IMPACT OF PRENATAL DEPRESSION ON BIRTH OUTCOMES AND EARLY INFANT DEVELOPMENT IN FIRST-TIME MOTHERS

Abstract

Background: Prenatal depression is a common but often underdiagnosed condition that may adversely influence both pregnancy outcomes and early infant development. First-time mothers may be particularly vulnerable due to limited experience with pregnancy-related emotional and physical changes.

Objective: To examine the association between prenatal depressive symptoms and birth outcomes, as well as early developmental milestones, among first-time mothers.

Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at an obstetric care facility in Lahore. A total of 100 primigravida women aged 18–40 years were enrolled during late pregnancy or early postpartum. Prenatal depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), with a cutoff score of ≥13 indicating significant depressive symptoms. Delivery outcomes—including gestational age, birth weight, Apgar scores, and mode of delivery—were extracted from medical records. Early infant development at 4–12 weeks was assessed using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire–3 (ASQ-3). Statistical analysis included t-tests, chi-square tests, and Pearson correlations, with p<0.05 considered significant.

Results: Thirty mothers (30%) screened positive for prenatal depression. Depressed mothers delivered earlier (mean 37.6 ± 1.9 vs. 38.4 ± 1.6 weeks, p=0.031) and had infants with lower birth weight (2719 ± 402 g vs. 2978 ± 368 g, p=0.004). Preterm birth (<37 weeks) was more frequent among depressed mothers (24.0% vs. 9.4%, p=0.048). Infants of depressed mothers had significantly lower ASQ-3 scores across communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem-solving, and personal–social domains (all p<0.05). EPDS scores showed negative correlations with gestational age, birth weight, and all developmental domains.

Conclusion: Prenatal depression is associated with adverse birth outcomes and early developmental delays among infants of first-time mothers. Routine screening and early mental health support during antenatal care may improve both maternal and infant well-being.