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Introduction: pregestational Body Mass Index (BMI) affects mother's health during and after pregnancy and is related to negative outcomes such as low birth weight and preterm birth. Higher pregestational BMI may increase anxiety, stress and depression.Objectives: to assess potential differences on stress, psychopathological symptoms and physiological variables during pregnancy, among pregnant women with normal pregestational BMI rates and high pregestational BMI rates.Methods: a sample of 156 pregnant women were longitudinally assessed during the three trimesters of pregnancy. They were divided into two groups: a group with normal pregestational BMI rates (n = 115) and a group with high pregestational BMI rates (n = 41). Stress levels, psychopathological symptoms, blood pressure and glucose blood levels were assessed.Results: in the first trimester, significant differences were found between groups regarding pregnancy-specific stress and some of the SCL-90-R subscales (depression, paranoid ideation and global wellness index). In the second trimester, there were differences regarding pregnancy-specific stress and some of the SCL-90-R subscales (somatization, obsessive-compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, paranoid ideation and the general scales, global wellness index and symptoms free). In the third trimester, there were differences between groups regarding perceived stress and some of the SCL-90-R subscales (somatization, anxiety and the general scale symptoms free). Significant differences were found between groups on diastolic blood-pressure in the first trimester, and systolic and diastolic blood-pressure in the third trimester.Conclusions: higher pregestational BMI is related to higher psychological stress, higher psychopathological symptoms and elevated blood-pressure during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se presenta un editorial a la revista, en el que se analiza la depresión posparto paterna y su impacto en la salud infantil y la asociación con factores psicosociales como la ansiedad y el estrés entre los padres en España. El artículo también discute el apoyo social y la participación de los padres en el cuidado de los recién nacidos.

Background: Perinatal depression is a major public health problem, with an estimated prevalence of approximately 15% during the first postpartum year. Despite the high prevalence of postpartum depression, there is no consensus regarding assessment and treatment in the Spanish context. The General Council of Psychology of Spain convened a working group of experts in the field, including both academics and healthcare professionals, to review and propose recommendations based on evidence and best practices that could be applied in the Spanish context. Method: A literature search was completed in various databases (e.g., Medline, PsychInfo) including a combination of terms related to peripartum depression (PPD) assessment and diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and cost-effectiveness. A narrative synthesis of the literature has been conducted together with a critical overview of PPD with a special focus on the Spanish context. Results: In this consensus report, developing questions including prevalence and assessment tools, comparative effectiveness of preventive and treatment interventions, and cost-effectiveness of PPD management have been analyzed. Conclusions: The General Council of Psychology of Spain network advocates the establishment of compulsory screening protocols in all the autonomous regions. Also, it is necessary to promote the inclusion in maternal education of programs for the promotion of mental well-being and selective/indicated prevention carried out by a psychology professional with specialized training in the area. This consensus document also promotes the presence of a psychology professional with specialized training in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the gestation period, pregnant women experience physical and psychological changes, which represent vulnerability factors that can boost the development of mental health conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic is producing new changes in the routines of the whole society, especially on lifestyle habits. The psychological impact associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and pregnant women remains unclear. A scoping review regarding the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women was conducted. Searchers were conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science and CINAHL databases. Articles in Spanish, English and French were included. The search was conducted between November 2020 and September 2021. We identified 31 studies that evaluated 30,049 expectant mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pregnant women showed high levels of anxiety and depression symptomatology. Fear of contagion and concerns regarding the health of the fetus were identified as the main variables related to psychological distress. An increase of the levels of depression, anxiety and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic amongst pregnant women has been observed. Moreover, an increased vulnerability of the fetus due to placental metabolic alterations is discussed. This review suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with a negative psychological impact on pregnant women. Thus, high levels of anxiety and depression symptoms suggest the need for a systematic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]