Mother's depression at childbirth does not contribute to the effects of antenatal depression on neonate's behavioral development.
BACKGROUND
Maternal depression is a worldwide phenomenon that has been linked to adverse developmental outcomes in neonates.


OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of antenatal depression (during the third trimester of pregnancy) on neonate behavior, preference, and habituation to both the mother and a stranger's face/voice. To analyze mother's depression at childbirth as a potential mediator or moderator of the relationship between antenatal depression and neonate behavioral development.


METHODS
A sample of 110 pregnant women was divided in 2 groups according to their scores on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale during pregnancy (EPDS; ≥ 10, depressed; <10, non-depressed). In the first 5 days after birth, neonatal performance on the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) and in the 'Preference and habituation to the mother's face/voice versus stranger' paradigm was assessed; each mother filled out an EPDS.


RESULTS
Neonates of depressed pregnant women, achieved lower scores on the NBASs (regulation of state, range of state, and habituation); did not show a visual/auditory preference for the mother's face/voice; required more trials to become habituated to the mother's face/voice; and showed a higher visual/auditory preference for the stranger's face/voice after habituation compared to neonates of non-depressed pregnant women. Depression at childbirth does not contribute to the effect of antenatal depression on neonatal behavioral development.


CONCLUSIONS
Depression even before childbirth compromises the neonatal behavioral development. Depression is a relevant issue and should be addressed as a routine part of prenatal health care.
Center for Childhood and Youth District, Social Security Centre of Oporto, Portugal. alexandrap@psi.uminho.pt
Alexandra
A
Pacheco
Bárbara
B
Figueiredo
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology*; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006185:Habituation, Psychophysiologic; D006801:Humans; D018730:Infant Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016015:Logistic Models; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D036801:Parturition / Q000523:psychology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D014831:Voice