Abstract
Background: Perinatal depression and anxiety are common mental health conditions affecting pregnant and postpartum women. These conditions may adversely influence birth outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight, but evidence from Pakistan remains limited.
Objective: To examine the impact of perinatal depression and anxiety on birth outcomes among women attending maternity health centers in Lahore.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 pregnant women in their third trimester and postpartum women within six weeks of delivery. Participants were recruited from selected maternity health centers using purposive sampling. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale, respectively. Sociodemographic and obstetric data were collected through structured questionnaires. Birth outcomes, including gestational age, birth weight, and Apgar scores, were obtained from medical records. Associations between maternal mental health and birth outcomes were analyzed using chi-square tests.
Results: Among participants, 38% exhibited depressive symptoms, 32% had anxiety symptoms, and 20% experienced both conditions. Preterm birth occurred in 15% of deliveries, and low birth weight was observed in 18% of infants. Maternal depression was significantly associated with preterm birth (25% vs 9%, χ² = 12.84, p < 0.001). Anxiety was significantly associated with low birth weight (28% vs 14%, χ² = 8.76, p = 0.003). Women with both depression and anxiety had the highest rates of preterm birth (30%) and low birth weight (32%).
Conclusion: Perinatal depression and anxiety are significantly associated with adverse birth outcomes. Screening and timely intervention during pregnancy are essential to improve maternal mental health and reduce risks of preterm birth and low birth weight.