Self-harm in pregnancy and the postnatal year: prevalence and risk factors

Abstract Background Self-harm in pregnancy or the year after birth (‘perinatal self-harm’) is clinically important, yet prevalence rates, temporal trends and risk factors are unclear. Methods A cohort study of 679 881 mothers (1 172 191 pregnancies) was conducted using Danish population register data-linkage. Hospital treatment for self-harm during postnatal period (12 months live delivery) were primary outcomes. Prevalence rates 1997–2015, women with without psychiatric history, calculated. Cox regression used to identify factors. Results were, pregnancy, 32.2 (95% CI 28.9–35.4)/100 000 deliveries and, postnatally, 63.3 58.8–67.9)/100 deliveries. perinatal a history remained stable but declined among history. Risk self-harm: younger age, non-Danish birth, prior self-harm, parental Additional multiparity preterm birth. Of conditions, personality disorder most strongly associated (aHR 3.15, 95% 1.68–5.89); psychosis 6.36, 4.30–9.41). For disorders, aHRs higher particularly psychotic mood disorders. Conclusions Perinatal more common pre-existing between 1997 2015, although not Our results suggest it may be consequence adversity psychopathology, so preventative intervention research should consider both social psychological determinants