References
Antenatal parenting support for vulnerable women
Abstract
Background:
Social adversity and poor maternal mental health during pregnancy can have long-term adverse effects on the infant's health, social and educational outcomes. Stress in pregnancy may have direct physiological effects on the fetus, as well as impairing development of maternal sensitivity to the infant. Improved antenatal support and more effective engagement with ‘high-risk’ expectant mothers is needed.
Method:
Pregnant women meeting high-risk criteria were invited to participate. Participants (n=35) were randomly allocated in clusters of six to either Mellow Bumps (a 6-week antenatal parenting programme that aims to decrease maternal stress levels and emphasises the importance of early interaction in enhancing brain development and attachment), Chill-out in Pregnancy (a 6-week stress reduction programme) or care-as-usual.
Results:
The interventions are promising in terms of maternal mental health. Qualitative feedback suggested that the interventions' format was acceptable. A larger trial may be justified if effect sizes can be estimated with more precision.
Social adversity and poor maternal mental health during pregnancy can have long-term adverse effects on children's health, social, educational and economic outcomes (O'Connor et al, 2002; Olivier et al, 2015). Women with social difficulties are more likely to suffer from stress, depression and/or anxiety during pregnancy, which may disrupt maternal sensitivity to the infant's cues (Pearson et al, 2011). Poor mother–child interaction and poor maternal mental health strongly predict child maltreatment (Pawlby et al, 2011). Children who experience neglectful or abusive, rather than nurturing, relationships in their early years are more likely to be disadvantaged throughout their life (Mäntymaa et al, 2004). Language skills are more likely to be limited (Sylvestre and Mérette, 2010), with a potential negative impact on long-term outcomes such as educational attainment, mental health and levels of employment (Law et al, 2009).
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