The role of early adversity and cognitive vulnerability in postnatal stress and depression

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to examine vulnerability factors in expecting parents that might lead mental illness perinatal period. Specifically, we studied how parental early adversity, attentional bias infant faces, repetitive negative thinking, and demographic factors, were associated with pre- postnatal depressive symptoms parenting stress. Participants taking part Northern Babies Longitudinal Study, where assessments made both postnatally. Assessments included questionnaires cognitive tasks. About half participants received Newborn Behavior Observation (NBO)-intervention after birth, between assessments. Results show thinking a significant predictor stress, while education, social support, parity came out as protective especially mothers. Parental adversity had an indirect effect on mediated by prenatal symptoms, respectively. NBO intervention did not affect results, signifying importance childhood adverse events parents' adjustment mood, even when is provided. In conclusion, factor independent presence health professionals must be aware parents’ style during pregnancy birth.