Patterns of Peripartum Depression and Anxiety During the Pre-Vaccine COVID-19 Pandemic (preprint)

ABSTRACT

Background: Pregnant people are vulnerable to new or worsening mental health conditions.This study aims to describe prevalence and course of symptomatic depression and anxiety in pregnancy during the pre-vaccine COVID-19 pandemic. Methods:This is a prospective cohort study of pregnant individuals with known or suspected COVID-19. Participants completed Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Generalized-Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaires at 34weeks gestational age, 6-8weeks postpartum, and 6months postpartum. Prevalence of symptomatic depression and anxiety at each visit was described. Univariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between demographic and clinical factors and symptomatic depression or anxiety Results:  317 participantswere included.The prevalence of antepartum depression was 14.6%, 10.3%, and 20.6% at 34weeks gestational age, 6-8weeks postpartum, and 6months postpartum, respectively. The rate of anxiety was 15.1%, 10.0%, and 17.3% at 34weeks gestational age, 6-8weeks postpartum, and 6months postpartum, respectively. A prior history of depression and/or anxiety (p’s<0.03), as well as higher EPDS and GAD-7 scores at enrollment (p’s<0.04) associated with depression and anxiety throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. Quarantining during pregnancy was associated with symptomatic anxiety at 34weeks gestational age in univariate (P=0.027) analyses. COVID-19 diagnosis and hospitalization were not associated with depression or anxiety. Conclusions:  Depression and anxiety were prevalent throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period, particularly in those with prior depression and/or anxiety and who quarantined. Strategies that target social isolation may  mitigate potential adverse consequences for pregnant people, and continued vigilance in recognition of depression and anxiety in pregnancy should be considered.