Effect of Continuous Care on Postpartum Anxiety among Primipara Mothers in China

Objective:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of continuous care on postpartum anxiety in primipara mothers in China.Methods:A quasi-experimental,non-equivalent control group design was employed.The initial screening involved 120 primipara women from two hospitals in Shandong Province.Based on the inclusion criteria,60 eligible primipara mothers were selected to participate in the study.Results:The findings indicated that continuous care significantly reduced the anxiety levels of primipara mothers,as shown by a marked decrease in the scores on a researcher-developed anxiety scale.Conclusion:Continuous care has been proven to be an effective intervention for alleviating postpartum anxiety in Chinese primipara mothers and has a positive impact on their mental health and postpartum recovery.

Iodine Nutrition, Thyroid-stimulating Hormone, and Related Factors of Postpartum Women from three Different Areas in China: A Cross-sectional Survey

Objective Studies on the relationship between iodine,vitamin A(VA),and vitamin D(VD)and thyroid function are limited.This study aimed to analyze iodine and thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH)status and their possible relationships with VA,VD,and other factors in postpartum women.Methods A total of 1,311 mothers(896 lactating and 415 non-lactating)from Hebei,Zhejiang,and Guangxi provinces were included in this study.The urinary iodine concentration(UIC),TSH,VA,and VD were measured.Results The median UIC of total and lactating participants were 142.00µg/L and 139.95µg/L,respectively.The median TSH,VA,and VD levels in all the participants were 1.89 mIU/L,0.44μg/mL,and 24.04 ng/mL,respectively.No differences in the UIC were found between lactating and non-lactating mothers.UIC and TSH levels were significantly different among the three provinces.The rural UIC was higher than the urban UIC.Obese mothers had a higher UIC and a higher prevalence of excessive TSH.Higher UICs and TSHs levels were observed in both the VD deficiency and insufficiency groups than in the VD-sufficient group.After adjustment,no linear correlation was observed between UIC and VA/VD.No interaction was found between vitamins A/D and UIC on TSH levels.Conclusion The mothers in the present study had no iodine deficiency.Region,area type,BMI,and VD may be related to the iodine status or TSH levels.

Analysis of influencing factors and the construction of predictive models for postpartum depression in older pregnant women

BACKGROUND Changes in China's fertility policy have led to a significant increase in older pregnant women.At present,there is a lack of analysis of influencing factors and research on predictive models for postpartum depression(PPD)in older pregnant women.AIM To analysis the influencing factors and the construction of predictive models for PPD in older pregnant women.METHODS By adopting a cross-sectional survey research design,239 older pregnant women(≥35 years old)who underwent obstetric examinations and gave birth at Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital from February 2022 to July 2023 were selected as the research subjects.When postpartum women of advanced maternal age came to the hospital for follow-up 42 d after birth,the Edinburgh PPD Scale(EPDS)was used to assess the presence of PPD symptoms.The women were divided into a PPD group and a no-PPD group.Two sets of data were collected for analysis,and a prediction model was constructed.The performance of the predictive model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)analysis and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test.RESULTS On the 42nd day after delivery,51 of 239 older pregnant women were evaluated with the EPDS scale and found to have depressive symptoms.The incidence rate was 21.34%(51/239).There were statistically significant differences between the PPD group and the no-PPD group in terms of education level(P=0.004),family relationships(P=0.001),pregnancy complications(P=0.019),and mother–infant separation after birth(P=0.002).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a high school education and below,poor family relationships,pregnancy complications,and the separation of the mother and baby after birth were influencing factors for PPD in older pregnant women(P<0.05).Based on the influencing factors,the following model equation was developed:Logit(P)=0.729×education level+0.942×family relationship+1.137×pregnancy complications+1.285×separation of the mother and infant after birth-6.671.The area under the ROC curve of this prediction model was 0.873(95%CI:0.821-0.924),the sensitivity was 0.871,and the specificity was 0.815.The deviation between the value predicted by the model and the actual value through the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test was not statistically significant(χ^(2)=2.749,P=0.638),indicating that the model did not show an overfitting phenomenon.CONCLUSION The risk of PPD among older pregnant women is influenced by educational level,family relationships,pregnancy complications,and the separation of the mother and baby after birth.A prediction model based on these factors can effectively predict the risk of PPD in older pregnant women.

The prevalence,associated factors,and impact of urinary incontinence in pregnant and postpartum women in Nanjing,China:A cross-sectional study

Objective:Urinary incontinence(UI)is highly prevalent in antenatal and postnatal women while the prevalence of UI varied largely from 3.84%to 38.65%.This study was to assess the prevalence of UI,the associated factors,and the impact of UI on daily life in pregnant and postpartum women in Nanjing,China.Methods:The prevalence of UI and the impact of UI on life were assessed by the validated Chinese version of International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-urinary incontinence-short form and the validated Chinese version of urinary incontinence quality of life.The associated factors were estimated by using logistic regression analysis.Results:UI affected 37.80%of pregnant women and 16.41%of postpartum women of the study population.Among the pregnant participants,the prevalence rates of stress UI,urge UI,and mixed UI were 25.77%,4.47%,and 7.10%,respectively.Among the postpartum women,the prevalence rates of stress UI,urge UI,and mixed UI were 11.15%,1.92%,and 2.69%,respectively.In both pregnant women and postpartum women,vaginal delivery had significantly increased the odds of reporting UI(p=0.007,p=0.003,respectively).The impact of UI on daily life was significantly greater in postpartum women compared to pregnant women especially in social embarrassment(p=0.000).Conclusion:The prevalence rates of UI were high in pregnant women in Nanjing,China.Vaginal delivery significantly increased odds of reporting UI.UI has a great impact on pregnant and postpartum women’s life,especially in social embarrassment.

Maternal Predictors for Quality of Life during the Postpartum in Brazilian Mothers

Introduction: The postpartum period can have a significant physical, emotional, and social impact on the quality of a woman’s life. Most postpartum research has focused on physical complications and only a few studies have specifically investigated quality of life. The purpose of this study was to explore predictors affecting the quality of life of postpartum Brazilian mothers. Study Design and Methods: A cross-sectional Quality of Life survey was performed in 210 Brazilian mothers during the early postpartum period. Data were collected using an interview technique and two instruments: 1) a maternal questionnaire and the 2) Maternal Postpartum Quality of Life tool/Brazilian version. The association between maternal characteristics and quality of life in the post-partum period was investigated with bivariate and multivariable analyses. Results: Mothers who had the best Quality of Life were white, registered students, 30 - 40 years of age, who were married or living with a partner, and without physical complaints;in addition, they had at least an 8th grade education, more than 4 children, and had attended more than 8 prenatal visits with a nurse. The stepwise model indicated that white race (p < 0.05) and married or living with a partner (p < 0.05) were the best predictors of Quality of Life in postpartum women. Conclusions and Clinical Implications: Marital status and race conditions may predict quality of life in postpartum Brazilian mothers. In addition, improved knowledge concerning the postpartum, maternal experience may help develop health interventions to enhance the quality of life of this population.

A Prospective Study on the Incidence and Predictors of Postpartum Depression among Pregnant Women Attending an Antenatal Clinic in Kano, Northern Nigeria

Depressive disorder is a major contributor to years lived with disability (YLD) globally. It is estimated that 13% of all women experience the disorder in the first year postpartum. Postpartum depression (PPD) has significant implications to the physical and mental wellbeing of both the mother and her baby. Only non-depressed pregnant women (score of ≤ 6 on Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) were recruited into this study. Data collection was done at 2 different stages;at recruitment stage (during the third trimester of pregnancy) and at the follow up stage (4th - 6th week postpartum). During the recruitment stage, intimate partner violence (IPV) and level of social support perception, among the women, were assessed using Hurt Insult Threaten Scream (HITS) and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) questionnaires respectively. While at the follow up stage, the Obstetric questionnaire and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI-7) were used respectively to obtain obstetric-related data and to diagnose for occurrence of depression. The incidence of PPD was found to be 16.34%. Several factors such as level of education, husband’s socioeconomic status, stressful life events, low perception of social support, obstetric instrumentation and not having a baby of preferred gender were significantly associated with PPD. Positive predictors of PPD included not practicing breast feeding (OR = 186.72, 95% CI = 8.32 - 4188.35), family history of mental illness (OR = 4.95, 95% CI = 1.04 - 23.81) and pregnancy lasting beyond 40 weeks (OR = 7.26, 95% CI = 1.51 - 34.88). High incidence of PPD with numerous associated but largely modifiable risk factors call for more proactive measures, such as PPD screening among pregnant women.

A Theory-Based Dietary Intervention for Overweight, Postpartum Mothers and Their Children Improves Maternal Vegetable Intake

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a dietary intervention to increase target vegetable intake in overweight, postpartum mothers;and their children. Methods: Overweight mothers attending their six-week postpartum follow-up visit and their infants (n = 104 pairs) were randomized to intervention or usual care groups during the time period 2008-2011. Mothers received four 60 minute education sessions with a nutrition professional and eight monthly follow-up phone calls. Counseling began at the obstetrician office and continued at the regularly scheduled pediatric visits. The primary study outcome was the change in maternal target vegetable intake. Secondary outcomes included child target vegetable intake and whether child vegetable intake was modified by exposure to breastfeeding. Mother/child energy intake and weight indices were also assessed. Outcomes were measured at baseline (6-weeks postpartum), 6, 12 (post-intervention), and 18 (follow-up) months. Mixed-effects models were used to estimate the impact of the dietary intervention on study outcomes relative to usual care. Results: Mothers randomized to the intervention had greater consumption of target vegetables at 6, 12 and 18 months (P P P = 0.03, respectively). There were no differences between groups in maternal energy intake, body mass index, or child target vegetable or energy intake. The child’s target vegetable intake at 12 months was related to the mother’s intake at 6 months (P = 0.03), however, this relationship was not modified by exposure to breastfeeding. Conclusion: A dietary intervention targeting the diet of the mother/child dyad resulted in improved maternal vegetable intake.

Predictors of Mothers’ Early Postpartum Fatigue: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Most postpartum mothers experience fatigue. However, it was unclear which day after birth during hospitalization mothers are the most fatigued, and if the mothers’ background is a factor. The aim of this study was to investigate hospitalized mothers’ characteristic features, fatigue, and relaxation, and then to find the correlated factors of fatigue in order to obtain suggestions for mothers’ early postpartum care. Methods: This quantitative cross-sectional descriptive correlational study occurred during May to December 2016. A purposive sample of early postpartum hospitalized mothers at a postpartum unit in a Tokyo hospital completed an anonymous self-filled questionnaire survey. The survey included respondents’ characteristics, fatigue scale, and relaxation scale. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, multiple regression analyses, and structural equation modeling. Results: Returned questionnaires were 251 (83.4%). Fatigue was significantly higher for mothers with longer postpartum days compared to shorter postpartum days (F = 5.7, p < 0.001). Fatigue was significantly higher in mothers with a previous disease compared to no previous disease (t = 2.2, p < 0.05). The three significant predictors of Fatigue were 1) relaxation (β = −0.30, p < 0.001), 2) postpartum days (β = 0.26, p < 0.001), and 3) previous disease (β = 0.14, p < 0.05). The structural equation modeling revealed that the same factors were related to Fatigue. Conclusions: No relaxation, longer postpartum days, and previous disease were associated with Fatigue for early postpartum mothers. These results suggest that focusing on previous disease, length of postpartum days, and mother’s relaxation is needed to provide full support to early postpartum mothers.

The Rise of Women’s Education and the Modernity of East Asia:Focusing on the Education of“Virtuous Wives and Worthy Mothers”in China and Japan

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan.Looking back on the past and forward to the future,we realize modernity has become a critical issue that not only China and Japan,but the whole East Asian region should pay attention to.China and Japan are both within the“Circle of Confucius Culture”and are both modern latecomer countries.As they were coerced by western countries to enter the modern age,they shared multiple common features.An exploration of the two countries’respective rising of modern women’s education is an important path to discuss the reconstruction of gender and an important method of the course of the embodiment of east-Asian women into modernization drives.With regards to conclusion,entering the modern age,Chinese and Japanese intellectuals reshaped the female gender in terms of interpersonal relationship,value system,and knowledge structure by advocating the idea of“virtuous wives and worthy mothers”education.In the concept of virtuous wives and worthy mothers in East Asia,the Confucian ethics of“docility and virtue”is the soul,and modern scientific knowledge serves this core value.On the other hand,in the course of localization in China and Japan,this imported concept from the West has encountered a completely different historical fate.

Pilot Study on an Integrated Pilates and Yoga Program for Decreasing Postpartum Depression in Women

Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a 10-week exercise intervention in reducing depression and fatigue in women with postpartum depression. Design: A one-group pretest/ posttest quasi-experiment was conducted. Setting: A postpartum ward in a medical center in Taipei city was used. Participants: Nineteen women at 7 - 12 weeks postpartum with an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score ≥ 9 were recruited. Methods: The women participated in a postpartum exercise support program 1 hour per week for 10 weeks. The program was led by a professional coach;it integrated yoga, Pilates, elastic band exercise, low-intensity aerobics, and motherhood role experience sharing. Results: After the postpartum exercise support program intervention, depression scores decreased from 10.4 ± 3.29 to 7.80 ± 2.73 (t = 3.632, P = 0.003);fatigue scores decreased from 8.73 ± 5.02 to 5.40 ± 3.89 (t = 2.988, P = 0.010). Conclusion: PESP administered to women with postpartum depression appeared to benefit their psychological wellbeing.

Comparison of Sexual Function in Primiparous Women Pre-Pregnancy and Postpartum: Difference of the Sexual Function after the Normal Vaginal Delivery and the Cesarean Section

Introduction: Sexual function is undoubtedly an important dimension of adult life. Due to all the conflicting results with regard to sexual function after the normal vaginal delivery (NVD) or the Cesarean Section (CS), in the present study, we aimed to compare the sexual function in women pre-pregnancy and postpartum and also after the NVD and CS. Materials and Methods: In this cohort study, two groups of healthy women, with antenatal normal pregnancies, who underwent NVD (n = 90) and CS (n = 113), were prospectively studied. The sexual function of the participants was assessed through a Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire in two stages: once before pregnancy and then within 3 to 6 months after delivery, which lasted from June 2011 to September 2012. The data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test, and T Test. Results: Based on the data gathered from 206 women who completed the FSFI questionnaire in two stages, the mean (±SD) self-reported timing of the resumption of sexual activity was 8.9 ± 1.3. There was no significant statistical difference found between the two groups by timing of the resumption of sexual activity in NVD and CS groups. There was also no statistically significant difference found in the overall sexual function scores between the two groups (NVD vs. CS). The average score for female sexual function in desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction within 3 to 6 months after delivery was significantly lower than that of their pre-pregnancy period (p < 0.004). The mean coitus in postpartum period was 1.84 ± 1.20 per week. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, there was no significant relationship between the mode of delivery and changes in sexual function. Therefore, it can be claimed that CS is not preferred to NVD with regard to preserving normal sexual functioning.

Personal Accounts of Mothers’ Use of Social Media to Support Abstinence from Alcohol

Alcohol consumption by professional educated women and mothers is rising. Drinking alcohol in the home is, for many, becoming a normalised and daily ritual. Previous research focuses on causality, risk factors and health related damage. Few studies focus on mothers of school age children specifically or why some mothers pursue and sustain alcohol free lives. The role of social media in enacting and sustaining abstinence is under researched, as are other factors important for this group in remaining abstinent. Aims: This qualitative study explored the reasons why mothers drank alcohol, and factors contributing to their decision to become alcohol free. It also explored the value and utility of social media in the form of a specific website aimed at providing support in abstinence. Methods: Six UK mothers with school age children who had become abstinent after previously drinking over official limits were recruited via social network website and interviewed. Transcripts were analysed thematically and inductive themes emerged. Results: Participants used alcohol to self-medicate, as a reward/relaxation strategy and because it was a normal part of their professional and daily lives. Reported reasons for abstinence included the negative effects alcohol had upon lives, inability to moderate/drink within guidelines and “trigger” events. Participants reported that their use of social media was inspirational, giving them a platform to share stories and help others and was preferred to traditional support. The use of social media in this way represented a supportive community and assisted vigilance toward the danger of relapse. Positive parenting identity, alternatives to alcohol, abstinence rewards and support from abstinent others were all factors in sustaining abstinence. Conclusions: Health professionals should recognise this hidden and hard to reach group and the potential efficacy of social media in assisting recovery from alcohol related issues.

Fatigue and Depression from Early Postpartum to 1 Month among Postpartum Women with Mental Disorders

Objective: This study aims to ascertain the prevalence of fatigue and depression from early postpartum to 1 month after delivery among postpartum women with mental disorders. Methods: The participants of this study were postpartum women who had delivered a child after a full-term pregnancy and were suffering from a mental disorder. We administered the Postpartum Fatigue Scale (PFS) on days 1, 3, and 4 (to multiparas), and 1, 3, and 5 (to primiparas), and 1 month after delivery to all participants. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Japanese version, was also administered at the same time intervals as PFS except on day 3 after delivery. Results: A total of 7 primiparas and 9 multiparas participated in this study. The average age was 29.0 ± 7.0 years in primiparas and 32.0 ± 4.0 years in multiparas. The PFS scores were higher among the primiparas and peaked at day 1, and more than half the primiparas scored more than 9 points in EPDS. In addition, the EPDS score at 1 month had a strong correlation with the PFS subscale “mental stress situation” (r = 0.818/p = 0.047). In multiparas, the percentage of women who scored more than 9 points decreased. However, their EPDS scores at 1 month were related to the total scores of the PFS, “physical stress situation”, “mental stress situation”, and “sleep deprivation situation”. Especially, the score of “sleep deprivation situation” was higher than those during hospitalization. Conclusion: There was more fatigue 1 month after the discharge among postpartum women with mental disorders. The percentage of women whose EPDS scores were more than 9 points was high in both primiparas and multiparas. This study suggests assisting primiparas and multiparas by controlling the former’s disorder during childcare, and using family support for the latter, so that they get time to rest.

Beliefs and practices of young women on utilization of prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV services in Malawi

This study explored beliefs and actual practices of young women on utilization of Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV services in Balaka district of Southern Malawi. The study design wascross sectional which utilized qualitative data collection and analysis methods. In-depth interviews were conducted on 12 young mothers of 15 to 24 years old. The respondents were drawn from 6 health centres in the district during their visits to either the under-five clinic, HIV and AIDS support groups or HIV follow up clinics. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis approach. Overall the respondents had positive beliefs on utilization of PMTCT services. They believed that adherence to PMTCT guidelines such as condom use, taking of Nevirapine (NVP) and exclusive breastfeeding protected the baby from contracting the virus. Nevertheless, all respondents believed that HIV testing was mandatory and that early weaning caused malnutrition and death of babies. Actual practice was very low. Very few young mothers breastfed exclusively, weaned their babies abruptly and took NVP as recommended. Not all positive beliefs translated into positive behavior. Lack of male support, inability of the midwives to provide comprehensive care to HIV infected mothers and their infants, and fear of stigma and discrimination were other factors that hindered utilization of PMTCT services. Culture was also a major barrier because traditionally babies are expected to be breastfed and supplements are fed to babies too. Therefore, there is a need to mobilize communities on PMTCT of HIV. Education programmes in HIV should emphasize behavior change interventions and should focus on both men and women and significant others. There is also need to intensify monitoring and evaluation of health workers’ activities to ensure that beliefs translate into positive behavior.

Autonomic Nervous Activity in Multiparous Women during Early Postpartum Period: A Descriptive Study

Background: The purpose of the present study is to analyze the autonomic nervous activity in multiparas while resting, nursing, and rooming-in/rooming-out during days 1 to 3 of early postpartum period. Methods: Subjects were asked to record the actions they performed while wearing a heart rate monitor. Changes in autonomic nervous activity from 9 am to 12 pm and relaxation based on the relaxation (RE) scale were surveyed in multiparous women experiencing a normal postpartum period, on postpartum days 1 to 3. Results: Thirteen subjects were enrolled but heart rate data for all 3 days were available for only 5 of them. In these patients, the autonomic nervous activity (heat rate, high frequency [HF], or low frequency [LF]/HF) showed no significant differences between the days during any of the time periods. However, of the 3 days, day 2 demonstrated a lower HF and higher LF/HF. Subjective sense of relaxation was higher on postpartum day 3 compared to days 1 and 2, but there was no significant difference observed in the 3-day total score. Though no significant differences in HF and LF/HF at rest and during nursing were observed for any of the 3 days, there was a tendency for HF to be lower and LF/HF to be higher during nursing than at rest. Conclusions: Autonomic nervous activity demonstrated no significant major changes between the 3 days of postpartum (day 1 to 3). However, the lower HF and higher LF/HF during nursing and rooming-in suggest that even multiparas, who are supposedly accustomed to nursing and child-rearing, can be tense. Results suggest that multiparas require monitoring, personal care, and attention so that they can be relaxed and less tense while nursing and caring for their children.

Research Progress of Related Laboratory Testing Indexes before and after Mother-Infant Blocking in HIV/AIDS Pregnant Women

More than 90% of HIV-positive children come from mother-to-child transmission, so mother-to-child interdiction is the main measure to prevent AIDS in children. Relevant data show that the incidence of mother-to-child transmission of HIV usually fluctuates between 15% and 50% without intervention. Standardized and effective comprehensive intervention can reduce the transmission rate of mother to child to less than 1%. At present, it is believed that mother-to-child transmission of AIDS can be blocked by comprehensive intervention, and its mechanism has been clearly studied. Combined with highly effective antiviral treatment, safe labor and artificial feeding, the mother to child transmission rate can be reduced to less than 1%. However, due to the effect of drugs on mother-to-child transmission of AIDS may lead to some changes in the main biochemical indicators of mother-to-child, there is no systematic analysis of the viral load, T lymphocyte subsets and major biochemical indicators of HIV/AIDS pregnant women before and after maternal-to-child transmission. In this study, the viral load, T lymphocyte subsets and major biochemical indicators of HIV/AIDS pregnant women before and after maternal-infant blockade were dynamically analyzed. It is hoped that this study will help to observe the basic physical fitness and disease development of pregnant women with HIV/AIDS during pregnancy, to provide a strong basis for the treatment and evaluation of maternal-infant blockade of HIV/AIDS pregnant women, and to establish a complete set of laboratory indicators to understand the body status of pregnant women at all stages to minimize the probability of fetal transmission, which will make good economic and social benefits.

Knowledge, Attitudes of Pregnant Women and Practices of Women Who Have Recently Given Birth on Contraception in the Immediate Postpartum Period at Principal Clinic of the Togolese Association of Family Well-Being Planning Center (ATBEF)

Background: The use of modern contraceptive methods contributes to the reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality. The initiation of a contraceptive method in the immediate postpartum period is one of the strategies to avoid missing out on contraceptive opportunities. This strategy will reduce the unmet need for contraception which is still high in the country. Objective: To describe the knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women and the practices of women who have given birth about immediate postpartum contraception. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study conducted at the main clinic of ATBEF from 20th March to 20th October 2020. Our study included pregnant women whose gestational age was greater than or equal to 37 weeks of amenorrhea who came for prenatal consultation or for any other consultation and then gave birth in the center. Data collection was based on a survey form. Data analysis and entry was done with the Epi info 2000 version 6.04 software. The parameters studied were: socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women about contraception in the immediate postpartum period, and contraceptive practices of the women who gave birth. Results: During the study period, 201 women were selected for the survey. The average age of the respondents was 26.2 years. They were nulliparous in 41.3% of cases. Our respondents had knowledge of modern contraceptive methods in 82.10% of cases. About 59.2% of the respondents had an unfavourable attitude towards the adoption of contraceptive methods in the immediate postpartum period. The main reason was adverse effects in 33.6%. Of the 82 women who had a favourable attitude, 29 women had adopted a contraceptive method after delivery, which corresponds to a rate of use of 14.4% of the respondents. The main reason for non-adoption of a contraceptive method after childbirth for those who had a favourable attitude was the opposition of the husband in 34%. Conclusion: Couple counselling during prenatal and postnatal care and intensified awareness raising on planning and ideal spacing of pregnancies for health will increase the number of contraceptive users in the immediate postpartum period.

Have They Different Mothers

With the help of her friend,a young mother took her very youngtwins who were exactly alike to the doctor.Since the waiting areawas full,the two women each with a twin,were seated on

Impact of postnatal maternal depressive symptoms and infant’s sex on mother-infant interaction among Bangladeshi women

Aim: To investigate the impact of postnatal depressive symptoms and infant sex on perceived and observed mother-infant interaction among rural Bangladeshi women. Methods: Fifty women with depressive symptoms and their infants at 2 - 3 months were compared with 50 women without depressed symptoms and their infants, matched on geographic areas, parity and infant sex. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale assessed depressive symptoms, the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire assessed the mother’s perception of bonding with the infant and mother-infant interactions were videotaped and analyzed with the Global Rating Scale. Results: Mothers with depressive symptoms were poorer, were less educated and rated lower infant bonding than mothers without depressive symptoms (p = 0.03), yet objective observation revealed no difference between the two groups regarding maternal interactive behavior (p = 0.57). However, infants, particularly boys (p = 0.002), of mothers with depressive symptoms fretted more in mother-infant interaction than infants of mothers without depressive symptoms (p = 0.009). Conclusion: Although mothers with depressive symptoms did not show less sensitivity in interactive behavior at 2 - 3 months than those without depressive symptoms, our results indicate that infants, particularly boys, of mothers with depressive symptoms may be negatively influenced by depressive symptoms.