pregnancy; the term “abuse” was not mentioned in study advertisements. Mean participant age was 32 years, and 41% already had children before their new baby. Most respondents were white (71%), high school graduates (96%), employed (82%) and in a serious relationship with the father of their new baby at the time of interview (95%).

Eighty-four percent of women reported some form of intimate partner abuse before their pregnancy, and 70% reported abuse during pregnancy. Psychological aggression was the most common form of abuse reported, with 83% before pregnancy and 68% during pregnancy. Physical assault was reported second at 20% before pregnancy and 12% during pregnancy.

Postpartum mental health symptoms above normal levels were reported among 61% of women, and 47% had moderate or higher levels.

Women who had not completed high school reported significantly higher levels of anxiety (P<.001) and posttraumatic stress disorder (P<.01) compared with those who completed at least high school.

Single women reported higher stress (P<.05), anxiety (P<.001), depression (P<.01) and PTSD (P<.001) levels than women in relationships at the time of the interview.

Symptoms of stress and PTSD were associated with psychological aggression that occurred during, but not before, pregnancy, according to researchers. Furthermore, researchers found physical assault during pregnancy was associated with symptoms of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and PTSD.

Researchers encourage health care professionals to screen for physical and nonphysical forms of abuse. Knowledge of psychological, physical and/or sexual abuse could help health care professionals improve postpartum mental health treatment and intervention efforts, researchers concluded.

Disclosure: The study was funded by the British Columbia Mental Health and Addictions Research Network, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, and the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research.