Pain and Depression Symptoms during the Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Abstract

Purpose:To assess the association between depression symptoms and pain characteristics, including pain intensity, location, and effectiveness of pain management strategies, among women in their third trimester of pregnancy. Design: Descriptive, exploratory cross-sectional study.Setting:Mobile health pregnancy application (app).Participants:A convenience sample of women in their third trimester of pregnancy from across the United States.Methods:Women completed demographic questionnaires, the Brief Pain Inventory, and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) through an online Web site.Results:N = 132 women participated. The sample was demographically diverse. Women ranged in age from 18 to 39 years (M 28.1 ± SD 5.2). Most women were Caucasian (68%), with smaller percentages of Hispanic (12%) and African American (11%) women. Most had commercial insurance (59%) and a partner (85%). Of the 132 women, 79.6% reported moderate-to-severe pain. Approximately 93% experienced back and pelvic pain, whereas 27% experienced moderate-to-severe depression symptoms. Bivariate and linear regression analyses revealed that higher EPDS depression scores were associated with higher levels of pain (p