The impact of perinatal maternal mental health disorders on the child’s health

Abstract

Perinatal mental disorders constitute an important health and social problem. Pre- and postnatal depression affects both the mother and her child. The most common postpartum mental health disorders include the so-called baby blues, postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. Depression in pregnancy is associated with a greater risk of premature birth and low birth weight. Depression during pregnancy has also been linked to diabetes and preeclampsia. Furthermore, the influence of maternal mental disorders on the development of allergic diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders in the child has been proven. Perinatal depression can lead to impaired bonding between mother and child, which has a long-term impact on the child’s emotional and social development. Perinatal depression may also affect both mental development and the occurrence of somatic diseases in children. The main mental disorders observed in the children of mothers with perinatal depression include behavioural problems, destructive behaviour, anxiety disorders and insecurity. An increased risk of atopic dermatitis and recurrent upper and lower airway infections has been proven in children of depressed mothers. Considering the above, it seems obvious that the protection of the mental health of pregnant and postpartum women and children should be multifaceted and multi-tracked. Untreated depression may have long-term consequences on the child’s development.