The effect of maternal depression and anxiety on labour and the well-being of the newborn

Maternal symptomatology during pregnancy represents a significant risk factor for women and chil- dren. The main focus of this paper is to jointly investigate the role of maternal depression and anxiety during pregnancy on the well-being of the newborn, through their influences on the clinical aspects of labour. A longitudinal study was conducted on 167 pregnant women (Mage1⁄432.07, SD1⁄44.50) recruited in the third trimester of gestation. The data was collected at two different times: the socio-demographical data and prenatal anxiety and depression were assessed at T1 (31–32 week of gestation); the clinical data on childbirth (duration of labour, administration of oxytocin and epidural analgesia) and the Apgar index of the newborn were registered at T2 (the day of childbirth). A structural equation model- ing was performed using the MPLUS statistical programme. The results showed that a maternal psychopathological symptomatology during pregnancy constitutes a significant risk factor for the well-being of the newborn. In particular, both prenatal anxiety and depression negatively affect the clinical aspects of the labour experience and, indirectly, the Apgar index. The limitations, strengths, and theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.