Preterm birth is a condition in which a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. It is a leading cause of newborn death and is associated with various health problems, including respiratory distress, developmental delays, and cerebral palsy.

Preterm birth not only affects the health of the baby, but it can also have a significant impact on the mental health of the mother. In this article, we will discuss preterm birth and its impact on maternal mental health.

What Causes Preterm Birth?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 15 million babies are born prematurely every year, and the causes of preterm birth are not yet fully understood.

However, there are some common risk factors that can increase the likelihood of premature birth, including:.

Previous history of preterm birth
Pregnancy with twins, triplets or more
Untreated infections
Poor nutrition or anemia
Smoking, alcohol, and drug use
Age (being under 17 or over 35)
Stress

The Impact of Preterm Birth on Maternal Mental Health

Preterm birth can be a traumatic experience for mothers, especially those who had not expected it. The experience of preterm birth can cause a range of emotional reactions, including shock, sadness, fear, and guilt.

The mother may also struggle with the feeling of loss if the baby has to spend time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and she is not able to hold or nurse the baby. The stress and uncertainty of the NICU environment can also lead to anxiety and depression in mothers.

Mothers of preterm babies are also at an increased risk of developing postpartum depression (PPD), a type of depression that occurs after childbirth.

According to a study published in the journal of Archives of Women’s Mental Health, mothers of preterm babies are more likely to experience PPD than mothers of full-term babies. The study found that PPD occurs in 28% of mothers of preterm babies and 19% of mothers of full-term babies.

Risk Factors for Maternal Depression after Preterm Birth

Several risk factors can contribute to the development of depression in mothers of preterm babies, including:.

Lack of support from family and friends
Financial difficulties
Health problems of the baby
Continued stress and anxiety after the birth
Previous history of depression or anxiety

Symptoms of Maternal Depression after Preterm Birth

It is important to recognize the symptoms of depression in mothers of preterm babies. Some common symptoms include:.

Sadness or emptiness
Fatigue and loss of energy
Inability to concentrate
Changes in appetite and weight
Loss of interest in activities
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Thoughts of suicide

How to Cope with Maternal Depression after Preterm Birth

If you are a mother who is struggling with depression after preterm birth, there are several steps you can take to cope with your feelings:.

Seek support from family, friends, or a support group
Practice self-care, such as getting enough rest and eating nutritious foods
Consider talking to a therapist or mental health professional
Take medications if prescribed by a doctor
Avoid using drugs and alcohol to cope

Conclusion

Preterm birth can have a significant impact on the mental health of the mother. Mothers of preterm babies may experience a range of emotional reactions, including shock, sadness, fear, and guilt.

They are also at an increased risk of developing postpartum depression. It is important for mothers to seek support and treatment if they are struggling with depression after preterm birth.