Baseline characteristics of the population.

BackgroundMaternal mental health is crucial for the well-being of both the mother and the fetus. Obstetric complications have been linked to anxiety and depression during pregnancy. Among them, preeclampsia (PE) and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), are the more common causes of maternal admission. The aim of this study is to explore whether there is an increasing prevalence in the gradient of anxiety and depression among women with uncomplicated pregnancies, those admitted for PPROM, and those admitted for PE.MethodsA cross-sectional t study was conducted involving three groups of pregnant women consecutively attended: 1) women admitted with severe PE; 2) women admitted with PPROM; and 3) uncomplicated pregnancies. Participants completed validated questionnaires to measure anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI), depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, EPDS). Differences in median scores across the study groups were analysed by quantile regression, adjusted for gestational age at evaluation and the STAI-Trait score.ResultsThe analysis included 214 women: 106 with uncomplicated pregnancies, 55 with PPROM, and 53 with severe PE. A higher proportion of nulliparity and chronic hypertension was observed in women with preeclampsia. Significant trends across the study groups were observed for both depression and anxiety scores. Women with severe preeclampsia had higher scores on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State (STAI-S) compared to those with PPROM (27 vs. 24; p=0.049). The PPROM and PE groups showed significantly higher proportions of abnormal scores in STAI-S>30, EPDS>10, and EPDS>13 compared to uncomplicated pregnancies.ConclusionsHigher levels of anxiety and depression are present in women admitted in hospital for PPROM and severe PE. Compared to PPROM, severe PE is associated with higher scores of anxiety. The importance of screening and offering specific interventions for patients with PE is highlighted.