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ViewAttendees 6

Symposia

Women's Issues

Perinatal Psychopathology: Correlates, Maintenance Factors and Treatment Considerations

1 - (SYM 31) The Effect of Pregnancy Loss on Mental Health in a Subsequent Pregnancy

Friday, November 15, 2024
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM EST
Location: Grand Ballroom A, Level 5, Downtown Marriott
Abstract Body

Background: Pregnancy loss is a common and intense personal event that may be a risk factor for increased symptoms of mood, trauma, obsessive-compulsive, and anxiety disorders in subsequent pregnancies. It is estimated that approximately 25% of women in the US will have one or more perinatal losses during their lives (Diamond & Diamond, 2016). The current study compares the impact a previous pregnancy loss (compared to a previous live birth) has on mental health during a subsequent pregnancy. Specifically, we assess symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and obsessive-compulsive disorder during the subsequent pregnancy. To our knowledge the present study is the first to examine levels of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) in currently pregnant women who have previously experienced a perinatal loss.

Method: Pregnant individuals whose most recent previous pregnancy resulted in a pregnancy loss (current n=18; target n = 60) and pregnant individuals whose most recent previous pregnancy resulted in a live birth (current n=26; target n = 60) completed a series of online questionnaires. Psychological distress was assessed through the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (anxiety), the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist – Civilian (trauma), Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory 12 (OCS), and the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (depression). Data collection is ongoing (current N=44; target N = 120) and expected to be completed by June 30th 2024.

Results: Preliminary analyses suggest no differences between the previous pregnancy loss group and the previous live birth group for anxiety (t(42)=.68, p=.497), depression (t(42)=1.59, p=.120), OCS (t(42)=.21, p=.838), or PTSD symptoms (t(42)=.18, p=.855).

Discussion: Contrary to hypotheses, preliminary results revealed no difference between the previous pregnancy loss group and the previous live birth group on the measures of psychological distress collected. Limitations and suggestions for future research on studying the impact of perinatal loss on mental health will be discussed.