Clinical significance of pregnancy in adolescence in Japan

Objective: We examined the clinical characteristics and obstetric outcomes in adolescent pregnancies in Japanese women.

Methods: The present study was a retrospective investigation of all primiparous Japanese women with singleton pregnancies who gave birth at ≥22 weeks’ gestation aged ≤18 years old (adolescent pregnancy, n?=?325) and aged 28–30 years old (n?=?2029) at Japanese Red Cross, Katsushika Maternity Hospital between 2002 and 2016.

Results: The frequencies of smoking, economic problems, an unmarried single status at delivery and the start of prenatal care in the first trimester in the adolescent pregnancy group were significantly higher than in the control group (p?Chlamydia trachomatis, Condyloma acuminatum, and mental disorders in the adolescent pregnancy group were significantly higher than in the control group (p?p?=?.02).

Conclusions: Adolescent pregnancy was not associated with adverse obstetric outcomes; however, adequate social, economic, and mental support is needed for adolescent pregnant women.     

Evaluating the effects of copper supplement during pregnancy on premature rupture of membranes and pregnancy outcome

Objective: To evaluate the effects of copper (Cu) supplementation during pregnancy on the rupture of membranes and pregnancy outcomes.

Methods: Study was conducted as a triple-blind randomized clinical trial. In one group, Cu in a dose of 1000?mg per day, and in the other group, placebo was prescribed orally from 16th week of pregnancy.

Results: The women of the two groups did not have significant difference according to age, gestational age at recruitment, BMI, and socioeconomic conditions. There was no statistically significant difference between case and control group regarding the incidence of PPROM, PROM, preterm labor, vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, preeclampsia, and the incidence of placenta abruption. There was a 75% and 90% decrease in depressive symptoms in 2nd trimester and 3rd trimester in supplemented group, respectively. Also, there was a 45% and 80% decrease in anxiety symptoms in 2nd trimester and 3rd trimester in the supplemented group, respectively The rate of infection during pregnancy was significantly higher in control group (p?=?0.046). There was no difference between the two groups according to neonatal outcomes.

Conclusions: Cu supplementation during pregnancy could not influence positively on ROM; however, it could improve some mood status of the women.     

Effects of prenatal music stimulation on state/trait anxiety in full-term pregnancy and its influence on childbirth: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Many researchers have pointed out the strong relationship between maternal psychological well-being and fetal welfare during pregnancy. The impact of music interventions during pregnancy should be examined in depth, as they could have an impact on stress reduction, not only during pregnancy but also during the course of delivery, and furthermore induce fetal awareness.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of music on maternal anxiety, before and after a non-stress test (NST), and the effect of music on the birthing process.

Material and method: The four hundred and nine pregnant women coming for routine prenatal care were randomized in the third trimester to receive either music (n?=?204) or no music (n?=?205) stimulation during an NST. The primary outcome was considered as the maternal state anxiety score before and after the NST, and the secondary outcome was the birthing process.

Results: Before their NST, full-term pregnant women who had received music intervention were found to have a similar state-trait anxiety score to those from the control group, with 38.10?±?8.8 and 38.08?±?8.2, respectively (p?=?.97). After the NST, the mean state-trait anxiety score of each group was recorded, with results of 30.58?±?13.2 for those with music intervention, and 43.11?±?15.0 for those without music intervention (p?p?p?p?p?Conclusions: Prenatal music intervention could be a useful and effective tool to reduce anxiety in full-term pregnant women during an NST and improve the delivery process by reducing the first stage of labor in nulliparous women.     

Association between psychological status with perceived social support in pregnant women referring to Tabriz health centers

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the psychological status of pregnant women with perceived social support.

Method: In this cross-sectional study, 372 Iranian women were selected randomly via a two-stage cluster sampling method at the third trimester of pregnancy in healthcare centers of Tabriz-Iran. Data were collected using the socio-demographic characteristics questionnaire, perceived social support (PRQ-85) and the short form of depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS-21). The statistical tests including Spearman’s correlation, Mann–Whitney, Kruskal Wallis, and linear regression model were used for data.

Results: The mean (SD) score of perceived social support 131.5 (18.9) with a range of 25–175 was achieved. In terms of the scale of mental health, median (25–75 percentile) of the score of anxiety 4.0 (3.0–7.0), depression 1.0 (0.0–6.0), and stress 8.0 (0.6–10.0) was achieved. There was a significant negative correlation between perceived social support with anxiety (r?=??.355, p?p?p?Conclusions: The results of this study showed that social support affects the mental state of women in the third trimester of pregnancy and the levels of anxiety, depression, and stress decrease in pregnant women with increasing of social support.     

Rates and risk factors associated with depressive symptoms during pregnancy and with postpartum onset

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of depressive symptoms in the third trimester of pregnancy and at 3 months postpartum and to prospectively identify risk factors associated with elevated depressive symptoms during pregnancy and with postpartum onset. About 364 women attending antenatal clinics or at the time of their ultrasound were recruited and completed questionnaires in pregnancy and 226 returned their questionnaires at 3 months postpartum. Depressed mood was assessed by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS; score of?≥?10). The rate of depressed mood during pregnancy was 28.3% and 16.4% at 3 months postpartum. Among women with postpartum depressed mood, 6.6% were new postpartum cases. In the present study, belonging to a non-Caucasian ethnic group, a history of emotional problems (e.g. anxiety and depression) or of sexual abuse, comorbid anxiety, higher anxiety sensitivity and having experienced stressful events were associated with elevated depressed mood during pregnancy. Four risk factors emerged as predictors of new onset elevated depressed mood at 3 months postpartum: higher depressive symptomatology during pregnancy, a history of emotional problems, lower social support during pregnancy and a delivery that was more difficult than expected. The importance of identifying women at risk of depressed mood early in pregnancy and clinical implications are discussed.     

Relationship between anemia and depressive mood in the last trimester of pregnancy

Objective: To compare the relationship between the severity of anemia and depressive mood in the last trimester of pregnancy.

Methods: A cross-sectional study, enrolled a total of 450 pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinics in their third trimester for their routine antenatal follow-up. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. The study group was divided into two groups according to presence of anemia; anemic group (Hb?n?=?150) and non-anemic group (Hb?≥?11?gr/L; n?=?300) and depression scores were compared.

Results: One hundred and fourteen (25.3%) women scored?≥13 points which were considered the cutoff value for depression on the EPDS. Anemia frequency was found as 33.3%. The total EPDS score was significantly higher in the anemic group (EPDS score 11 [min–max 0–29]) compared with the non-anemic group (EPDS score 7 [min–max 0–21]) (p?=?0.000). Multiple regression analysis also revealed that serum Hb level was an independent factor for antenatal depressive mood.

Conclusions: As anemia is associated with higher depressive symptom levels, it should be carefully considered during pregnancy. Prospective studies are needed to confirm our results.     

Maternal–foetal attachment independently predicts the quality of maternal–infant bonding and post-partum psychopathology

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of maternal antenatal attachment and post-partum psychopathology, maternal–infant bonding, while checking for antenatal psychopathology, for lifetime psychiatric diagnosis and for the known risk factors for peripartum depression.

Methods: One hundred and six women recruited at the first month of pregnancy (T0) were evaluated with the structured interview for DSM-IV TR (SCID-I) to assess the presence of lifetime psychiatric diagnosis and with the Perinatal Depression Predictor Inventory-Revised (PDPI-R), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). At the sixth month of pregnancy (T1) and at the first month post-partum (T2), all patients were evaluated with the PDPI-R, the EPDS, the STAI, at T1, with the Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS), and at T2 with the Maternal Postnatal Attachment Scale (MPAS).

Results: Multivariate regression analyses showed that maternal–foetal attachment was the variable most significantly associated with postnatal symptoms of depression and anxiety and with quality of maternal-infant attachment. The logistic regression analyses showed that antenatal attachment may predict postnatal depressive and anxiety symptoms (respectively, OR: 0.83 – IC [0.74???0.95], p?=?.005, OR: 0.88 – IC [0.79???0.98], p?=?.02), and the quality of maternal postnatal attachment (OR: 1.17 – IC [1.08???1.27], p?Conclusion: The quality of maternal–foetal bonding may independently predict the quality of maternal–infant attachment and post-partum depressive and anxiety symptoms. A comprehensive assessment of maternal risk factors for perinatal psychopathology during pregnancy should include the evaluation of antenatal attachment that could be modifiable by specific interventions promoting the quality of maternal bonding.     

Influences of prior miscarriage and weight status on perinatal psychological well-being,exercise motivation and behavior

Objectiveswomen who have experienced miscarriage may be at increased risk for elevated depressive and anxiety symptoms in subsequent pregnancies. Exercise may be a useful strategy for coping with these symptoms. Little is known about how miscarriage influences prenatal exercise behavior. The study purpose was to examine the influences of miscarriage history and prepregnancy weight status on pregnant women’s psychological health, exercise motivation, and behavior using the Theory of Planned Behavior.Participants/SettingPregnant women (N=203; 41 with prior miscarriage; 72 overweight/obese; BMI > 25.0) in the northeast United States.DesignWomen prospectively reported their depressive/anxiety symptoms and exercise motivation/behavior in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters via mailed surveys. Group differences in depressive/anxiety symptoms, exercise behavior, and its motivational determinants were examined using Chi Square analyses and Univariate and Multivariate Analyses of Covariance.Measurements and findingsWomen with a history of miscarriage had higher 1st and 2nd trimester depressive/anxiety symptoms and lower 1st trimester attitudes about exercise and 1st and 2nd trimester perceived behavior control than women without a history of miscarriage. Overweight/obese women had higher 1st and 2nd trimester pregnancy depressive/anxiety symptoms, engaged in less prepregnancy exercise, and had lower levels of exercise intention, attitude, and perceived behavior control throughout pregnancy than normal weight women.Key ConclusionsWomen with a history of miscarriage and overweight/obese women have poorer psychological health and lower motivation to exercise during pregnancy than women without a history of miscarriage and normal weight women.Implications for practitionersInterventions and healthcare provider communications aimed at promoting perinatal exercise behavior and psychological health should take into account pre-pregnancy weight status and pregnancy history to identify strategies to help women, particularly overweight/obese women with a history of miscarriage, to overcome exercise barriers.     

Maternal anxiety and fetal movement patterns in late pregnancy

Objective: To determine whether maternal anxiety affects fetal movement patterns in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Methods: The inclusion criteria were a state of good health and a singleton pregnancy between 36 and 40 weeks. Thirty healthy pregnant women were included. The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BA) questionnaire with 21 self-reported items validated for the Brazilian population was applied. The women were asked to record the number of minutes taken to perceive 10 fetal movements once a day for one week. Anxiety symptoms were rated as moderate or severe according to the BAI total score.

Results: The mean BAI score was 20.8 (SD?=?10.2) and the mean time to count 10 fetal movements was 24.3?min (SD?=?6.6?min). The BAI items significantly associated with moderate or severe maternal anxiety were numbness or tingling, fear of the worst happening, terrified, feeling of choking, fear of losing control and fear of dying. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the total BAI score and the mean time of 10 perceived fetal movements (p?<?0.0001; rho?=??0.70; 95% CI for rho ?0.84 to ?0.45).

Conclusions: Maternal anxiety seems to affect fetal movement patterns in late pregnancy and is associated with the mother’s increased perception of fetal activity.     

Dyadic coping and dyadic adjustment in couples with women with high depressive symptoms during pregnancy

ABSTRACT

Objective: The present study aimed to compare dyadic coping (DC) and dyadic adjustment in couples in which the woman was experiencing high levels of depressive symptoms and in couples in which the woman presented minimal or no depressive symptoms.

Background: Pregnancy may be considered a situation of dyadic stress, during which the presence of high levels of depressive symptoms may impair the ways couples cope together with stress; however, this topic has not yet been studied.

Methods: Pregnant women and their partners (n = 289 couples) completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Dyadic Coping Inventory, and the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale during the second trimester of pregnancy.

Results: Couples in which the woman was experiencing high levels of depressive symptoms (n = 57) reported less DC enacted by oneself and by the partner (particularly, less supportive and more negative DC), common DC and overall d5yadic adjustment, compared to couples in which the woman was not experiencing high levels of depressive symptoms (n = 232).

Conclusion: These findings highlight the need to assess couples’ dyadic adjustment and DC strategies, which is particularly important when women screened positive for high levels of depressive symptoms during pregnancy.     

The associations between depressive and anxiety symptoms,body image,and weight in the first year postpartum: a rapid systematic review

Objective: The aim of this study was to conduct a rapid systematic review of the evidence of associations between postpartum depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, body image and weight status in the first 12 months post birth.

Background: The postpartum period places the mother and infant at risk of a number of negative health outcomes. Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety are common in the postpartum, as are poor body image and excessive weight retention as women adjust to their post pregnancy body. However, the associations between body image, weight status and psychological distress are not currently well understood.

Methods:? Articles in English, published between 2006 and 2017, involving singleton pregnancies of normally developing infants and maternal depression or anxiety were eligible for this systematic review.

Results: From the total of 1805?articles located, 12 were identified as relevant and were subsequently reviewed in full. In the nine studies of depressive symptoms, body image or weight status, four found a significant relationship. Significant associations were not found in the three studies investigating postpartum anxiety symptoms, body image or weight. Body dissatisfaction was associated significantly with poorer postpartum weight status in all nine studies.

Conclusions: Further research is needed to determine the nature of the relationships between body image, weight status and depressive and anxiety symptoms across the first year after birth. This information will assist health professionals to promote healthy lifestyle behaviours in the postpartum, as well as inform clinical interventions that target behaviour change to prevent the worsening of these issues and related negative outcomes.     

Assessing depression,anxiety and couple psychological well-being in pregnancy: a preliminary study

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate symptoms of depression and anxiety and psychological well-being in men and women in their third trimester of pregnancy, and to compare them with two control groups of men and non-pregnant women, both with children and without children. Background: Perinatal research has largely focused on maternal depression, anxiety and the state of the marital relationship, but few studies exist including partners and comparisons with control groups of men and women both with and without children. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional survey. The total sample was 156 participants. Approximately equal numbers of participants in each group were recruited through a local community health centre in Zaragoza (Spain) and completed questionnaires in the presence of a psychologist. Anxiety, depression and the couple’s self-ratings of their well-being were assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Psychological Well-being in the couple Scale, respectively. Results: The results show higher levels of depression symptoms in the ‘pregnancy group’; specifically, pregnant women reported higher levels of depression than their male partners. Also, the ‘pregnancy group’ (men and women) show lower scores on psychological well-being in the couple compared with the control groups. No significant differences in anxiety-state between the groups and sex were obtained. Conclusion: These findings are important for both researchers and clinicians in practice, in order to improve the identification of women with antenatal depressive symptoms and offer more psychological support for women and their partners during and after pregnancy.     

Obesity and the association with maternal mental health symptoms

Objective: To evaluate the association between maternal obesity and mood disorders including depression, anxiety, stress, and pregnancy-specific stress during pregnancy.

Study design: This was a planned secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study investigating factors associated with preterm delivery. The cohort included women who initiated prenatal care before 20 weeks with a singleton pregnancy. Maternal mental health was assessed using four standard psychosocial behavioral measures to screen for depression, pregnancy-specific stress, anxiety, and stress. Screen positive scores for each tool were established based on previously published “high” scores.

Results: Of the 1010 women included in the cohort, 355 (35.1%) were obese. There was no significant difference in the number of obese women with stress (64.2% versus 68.4%, p?=?0.18), pregnancy-specific stress (26.2% versus 22.1%, p?=?0.15), or anxiety (38.6% versus 41.2%, p?=?0.42); however, a greater number of obese women did report symptoms consistent with major depression when compared to women with BMIs <30 (30.4% versus 21.2%, p?Conclusion: Obese women had higher rates of depression in early pregnancy compared to nonobese women. As many of the health behavior interventions for obese women during pregnancy have proven ineffective, incorporating depression screening and treatment into prenatal care may improve perinatal outcomes.     

Maternal Mental Health in Assisted and Natural Conception: A Prospective Cohort Study

ObjectiveThis study sought to compare the pregnancy and postpartum self-reported mood and mental health status of women who conceived with assisted reproductive technology (ART) with those of women who conceived spontaneously.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, 1176 pregnant women from prenatal clinics in the Ontario Birth Study were enrolled. In the pregnancy and the postpartum period, women who conceived with ART, including in vitro fertilization and intrauterine insemination, were compared with women who conceived spontaneously regarding depression and anxiety at 12–16 weeks and 24–28 weeks gestation and 6–10 weeks postpartum. The following main outcome measures were used: Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, two-item Patient Health Questionnaire, State Trait Anxiety Inventory six-item scale, and two-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2).ResultsWomen who conceived with ART demonstrated a decreased likelihood of depression compared with women who spontaneously conceived (SC) at 24–28 weeks gestation (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale: ART 3.6% vs. SC 15%; P < 0.01; two-item Patient Health Questionnaire: ART 0.0% vs. SC 4.0%; P = 0.027), as well as decreased perceived stress (mean score: ART 3.25 vs. SC 4.02; P < 0.01). Women in the ART group also had a lower percentage of positive two-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scores (ART 2.7% vs. SC 7.5%; P = 0.049). There was no difference in self-reported depression, anxiety, or perceived stress between groups at 12–16 weeks gestation or at 6–10 weeks postpartum.ConclusionWomen who conceived using ART reported decreased rates of depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and generalized anxiety during the second trimester of pregnancy compared with women who had SC pregnancies, and both groups experienced similar mental health status earlier in gestation and in the postpartum period.     

Survey and analysis for impact factors of psychological distress in HIV-infected pregnant women who continue pregnancy

Objective: The objective of this study is to explore the psychological distress of HIV-infected pregnant women who continue pregnancy, and analyze the possible influencing factors.

Methods: A total of 194 HIV-infected pregnant women who continue pregnancy were enrolled for this study by a convenient sampling method during June 2012–August 2016. Participants completed questionnaires including Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Berger HIV Stigma Scale (BHSS), Distress Thermometer (DT) and Problem List (PL), and to determine the cut-off value of DT in the group.

Results: The positive detection rate of psychological distress in the HIV-infected pregnant women who continue pregnancy was 69.1%, and the highest frequency of PL was the emotional problems. The positive detection rate of anxiety was 60.8%, the positive detection rate of depression was 54.1%, and the discrimination score was 113.16?±?19.21. Spearman relevant analysis showed that psychological distress score was positively correlated with anxiety, depression and discrimination score (p?4⁺T cell count, infection and confidentiality could affect the psychological distress (p?Conclusion: HIV-infected pregnant women who continue pregnancy have higher incidence of psychological distress, and the psychological distress is not inferior to cancer patients. The influencing factors are mainly related to the infection and pregnancy characteristics, and have nothing to do with the general social demographic characteristics. The DT can be used as a screening tool to quickly identify psychological distress of the group.     

Maternal anemia during pregnancy and small for gestational age: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: Anemia is a major public health and nutritional problem in the world. Studies have reported the relationship between anemia during pregnancy and small for gestational age (SGA). Therefore, the present systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between maternal anemia during pregnancy and SGA.

Method: This meta-analysis was conducted without time limit until April 2017 based on the PRISMA protocol. Several international databases including Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science (ISI), Pubmed, Embase, and Google Scholar search engine were searched independently by two researchers. The keywords include: anemia, pregnant women, gestational age, and pregnancy. The relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval were estimated regarding to the significance of the I² index based on the random effects model. Data were analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software version 2.

Results: Ten studies with a sample size including 620 080 pregnant women entered the meta-analysis process. The overall relationship between maternal anemia during pregnancy and SGA was not significant (RR?=?1.11 [95%CI: 0.99–1.24, p?=?.074]). The relationship between anemia during pregnancy and SGA based on pregnancy trimester showed that maternal anemia was significant in the first trimester, (RR?=?1.11 [95%CI: 1–1.22, p?=?.044]), but this relationship was not significant in the second trimester (RR?=?1.11 [95%CI: 0.85–1.18, p?=?.91]).

Conclusions: Maternal anemia in the first trimester of pregnancy can be considered as a risk factor for negative pregnancy outcomes (SGA).     

The impact of maternal nausea and vomiting in pregnancy on expectant fathers: findings from the Australian Fathers’ Study

Introduction: Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) are common. Whilst the impact on pregnant women has been well documented, there is less data on the impact on partners. This study evaluated awareness and impact of maternal NVP on expectant fathers.

Methods: Observational study of 300 expectant fathers. Institutional ethics approval and consent were obtained. Fathers were recruited from antenatal clinics and community settings. Researchers administered demographic, attitudinal and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale questionnaires during the third trimester. Expectant fathers were asked if their partner experienced NVP. If aware, they were asked to comment upon the impact on their lives.

Results: Participants were similar in demographics to those of the wider Australian community of expectant fathers. Most fathers were aware whether their partner experienced NVP (82%). Of these fathers, 20% reported no NVP, and 30%, 37% and 13% men reported maternal NVP was mild, moderate and severe, respectively. There was no correlation between paternal depression and maternal NVP, but a significant association was found between moderate and severe maternal NVP and paternal anxiety. In qualitative comments, five themes emerged: disruption on work, feelings of frustration and helplessness, concern over depression in their partner, concern for the developing baby and a sense of being manipulated in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Discussion: Most expectant fathers are aware of NVP in their partner. Moderate and severe maternal NVP are associated with significantly higher symptoms of paternal anxiety.     

Stress levels and depressive symptoms in NICU mothers in the early postpartum period

Abstract

Objective: This study examined whether particular maternal and infant factors can identify mothers at risk for increased stress upon admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Methods: Eighty-five mothers of preterm infants (25–34 weeks gestation) were assessed using the Parental Stressor Scale (PSS:NICU) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) within 3.24?±?1.58?d postpartum. Hierarchical linear regression models were used to determine the extent to which maternal stress is influenced by individual factors.

Results: Fifty-two percent of mothers experienced increased stress (PSS:NICU score ≥3) and 38% had significant depressive symptoms (EPDS score ≥10). Stress related to alterations in parental role was the most significant source of stress among NICU mothers. Distance from the hospital and married marital status were significant predictors for stress related to alterations in parental role (p?=?0.003) and NICU sights and sounds (p?=?0.01), respectively. Higher stress levels were associated with higher depressive scores (p?=?0.001). Maternal mental health factors, demographic factors, pregnancy factors and infant characteristics were not associated with increased stress.

Conclusion: Elevated stress levels and depressive symptoms are already present in mothers of preterm infants upon NICU admission. Being married or living long distance from the hospital is associated with higher stress. Future work is needed to develop effective interventions for alleviating stress in NICU mothers and preventing its potential development into postnatal depression.     

Common mental disorders during pregnancy and baby’s development in the first year of life

Background: Evidence shows that pregnancy and early postpartum periods are crucial to the development of the mother–baby relationship. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of common mental disorders (CMD) during pregnancy on child’s mental development during the first year. A prospective study was carried out with 204 pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy and continuing with their babies to 3.5 and 12 months of age. Method: To assess the presence of CMD, the Brief Symptom Inventory and the Inventory of the Clinical Evaluation of Depression were used. Evaluation of the babies’ mental development and the socio-emotional state was carried out using the Griffiths Mental Scale (0–2) and the Brief Infant Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (BITSEA). Results: We observed 20 babies born to women with a positive diagnosis for CMD and who presented a positive screen in the BITSEA. We also observed a statistically significant relationship regarding the diminished development in certain Griffith’s subscales of babies whose mothers showed presence of psychotic, anxiety, hostility and depressive symptoms during pregnancy. Conclusion: We conclude that the presence of CMD influences the mental, social and emotional development levels of infants in their first year.