Suicidal Risk and Depression in Pregnant Women in Times of Pandemic

Abstract

PurposePregnancy is a risk period for the development of mental disorders. About 10% of pregnant women worldwide experience a mental disorder, mainly depression, and this percentage has been aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of pregnant women.MethodsThree hundred and one pregnant women in the week 21.85 +/- 9.9 were recruited through social media and pregnant women forums from September 2020 to December 2020. A multiple-choice questionnaire was administered to evaluate the sociodemographic characteristics of the women, the care provided, and different aspects related to COVID-19. A Beck Depression Inventory was also delivered.ResultsOf the pregnant women 23.5% had seen or had considered seeing a mental health professional during pregnancy. Predictive models using multivariate logistic regression found that this fact was associated with an increased risk of depression (OR = 4.22; CI 95% 2.39-7.52; P < 0.001). Among women with moderate-severe depression, it was associated with an increased risk of having suicidal thoughts (OR = 4.99; CI 95% 1.11-27.9; P = 0.044) and age was found to be a protective variable (OR = 0.86; CI 95% 0.72-0.98; P = 0.053).ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic represents a major mental health challenge for pregnant women. Despite the decrease in face-to-face visits, there are opportunities for health professionals to identify the existence of psycho-pathological alterations and suicidal ideation by asking the patient if she is seeing or considering seeing a mental health professional. Therefore, it is necessary to develop tools for early identification to ensure correct detection and care.

SignificanceAmong women with moderate-severe depression, considered seeing a mental health professional during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of having suicidal thoughts and age was found to be a protective variable. Despite the decrease in face-to-face visits during COVID-19 pandemic, there are opportunities for health professionals to identify the existence of psycho-pathological alterations and suicidal ideation by asking the patient if she is seeing or considering seeing a mental health professional. Asking about their intention to seek specialized assistance can help to identify those women at risk of suffering affective disorders such as depression and suicidal ideation and to individually plan future medical visits.