The Inter Relationship of Mental State between Antepartum and Postpartum Assessed by Depression and Bonding Scales in Mothers

Abstract

The number of deaths caused by child abuse is increasing, which is one of social concerns. The mental health of mothers might be related to child abuse. The aim of this study was to examine and compare the mental state of mothers in both the antepartum and postpartum period assessed by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Mother-Infant-Bonding-Scale (MIBS), and compare the results. Participants (n = 134) were recruited twice in antepartum medical checkups (20 to 36 weeks of gestation) and postpartum medical checkups (1 month after birth). Information on characteristics of participants was collected from medical records in both periods. Family function and ante-postpartum mental health were assessed by Family APGAR, EPDS, and MIBS. Antepartum depressive state was related to postpartum depressive state (p = 0.015), antepartum bonding was related to bonding in postpartum bonding (p = 0.0001), and antepartum bonding disorder was related to postpartum depressive state (relative risk = 11.7). Worries about costs and poor of family function were related to the mental health of mothers in both the antepartum and postpartum periods. Antepartum depressive state is an indicator of postpartum depression. We suggested that health professionals conduct an evaluation of mother’s mental health and related factors in the antepartum period. The present findings emphasize the importance of antepartum mental health as a predictor of postpartum depression and bonding disorder.