Links between perinatal risk factors and maternal psychological distress: A network analysis

Introduction This paper explores a range of perinatal risk factors that may increase maternal vulnerability to postnatal psychological distress in sample 17 531 women participating the Millennium Cohort Study, diverse British, longitudinal birth cohort study. Material and methods Using graphical network modeling framework, this study models links between factors, while controlling for sociodemographic history depression anxiety. Postnatal was assessed at 9 months postpartum using Rutter Malaise Inventory. Results indicate lower levels happiness about pregnancy (Edge weight [w] = 0.084, 95% CI 0.069-0.100, b 0.095), smoking during (w 0.026, ?0.009-0.060, 0.029), infection 0.071, 0.024-0.118, 0.090), hyperemesis gravidarum 0.068, 0.013-0.123, 0.083), baby special care 0.048, ?0.004-0.099, 0.062), not being white 0.101, 0.062-0.140, 0.118), from more deprived area ?0.028, ?0.051 ?0.005, ?0.039), income ?0.025, ?0.055-0.005, ?0.036), or anxiety 0.574, 0.545-0.603, 0.764) were associated with increased distress. Conclusions Some be directly distress, but many appear primarily demographic factors. emphasizes importance taking holistic approach when evaluating an individual's developing