Perspective View of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression among Pregnant Women: A Review

Abstract

The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in pregnant women tends to be most pronounced during the initial trimester and thereafter diminishes over the course of pregnancy, reaching its lowest point during the postpartum phase. This review examines the frequency, determinants, and physiological and psychological consequences of stress, anxiety, and depression during pregnancy. This highlights the need to understand mental health in expectant women and the unique characteristics of anxiety and depression, and also examines the interaction between hormonal, biological, psychological, and environmental components, as well as the potential influence of previous trauma on mental health during pregnancy and the physiological impact of stress on the mother’s body and the development of the fetus, emphasizing the possible outcomes for both the mother and the unborn child. The significance of the psychological consequences of anxiety and depression is underscored, emphasizing the imperative for timely identification and management. The review highlights the need to screen and evaluate stress, anxiety, and depression in expectant mothers, highlighting the necessity for a complete approach to maternal mental healthcare.