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Mental health problems and fear of childbirth: A cohort study of women in an inner‐city maternity service
Author(s) -
Nath Selina,
Lewis Lucy N.,
Bick Debra,
Demilew Jill,
Howard Louise M.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
birth
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.233
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1523-536X
pISSN - 0730-7659
DOI - 10.1111/birt.12532
Subject(s) - childbirth , anxiety , medicine , population , pregnancy , obstetrics , depression (economics) , mental health , psychiatry , cohort , environmental health , genetics , macroeconomics , economics , biology
Objectives To estimate the population prevalence of severe fear of childbirth (FOC) during pregnancy and investigate its association with: (a) antenatal common mental disorders (depression and anxiety disorder) and (b) elective cesarean birth. Methods 545 participants from an inner‐city London maternity population were interviewed soon after their first antenatal appointment (mean gestation: 14 weeks). Current mental disorders were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview DSM‐IV. FOC was measured using the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (WDEQ‐A) at approximately 28 weeks gestation (n = 377), with severe FOC defined using a cutoff of WDEQ‐A ≥ 85. Birth mode information was collected at 3 months post‐delivery using an adapted Adult Service Use Schedule. Linear regressions were used to model associations, adjusting for the effects of covariates (age, parity, relationship status, education, and planned pregnancy). Sampling weights were used to adjust for bias introduced by the stratified sampling. We also accounted for missing data within the analysis. Results The estimated population prevalence of severe FOC was 3% (95% CI: 2%‐6%) (n = 377). Depression and anxiety were significantly associated with severe FOC after adjustment for covariates (45% vs 11%; coefficient: 15.75, 95% CI: 8.08‐23.42, P < .001). There was a weak association between severe FOC and elective cesarean birth. Conclusions Severe FOC occurs in around 3% of the population. Depression and anxiety are associated with FOC. Pregnant people with depression and anxiety may be at increased risk of experiencing severe FOC. Attitudes toward childbirth should be assessed as part of routine clinical assessment of pregnant people in contact with mental health services.